Gen Z Meaning, Characteristics and Culture of Generation Z

Generation Z, also known as Gen Z or Zoomers, are the first generation to grow up immersed in the digital world of smartphones and the internet. Let's explore the unique characteristics and culture of Gen Z, including their individualistic values, perspectives on the nation, political and social consciousness, and media consumption patterns.

※ Zoomer is a newly coined term that emerged due to the prevalence of Zoom for online schooling during the pandemic.

Growing Up with Smartphones: Generation Z

Generation Z refers to individuals born between the mid-1990s and the 2010s. Having grown up in an environment where smartphones and high-speed internet were ubiquitous, they are exceptionally adept at using digital technologies. Smartphones and social media serve as their window to the world, their primary means of communication, and have become integral to their daily lives.

Because they were exposed to digital devices and the internet from birth, Gen Z is often referred to as the 'Digital Native' generation. They naturally navigate computers, smartphones, internet devices, and applications, spending significantly more time in the online world compared to the offline world. Social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram have become a fundamental part of their daily routines.

Individualistic Values of Gen Z

1. Respect for Individuality and Pursuit of Freedom

Gen Z embraces a value system that emphasizes the diversity and individuality of each person. They prioritize expressing their unique personalities over conforming to standardized norms. They strive to make choices in their careers, hobbies, and lifestyles that align with their personal values.

2. Emphasis on Work-Life Balance

Gen Z places a strong emphasis on achieving a healthy work-life balance. They prioritize present happiness and satisfaction over sacrificing their personal lives for money and prestige. Compared to previous generations, they are less concerned with traditional values like marriage, childbirth, and homeownership. Instead, they lean towards a 'YOLO (You Only Live Once)' lifestyle, focusing on enjoying the present moment.

3. Rise of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) Movement

Conversely, some members of Gen Z, known as FIRE enthusiasts, aim to achieve early financial independence and retirement. To amass enough assets to retire in their 30s or 40s, they dedicate themselves to extreme frugality and investing from a young age. This represents another facet of Gen Z, prioritizing future freedom over present happiness.

Viewing the Nation as a Contractual Relationship

1. The Nation as an Equal Contractual Partner

Gen Z perceives the nation as an entity engaged in a contractual relationship with individuals. They believe the nation has a responsibility to safeguard individual freedoms and property rights, while individuals, in turn, have a duty to contribute to the nation's upkeep.

2. Demand for Rational Obligation Imposition

However, Gen Z tends to resist the nation imposing unilateral and unreasonable obligations on individuals. They question situations where the nation restricts personal freedoms without providing adequate compensation, such as mandatory military service or restrictive legislation. They demand rational explanations and compromise regarding the nation's role.

Political and Social Consciousness of Gen Z

1. A Blend of Progressive and Conservative Ideologies

The political leanings of Gen Z vary somewhat depending on gender. Males tend to exhibit stronger economic libertarianism, meritocratic, and conservative tendencies, while females display a more positive attitude towards progressive and feminist agendas. However, overall, they tend to hold liberal values, and a high proportion are politically unaffiliated.

2. Interest in Feminism and Gender Equality

Unlike previous generations of women, Gen Z women show a significant interest in gender equality and feminist movements. While they oppose radical feminist movements, they support efforts to eliminate everyday sexism and promote women's rights.

3. Increasing Gender Conflicts and Apathy

Conversely, some Gen Z men react against what they perceive as excessive feminist activism, leading to misogynistic behavior in some cases. This polarization fuels growing gender conflicts, and the number of apathetic individuals is increasing. It's crucial that Gen Z engages in public discourse on the values of intergenerational harmony and gender equality.

Media Consumption Patterns of Gen Z

1. Preference for Videos and Short-Form Content

Gen Z prefers consuming information through videos or short-form content rather than lengthy articles. Short-form video content platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels have gained immense popularity among them. They also opt for audiobooks over traditional reading practices.

2. Rise of Individual Media Creators

Gen Z enjoys creating content based on their interests and hobbies and sharing it with a broader online audience. Various creator activities are flourishing on individual media platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

Gen Z individuals are both content producers and avid fans. They subscribe to their favorite creator channels, participate in live streams, and interact actively. This individual media culture is a new trend spearheaded by Gen Z.

3. Information Sharing and Communication through Social Media

Social media is an integral part of Gen Z's daily life and a primary communication tool. They use it to share information, express their opinions, and actively interact with their peer groups. They share trends, current events, memes (internet culture), and shape influences in real-time.

4. Proactive Information Reception Abilities

Gen Z possesses exceptional abilities to receive and process information. In a digital environment overflowing with information, they selectively consume content that matches their preferences and filters. They don't simply passively absorb information; they reinterpret and recreate it in their own unique way.

Understanding Gen Z is Understanding the Future

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up in the digital world. They possess a unique set of values and cultural norms that differ from those of previous generations, and these characteristics will have a profound impact on society in the future. Understanding the traits of Gen Z, including their individualistic tendencies, deconstructive perspectives on the state and authority, distinctive political and social awareness, and novel media consumption habits, is essential for gaining insights into the future.

It's vital to recognize and embrace the new wave of change driven by Gen Z. Failing to comprehend their values and lifestyles could lead to becoming detached from the current zeitgeist. Understanding Gen Z, the future generation, is the key to proactively preparing for the changes that lie ahead.