Today, I plan on taking on my hardest task yet: defending Gen Z.
Generation Z, or Gen Z, refers to people born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s. We’re often known for lengthening and overcomplicating simple English words, having more mental health issues than the man Jesus delivered from Legion, and "Woke" culture. Yet, despite these quirks, I’m here not to roast my beloved generation but to defend us against our predecessors who always seem to have something negative to say about us—whether it’s about our vulnerable mental health or our ability to spend hours scrolling through TikTok.
First, let’s set the record straight.
Compared to previous generations, Gen Z has lower rates of violent crime, a greater emphasis on equality and justice, increased awareness of global issues, and we get drunk and unwantedly pregnant less.
We are the first true digital-native generation, and our technological skills are unmatched. We’re three times more likely than older generations to adopt emerging tech like AI-driven tools and automation software. In fact, it would interest you to know that approximately 79% of us learned a new digital skill in the past year. Gen Z accounts for 40% of creators driving the $100 billion creator economy, and 54% of our entrepreneurs rely on social media as their primary tool for business growth. Moreover, 85% of Gen Z employees are proficient with collaborative tools like Slack, Asana, and Microsoft Teams, compared to just 67% of Gen X workers. For roles that don’t require manual labor, hiring a Gen Z worker is simply the smarter choice.
Older generations might label this dependence on technology as a weakness, but let’s put it into perspective:
soldiers in World War II weren’t wielding swords—they adapted to the tools of their time. Similarly, Gen Z isn’t dependent; we’re optimized for the digital era.
Our entrepreneurial spirit is also unmatched. A 2023 survey by Ernst & Young revealed that 53% of Gen Z plans to start a business within the next decade, compared to 38% of Millennials at a similar age. Another survey by Shopify found that 41% of Gen Z entrepreneurs started their ventures before age 20. Currently, 46% of us have side hustles, compared to 33% of Millennials. Despite economic challenges, 59% of these ventures are self-funded, showing our resourcefulness and resilience.
We are also financially literate and adaptable.
A 2023 Pew Research study found that 63% of Gen Z started saving for retirement before age 25, compared to only 37% of Gen X. Nearly half of Gen Z actively invests in stocks or mutual funds, demonstrating financial savvy even in the face of rising living costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 72% of Gen Z students transitioned to online education without a decline in academic performance, according to a 2021 UNESCO report.
This adaptability extends to our values.
Unlike previous generations, who often equated success with corporate achievements or material wealth, Gen Z prioritizes purpose-driven careers, mental health, and social impact. A 2023 LinkedIn Workforce Report found that 68% of Gen Z values creative freedom in jobs, compared to 54% of Millennials. Additionally, 74% of us prioritize mental health over higher pay, as reported by the American Psychological Association. This isn’t laziness—it’s a recalibration of values.
We’ve also broken the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of suffering in silence, we’ve normalized conversations about therapy, mindfulness, and self-care. This openness has driven systemic changes in workplaces, schools, and healthcare. A 2022 SHRM study found that workplaces with Gen Z employees were 21% more likely to offer wellness programs than those without.
Lastly, let’s talk about crime.
Despite growing up in an era of unprecedented challenges, Gen Z has lower rates of violent crime than previous generations did at the same age. This reflects our values, global awareness, and commitment to positive change.
Critics may call us flawed, but every generation has its imperfections. What sets Gen Z apart is our resilience, innovation, and vision for a better future. We are creating a more inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking world. Criticize us if you will, but history will remember us as the generation that refused to settle for the status quo and worked tirelessly to create a brighter future.
