Just Breathe: A Letter to Generation Z
Generation Z (typically defined as anyone born between 1996/1997 - 2012) to which I belong, has been the subject of much misunderstanding and confusion on the part of older generations. The Economist wrote an article in early 2019 that illustrates the ailments faced by Generation Z at large; in particular, it emphasized the notion that we’re more anxious and less hedonistic. Not all of this is to our detriment, as there is certainly concern to be had for those who wish to indulge in a surfeit of life’s blissful fruits like corpulent kings and queens. Regardless, I am disconcerted by the significantly higher prevalence of loneliness and stress in my cohorts; a 2018 study from Cigna found that Generation Z adults (18-22) felt lonelier than any group measured. They broke it down into a number of qualitative indicators:
Many of us live in an ironic paradox of being more interconnected than ever through the likes of video conferencing software and social media, but simultaneously feeling so far away from each other. It is imperative to hone the requisite skills of deliberative, enticing, and profound conversation to have the kinds of meaningful interactions that human beings crave. Furthermore, neglecting time with family is the most detrimental factor in mental health; it is wise for us to remember to spend adequate time with family.
To compound the existing issues facing our generation, some of us have been raised in an environment of anti-fragility. Well meaning parents, school faculty, and other critical figures during childhood development tried to shield children from the harsher vagaries and coming of age challenges necessary for personal growth. To expound upon this idea, parents have more often engaged in “helicopter parenting”, which has left a profound impact on the ability of the victims of such parenting styles to effectively utilize ratiocination (the set of processes related to critical thinking and logic) and learn conflict resolution. As society more broadly has embraced complacency to the point of virtual ubiquity, many in our generation have been inculcated in such staid thinking. To those who grew up in trying circumstances, it is palpable the pessimism bred from the strident experiences of poor economic security and broken families. Irrespective of how our pessimism and fragility was manifested, we must overcome.
The current state of world affairs has understandably subjected all of us to increased duress and sentiments of dread. What is paramount is how we choose to respond. We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by our own trepidation; it is instead incumbent on us to remain resolute and steadfast in the face of tumult and uncertainty. To those who may seek to stand against some of our collectively held interests, this is a huge benefactor to their causes. We must be bolder, more innovative, and let go of our fears regardless of how they were bred.
It’s time for a call to action and a usurpation of power from the old guard to the younger. It is futile to fret now; hesitate and we shall become irrelevant. We have the power to overcome our fears, doubts, and concerns for the future. In order to do so, however, we must be civically engaged in our communities and our political institutions. The issues of mental health, climate change, criminal justice, social mobility, and broad institutional overhaul are important and will not happen unless we all take a seat at the metaphorical table.