“Nasl Zee; Online Mothers/ Roshanak Mehraeen” “Nasl Zee; Native Online/ Roshanak Mehraeen”
The emergence of the internet not only changed the way of life for humans, but also created gaps between different generations; a generation that encountered this phenomenon at an older age, a generation that became familiar with it in their youth, and a generation that was born into it. Each of these generations has its own approach in dealing with technology, as well as social and economic conditions.
The first social generation that has been exposed to the internet and digital technology since birth is called Generation Z or “Digital Natives”; however, not all of these individuals are necessarily digitally literate. Nevertheless, researchers and media define this generation as a population born between 1995 and 2010. Therefore, these individuals are currently between the ages of twelve and twenty-seven, and most of them are children of Generation X; although, the Pew Research Center has recently announced the birth years of this generation to be between 1997 and 2012. Pew is an American think tank based in Washington that provides various information and statistics about the American approach to the internet.
The generation of Z has been exposed to advanced technologies such as the internet, social media, instant messaging, SMS, MP3 players, mobile phones, and YouTube since they opened their eyes to the world. This generation has all grown up in a postmodern era, cultural diversity, and globalization.
Characteristics of the Z generation.
One of the most prominent characteristics of these individuals is their heavy use of digital and smart tools. This generation has been immersed in the internet and digital space since they opened their eyes, receiving their first smartphone at around twelve years old. They primarily communicate with others through social media and text messages, spending as much time on their phones as older generations spend watching TV. Most of them can access the content they need within seconds on their phones or computers, leading some to label them as addicted to technology, anti-social, or “social justice warriors.” However, some experts and professionals refer to this generation as irresponsible or unaccountable, and sometimes they are seen as incompatible, disrespectful, and risk-takers.
From a social and economic perspective, this generation has grown up in large families where the divorce rate is higher. On the other hand, their households have dual incomes. As a result, they have generally spent their childhood and adolescence without the presence of their parents and often have a high entrepreneurial spirit.
People of the Z generation are different from previous generations, as they are the first consumers who have fully grown up in the digital age and have high standards for how they spend their time online. This is why online stores and brands have tried to stay ahead of the game and sometimes even go beyond to ensure that they meet the digital expectations of this generation.
The psychology of the generation of Z.
Dr. Ross E. Ohara is a behavioral researcher who completed his doctoral and postdoctoral studies at the University of Missouri and Connecticut. He has been studying student behavior in different countries for years. Recently, he has published articles in the reputable American journal “Psychology Today” discussing the psychological conditions of Generation Z.
According to Ohara, the Ziyaha generation may not admit it, but they are highly motivated to become wealthy. They grew up during a major economic recession in the world, between the ages of six and thirteen, and as a result, have either experienced or witnessed financial problems. Their worldview is largely shaped by financial issues. They have lived through times of income inequality and have seen their parents constantly struggling with debt and loans, delaying important milestones such as marriage and having children.
Generation Z students usually start financial planning at the age of thirteen and two-thirds of them believe that financial stability is more important than a job that makes them happy.
However, the students of this generation have a strange motivation to change the world, and while money is a priority for them, they are more interested in security than luxuries. In fact, they can be imagined as placing themselves in a safe bubble and watching a world full of social and political challenges that they are eager to solve. They value diversity and want to have more just societies, but perhaps more than anything else, they want to save and protect the environment. In general, they have a desire to act for the benefit of others, sometimes even at their own expense, in order to lift others out of despair.
Strategic use of social media.
According to Ohara, the students of Generation Z have never seen or known the world without the internet. They spend more than three hours a day on the internet and another three hours on social media; but what’s interesting is that they use these platforms very strategically. For example, they only use Facebook to connect with family, other apps like TikTok to network with peers, and apps like Instagram to communicate with people of different ages.
It is not possible to label this generation as zombies with smartphones, because eighty-three percent of them prefer to communicate face-to-face through text messages, phone calls, or emails; although many of them feel they have not been taught enough to socialize and have face-to-face conversations. They keep their conversations short and hiding behind their phones is a habit they turn to when they feel scared in a situation.
