In today’s digital landscape, it’s nearly impossible to escape the influx of news articles that focus on the distinctions between Gen Z and Millennials when it comes to social skills, resilience in the face of adversity, work ethic, and relationships. Well, as the self-proclaimed Gen-Z mouthpiece, I took it upon myself to conduct separate interviews with Eunice Mariella and Lionel Sheja, both millennials, to gather their insights on what they perceive unique about the Gen Z generation.
While it’s important to acknowledge that the views of the interviewees may not fully represent the entire millennial generation, it’s interesting to explore their thoughts on Gen Z. As you continue reading, you’ll find that their anecdotes hint on several lessons that other generations can learn from Gen Z. Before delving into the critique, I want to emphasise that the following subheadings are subjective, based on my own experiences as a Gen Zer as well as interactions with my peers. Please note that these conversations have been edited and condensed for brevity.
The struggle to fit in
LIONEL SHEJA: It’s understandable to want to please your friends, but impulsively diving into things we desire isn’t always the wisest choice. Taking a moment to think and exercise discretion often makes sense. You don’t need to constantly chase after the popular spots, which, to be honest, are often disappointing. Having fun is great, but at what cost? Where do guys even find the money by the way? And where do you find the energy? Personally, I find it exhausting. My advice would be to focus on finding yourself. Ask yourself who you’re trying to impress and why their opinion matters so much. It’s interesting how many claim to be shy, antisocial, and not wanting attention, yet constantly flood social media with selfies and dance videos.
EUNICE MARIELLA: Fitting in is a universal struggle, not limited to your generation. Even our parents from the Baby Boomer era or Gen X find our ways unfamiliar. However, the pressure on your generation is undoubtedly greater. When I was 14 or 15, I remember being carefree and not concerned about the aesthetic aspects of my outfits or party choices. Body image and follower count held less importance, and it was common for everyone to have photos that looked like they’d been snapped by a microwave. The pressure to achieve a certain social media presence can negatively impact mental health, leading people to feel inadequate. In my opinion, the coolest thing is to be authentic and true to oneself. Personally, I’m not big on the bandwagon effect or blending in with the crowd. I value being unassuming and unpredictable because it allows me to maintain my own identity. I define my own vibe. It’s important to remember that even if you feel like a lone sock, there’s a place in this world for lone socks too. Not everyone has a pair of identical feet.
Stressed for success yet?
SHEJA: Despite feeling stressed, I remain focused on my goal. I recently came across a post, possibly on Twitter or an Instagram story, that not everyone is destined to be a business owner. Running a successful business entails complex logistics. There are factors to consider like taxes and the necessity of hiring employees for sustainable growth, which can introduce additional stress to the equation. If you seek success, ensure that you focus on something you genuinely enjoy. For me, I realised I love construction more than architecture, so I asked myself, how can I pursue that? What steps do I need to take? Don’t be alarmed if your friends seem to be progressing faster than you. I started college later than most, so when I finished, many of my friends were already well into their careers, three years ahead. We’re not all meant to grow at the same rate. And one crucial thing is to plan. Plan for something you want and love, understand what it takes to enter that field. Let the success of others be motivation rather than a source of competition.
Whatever happened to etiquette and decorum?
MARIELLA: I disagree with the notion that Gen Zers lack manners. In my opinion, as Millennials, we were often subjected to strict rules and punished for expressing ourselves or dressing in certain ways. This stifled the creativity, agency, and autonomy of many individuals. There was a pressure to conform to traditional cultural norms and uphold the values of our ancestors, even if they were no longer alive. To me, Gen Zers do have manners. They are simply challenging the status quo by being authentic and voicing their opinions. They have a strong sense of self-worth, which is something we didn’t fully grasp in previous generations. Unlike us, who often believed that we had to endure hardships to earn something, Gen Zers refuse to settle for less and set boundaries. They understand the value of their time and refuse to be taken advantage of. I think that the older generation often pressures Gen Z to follow the same paths they took in their twenties, but the circumstances are vastly different. Gen Zers prioritise their well-being and strive to find a balance between work and personal life, which can be difficult for older generations to comprehend. The open and honest way in which they express their desires may surprise and challenge the traditional workplace hierarchy, leaving older generations unaccustomed to such defiance.
On situationships and entanglements
SHEJA: I must admit, there’s a certain allure to being a bit devious. It can make you feel like a badass. But where do you guys find the time to juggle multiple situationships, though? One is fine but two or three simultaneously? It’s a delicate balance. I guess, in life, you can’t avoid everything that’s bad for you.
MARIELLA: Kudos to you all for having the stamina to move from this to that with ease. Millennials, on the other hand, tend to invest their hearts, finances, and minds into their relationships. And then you find out that there’s you, Samantha and Sabrina. Gen Zers embrace a sense of freedom and exploration. I enjoy the way they relate to others and the openness they have in connecting with different individuals. As long as... What are the names in your age group? Oh yeah, as long as the Jaydens and Liams are treating you with respect and dignity. You’re young, you need to go out and figure out things. Enjoy yourself but enjoy safely, carefully, peacefully and respectfully.
Don’t hold back; Give Gen Z a good roast
SHEJA: I plead the fifth. I’ll leave that task to my fellow millennials who may be more inclined to address it.
MARIELLA: While I have great admiration for Gen Zers, if I were to throw any shade at them, it would be that they can sometimes be "delulu.” Yep, you lot are absolutely delusional. By this, I mean that they don’t get that occasionally, you need to do things you dislike in order to maintain the things you love. What do I mean by that? Let me explain. I had a passion for fashion design and enrolled in fashion school. However, I despised pattern work and sewing. But I knew that I had to endure those aspects if I wanted to complete the full course and obtain my diploma. Similarly, while I love macroeconomics, I detested microeconomics. Life is a mixture of activities we enjoy and dislike, but both are often necessary steps to achieve our objectives. So yes, there’s a "delulu” aspect among some Gen Zers who desire only the pleasant and effortless things in life. They tend to have grandiose visions that disconnect them from the actual world. Gen Zers are most often really good at what they do, but it’s important to acknowledge that they are not impervious to the challenges and uncertainties that arise along the way. I do wonder, however, how much they genuinely care about those concerns and the impact they have on their lives.