#1
I run into this with my own kids, and I know I’ve taught them differently. But when I call them, they answer the phone with complete silence. Who does that? You say hello when you answer. The silence is bizarre.
Or the ones in customer service - I ran into a friend of my daughter’s at the store. They rang out my purchase in silence, which is fine. But before walking away, I said “thank you” and I don’t get what’s so difficult about responding with “you’re welcome” or “have a nice day.” Instead, d**d silence.
I feel like we’ve wound up with a whole generation of Lurch from The Addams Family. Lol.
While some researchers might disagree about the specifics, broadly speaking, Generation Z, aka Gen Z, refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. As Investopedia points out, this is the first truly digital native generation. Members of Gen Z, or Zoomers, as they are sometimes informally called, have been shaped by technology, social media, and massive world events like the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The generation immediately preceding Gen Z is Gen Y, Millennials, born from 1981 to 1996. Ironically, older generations often complain about young people by venting about Millennials, when they, in fact, mean either Zoomers or members of Generation Alpha, kids born between 2013 and 2025. (That’s not to say that Millennials are faultless (hi, how are you?), but we ought to be called out for different issues.)
#2
An INTERN approached him with a "I'm disappointed and invalidated. You didn't consult me that it would be okay to move. "
I don't even think it's "entitlement"; there's just a complete disconnect from how the world works.
#3
Job interview, but changed your mind. Ghost the potential employer instead of calling to cancel.
Not feeling the date you're on. Ghost the other person instead of being upfront so they get closure.
It's such a waste of everyone's time to be so inconsiderate. I run a small business and had tens of potential interviews no-show with no answer. We confirmed the day before, and I blocked out my schedule to set these up, and people just decide my time is worthless. I reach out after 10-15 minutes of not seeing them with no response. Maybe I'm old school, but I actually try to make my employees and future employees feel appreciated and valued. I set aside this time to interview you and give you the attention you deserve cause I feel you're also interviewing me and my practice the same.
Then, I see so many dating people scratching their heads wondering what they did wrong on their date to be ghosted. What's the issue with their own self that made them incompatible with the other person? It would be nice for these people to learn whether they did something wrong or not. I'm sure these youngans don't like being left in the dark with no rhyme or reason, so why are they straight being so awkward in avoiding being upfront with the other party?
Why is ghosting such a normal way to deal with uncomfortable discussions?
Members of Gen Z tend to be digitally fluent, and they can’t really remember a time before the internet, cell phones, or social media.
They are diverse, inclusive, socially conscious, entrepreneurial, and pragmatic. What’s more, they tend to be adaptable, aware of mental health challenges, and prioritize both authenticity and individuality.
Furthermore, Zoomers are big on travel and novel experiences. “Studies show that Gen Zers are putting a lot of emphasis on interesting life experiences, such as travel. They focus on adventure and mental health, and they're eager to explore different cultures,” Linda Eaton, executive vice president at Cannon Financial Institute, told Investopedia.
That being said, things aren’t looking that rosy on the financial front. “It’s not surprising that so many are prioritizing trips, even if it means going into debt. A significant number of Gen Z travelers are using loans or credit cards to fund their journeys,” Eaton stressed.
#4
GenZ: *plops book on desk*
Me: Hi. How are you. Are you checking out?
Gen Z: *long pause* Yeah.
Me: Can I have your library card...?
Gen Z: *blinking noise* no
Me: Do you have a library card?
Gen Z: yeah *looking around/looking at phone*
Me: What's your name? I can look you up.
Gen Z: umm Tina
Like what the actual heck, Tina?????????? How are you going to survive in this world?? What happened to youuuuu???
#5
#6
Money worries extend to bills, not just travel-related debt.
28% of members of Gen Z are not able to pay all of their necessary expenses every month. And 32% said that they don’t feel as financially secure as their parents were at the same age.
Part of the issue is that many Zoomers do not have steady salaries and rely on entry-level jobs, gig work, and freelance work.
While Gen Z struggles with credit and debt management, around half of the generation has some form of investment, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. And yet, just 46% of Zoomers feel confident about their financial knowledge.
These days, there are so many sources of information available online, including in the news, on social media, on YouTube, in podcasts, etc., that it is difficult to know what to look for. In other words, there is too much noise on the internet.
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#8
Edit : to clarify, I mean this in a very basic interaction scenario. For example, if you’re ordering a coffee and just smiling or making a small friendly comment, it’s often met with no response or a blank expression. I am very introverted , so this is definitely not an over the top extrovert thing.
#9
What generation are you? What attitudes toward work, money, relationships, and life in general do you think set your generation apart from everyone else? What is your attitude toward Gen Z, as well as the older and younger generations?
Share your thoughts about everything, including the biggest pros and cons you think Gen Z has, in the comments.
#10
Like they are just currently disengaged. You'll be asking them a question and have to prompt then further for any human like response.
It's bizarre.
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