Experts emphasize that Generation Z, consisting of individuals born between 1998 and 2010, is currently in the 15 to 27 age range. They highlight that Gen Z individuals stand out with their freedom-loving nature, and as a generation unafraid to express their thoughts openly, they play an active role in social discussions and digital platforms, possessing the potential to shape the agenda.
Noting that Generation Z fearlessly expresses their thoughts on every political, economic, and social issue, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş stated, “They have a humorous nature. Sometimes directly, sometimes by prompting thought, and sometimes with a humorous tone, they convey their concerns and desires. We are talking about a generation eager to take action. They can organize very quickly through social media.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş from Uskudar University Faculty of Communication, Public Relations and Advertising Department, evaluated the psychological, sociological, and cultural characteristics, current position, and potential future impacts of Generation Z, one of today's most talked-about and curious topics.
They are not as introverted as claimed!
Stating that every generation is influenced by the social events and technological advancements of the period they are born into, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kuş said, “While not every generation, most generations are determined by their birth year. Generations are directly affected by the social events and technological developments they experience. Generation Z is described in studies as a more introverted generation with weaker social relationships and higher stress levels compared to other generations. However, in expressing their ideas, they are not as introverted as studies claim. They have a freedom-loving nature and express this at every opportunity. Like every generation, they are influenced by the geography, social life, politics, and economy of their environment. They have an almost addictive fondness for technology because they were born into it. As a result of the era they live in, they are exposed to many messages, which has developed their questioning abilities.”
Why is Generation Z so influential?
Stating that younger generations always have high energy, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş said, “Today, Generation Z is considered to be those born between 1998-2010 (there are also views advocating different time ranges for generations' intervals). Therefore, the age range of this generation varies between 15 and 27. Today's youth consists of this generation. Furthermore, Generation Z's love for freedom makes them a group unafraid to express their thoughts. Those who express their thoughts always have the potential to shape the agenda.”
The most knowledgeable generation in digital literacy!
Stating that Generation Z is the most knowledgeable generation in terms of digital literacy, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş said, “They master digital technology because they were born into it and personally experienced most technological developments. Their knowledge in digital literacy and their unhesitating nature in expressing themselves ensure their voices are heard. Despite being young, they have the potential to lead a powerful audience. Their ability to voice their desires and pursue them allows Generation Z to be active in every field.”
They have a humorous nature…
Regarding how social media affects Generation Z's mindset and methods of taking action, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş stated the following:
“This question requires a two-pronged approach. Generation Z has a nature that doesn't shy away from expressing thoughts. They voice their opinions on every political, economic, and social issue without hesitation. They have a humorous nature. Sometimes directly, sometimes by prompting thought, and sometimes with a humorous tone, they convey their concerns and desires. It is against human nature for every thought to result in action, so it is not possible for every issue expressed by Generation Z to lead to action. But we are talking about a generation eager to take action. They can organize very quickly through social media. This organization sometimes results only in expressing thoughts, and sometimes in taking action.”
They both do their part and uphold their values!
Reiterating that Generation Z is a generation excessively fond of its freedom, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş continued as follows:
“They don't just need their freedoms to be restricted to express their ideas. If there is an injustice, unfairness, or something going wrong, they express their thoughts without hesitation. We are talking about a group that stands by what is right and just, and wants to correct wrongs. When we question this group's relationship with our traditional values, some describe them as detached from their traditions, while others see them as connected. There is an important point not to be overlooked here: traditions change over time. After all, no one fully maintains the traditions that existed three centuries ago. Change is essential for development. Therefore, I do not characterize Generation Z as detached from their traditions. Everyone must adapt to the requirements of the era they live in. In this regard, Generation Z both does its part and upholds its fundamental values.”
They learn first, and they react first!
Stating that today's Generation Z individuals will play an active role in politics and steer it after a certain period, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş said, “Although they may seem uninterested in politics, they all have a tendency. When you talk to them face-to-face, they express this very respectfully. They have no reservations about voicing their opinions on social events. In today's technology, social events spread very quickly through digital channels. Generation Z consists of individuals who use these digital channels most actively. That is why they learn first. Because of their nature that doesn't hesitate to express their reactions, they are the first to react. This flow will shape the future, economy, politics, and in short, the social structure in 10 years.”
There is no area where Generation Z is not influential
Stating that there is no area where Generation Z is not influential, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş said, “All of them actively participate in one or more areas in line with their interests. Since they were all born into technology and actively use it, they have a wide sphere of influence in technology as a common denominator.”
Generation Z will be a generation with a strong sense of belonging in their adulthood
Stating that Generation Z is generally characterized as a generation with weak responsibility, but it should not be forgotten that they are all young and being young means less responsibility, Asst. Prof. Dr. Özgün Arda Kuş concluded his words as follows: “But this situation does not characterize them as irresponsible. Based on my observations of my own students, I believe most have a sense of responsibility. Some have already taken on their responsibilities due to life circumstances, while others are waiting for their time. It is hardly possible for us to say that a generation that stands against injustice, unfairness, or wrong has a weak sense of social belonging. We are talking about a generation that voices what is wrong and does not hesitate to take action to correct it. If I were to make a prediction for the future, Generation Z, in their adulthood, will be a generation with a strong sense of belonging and one that does not shy away from responsibility.”