According to articles published in 2009, the most important motivation for young adults to use social media is to connect with their peers. As a result, they are inclined to connect with a large number of users and use social media as a platform to showcase their image and create an identity.
Behavioral Style in Social Networks.
American researchers showed in a study conducted in 2016 using extracted data from Instagram, that teenagers post less than adults and engage more in liking, tagging, and commenting. According to this research, teenagers receive more likes and sometimes delete posts that have received fewer likes; the results also show that teenagers have less variety in their posts and often their posts are emotional.
Most Instagram posts are divided into eight categories: friends, food, tools, posts with short captions, pets, activities, selfies, and fashion. There is a meaningful relationship between the personality and characteristics of the shared photos, such as filters; through this, one can discover the personalities of people.
There is more than one way to succeed in life.
Students of the Z generation value education more than previous generations and a larger number of them are enrolling in universities than ever before. They see a connection between financial goals, personal goals, and their education and are eager to improve their knowledge as much as they can. It may seem like they are not interested in listening to lectures or reading textbooks, but there are also some exceptions.
They do not see obtaining a bachelor’s degree as their only option for building their future, as they are risk-takers and want to reach income generation as soon as possible. Many of them prefer a shorter and more direct path to profitable employment and prefer job-based training over university education. As mentioned earlier, these individuals are very entrepreneurial and want to work for themselves.
They prefer artistic work.
The new generation is passionate about technology and working in an environment where traditional and old methods are still used for interactions is difficult and tiresome for them. They prefer to have their interactions with employees and the organizational system facilitated through technology, such as using an application-based human resource management system that includes modules for attendance, e-learning, and gamification. This makes them happy.
Mental problems.
According to psychologists, the Generation Z experiences higher levels of worry, anxiety, and depression compared to previous generations. They are incredibly afraid of failure and, despite their love for learning, prefer to do it individually to avoid judgment. As mentioned before, they put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed and not disappoint others, which can ultimately lead them to quit before facing any challenges. They are afraid of making decisions; is college better or a job? Which major is the best? Is an internship better or studying? These internal conflicts sometimes push them towards decision-making. That is why these individuals need a lot of support for their mental well-being and security in order to enter college and continue their education.
According to the 2017 report by the American Psychological Association, Generation Z is struggling with concerning issues ranging from immigration to sexual assault, causing significant levels of stress. Mass shootings are at the top of the list of stress-inducing events among this generation in America. In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, they have cited factors such as negative news, parental separation, deportation of immigrant families, and reports of sexual harassment and assault as sources of stress.
This survey also shows that this generation reports their mental health as average or poor (27%) compared to other generations, and they are less likely to feel embarrassed about seeking mental health treatment. According to the director of the American Psychological Association, this can indicate a greater awareness and acceptance of mental health issues. Their openness towards mental health topics shows that they are giving themselves the opportunity to start a conversation about stress management.
This study has shown that more than nine out of ten adults of the Generation Z have reported experiencing at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress; such as feeling depressed or sad (58%) or having a lack of interest, motivation, or energy (55%). Only half of them feel that they have made enough effort to manage their stress.
The Zoroastrian race in Iran.
According to the report of the Statistical Center of Iran, in 1395 (2016-2017), the native digital generation consisted of 45,897,723 people in the country.
According to a scientific article from the Ministry of Science (written by Datis Khajehiyan, Siavash Salavatian, Shaghayegh Kali, Amirhossein Yazdani), the Generation Z of Iran consists of individuals born between 1995 and 2012. Data mining and analysis of the activities of 574 users of Generation Z on Instagram by these authors show that these users prefer single images over other forms such as videos and photo albums, and their commenting and liking behaviors also follow specific patterns.
Notes:
1- Buton, Sophie, and the younger generation prefer to report their mental health concerns.
American Psychological Association.
, Number 50 (Volume 1), 2019.
2- Who is Hara, the day, the generation of Z? The generation of Z faces special obstacles in achieving educational success.
Today’s psychology.
December 8, 2020.
Tags
"Light of the ceremony" 3 Peace Treaty 1363 Beautiful generation Breeding Digital natives Generation Z Instagram Internet Monthly Peace Line Magazine peace line Social networks Tick tock Virtual space Zomraha