XII Международная студенческая научная конференция Студенческий научный форум - 2020

Generation Z or Gen Z, also known by a number of other names, is the demographic cohort after the Millennials. Demographers and researchers typically use the mid-1990s to mid-2000s as starting birth years.

Gen Z grew up with technology, the internet, and social media, which sometimes causes them to be stereotyped as tech-addicted, anti-social, or “social justice warriors.”

Last year, they became the largest generation, constituting 32 percent of the global population — or 2.47 billion of the 7.7 billion people on Earth — surpassing the Millennials and Baby Boomers, respectively.

The young people of this age have definite characteristics.

Generation Z is all about technology.

From the time of their birth, the internet and cell phones (for the most part) were commonplace. Older generations believe that because of this, the zoomers have reduced vision and memory. Gen Z wants instant gratification and they know if that if they need information, it’s easily accessible.

55% of Gen Z use their smartphones five or more hours a day, and more than a quarter (26%) use their phones more than 10 hours a day.

Because being connected makes communication virtually limitless, it’s not uncommon for members of Gen Z to have friends all over the world. For many, communicating with someone halfway around the world may be easier than communicating with older relatives at the dinner table during a holiday meal.

Generation Z is financially focused.

When it comes to work, Generation Z views their job as a means to an end. Unlike their Millennial counterparts who often need to love what they do, Gen Z understands that work is performed for financial reasons. They’ll readily accept employment that provides a steady income and necessary benefits even if it isn’t their dream job.

Diversity of Generation Z.

They’ve grown up in a diverse world and it’s all they know. Neither race nor religion are the identifying characteristics that they may have been for previous generations.

Generation Z wants to be heard.

Having access to so much information, Gen Z has strong opinions and wants them to be heard. This is especially true in the workplace, where they expect to be an equal contributor. Gen Z members believe their ideas are just as valuable as ideas from members of other generations.

Generation Z considers itself more accepting and open-minded than any generation before it. Almost half of Gen Zs are minorities, compared to 22% of Baby Boomers, and the majority of Gen Z supports social movements such as Black Lives Matter, transgender rights, and feminism.

Generation Z is tolerant.

Centennials are a tolerant, inclusive generation. They believe that the basis of any community is not material wealth or level of education, but common values and interests of people.

Also, there are some distinctive features of the generation:

they drink alcohol and use drugs in smaller quantities than previous generations;

vote for democrats and support same-sex marriage, gender equality;

concerned about climate change;

do everything on their own;

can work with any types of information;

have infantility;

bad memory since all information can be checked in the internet.

For Generation Z, the Internet is the same reality as the material world, that’s why for them there is no difference between online and offline communities, they are very serious about relationships on the network.

Generation Z stands for the rejection of stereotypes, the acceptation of other cultures and considers individuality to be one of the main values.

How to teach the youth?

Every student of Gen Z wants to be noticed, so it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of each student. Teachers should personalize their learning. Individual approach to each student is necessary.

Approval and praise. If they are doing their job well, they should be praised. They need it. These people need all these approving gestures, words as much as they need air.

In order to attract students' attention, to involve them in the educational process, the teacher should resort to the use of video and audio materials. By that, students will learn the topic much better.

The organization of meetings with people who have achieved success in the field of study will give motivation for students to improve their knowledge and skills.

Finally, teachers should adapt to the communication with Gen Z, and that’s why they shouldn’t use scientific terms explaining a topic. They should present information in an accessible, simple language.

According to this research, generation Z is appeared as a result of technological evolution. The influence of Gen Z—the first generation of true digital natives—is expanding. This generation is important for improving technologies and society in general. They don’t just represent the future, they’re creating it. They can make the world more tolerant, safe and a better place for living.

In my opinion, it’s necessary to be aware of the social group we represent, to know common interests, characters, desires, and values. I suppose it helps to understand people of any age. If teachers take this attitude into consideration, they will change the educational process for the better. Then students will be more motivated and provide good results. They will be able to improve their skills needed in their future professional activity.

References:

1. https://www.businessinsider.com/generation-z

2. https://generationz.com.au/

3. https://nypost.com/2020/01/25/generation-z-is-bigger-than-millennials-and-theyre-out-to-change-the-world/

4. https://blog.ttisi.com/10-defining-characteristics-of-generation-z

5. https://www.visioncritical.com/blog/generation-z-infographics

6. https://www.keystoneacademic.com/news/communicating-with-generation-z-everything-you-need-to-know

7. https://tjournal.ru/internet/125215-bumer-zumer-ili-millenial-kak-opredelit-k-kakomu-pokoleniyu-otnesti-sebya

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