In defence of Gen-Z
Mind, Social and Work
TL;DR: If you’ve skimmed my last few posts or, like most of us Gen Zers, find your attention span dwindling in this age of information overload, welcome to a more digestible postscript of my last three posts.
As a member of Gen Z, I often feel the need to defend my generation against the relentless stereotypes hurled at us—lazy, entitled, overly sensitive, or just apathetic. These labels not only hurt but also oversimplify who we are and what we’ve endured. Like many, I’ve been conflicted when faced with these criticisms. Initially, I stayed silent—not out of agreement but because I wasn’t sure how to respond. I didn’t resent older generations; in fact, I even understood where some of their frustrations came from. But what I couldn’t accept was the persistent lack of empathy directed at us.
This conflict eventually led me here—to sit down, reflect, and try to make sense of it all. What began as an attempt to defend Gen Z turned into something more profound. I realized that to counter these stereotypes, I had to look deeper—not just at the external criticisms we face but also at the truths and contradictions within ourselves.
The result? A three-part exploration of our generation through the lenses of Work, Mind, and Social Life. These essays aren’t just about rebuking the criticisms; they’re about understanding how the world we’ve inherited has shaped us and, in turn, how we’re reshaping it.
Work
One of the most common accusations thrown at Gen Z is that we’re “lazy” or “entitled.” These oversimplifications miss the bigger picture. Unlike older generations, we’ve come of age in a world that feels increasingly unstable. The traditional pathways to success—higher education, stable jobs, and homeownership—no longer guarantee security, let alone happiness.
We’re navigating the fallout of global crises, from recessions to pandemics, while adapting to a rapidly digitizing world. These experiences have reshaped our ambitions and priorities. Instead of chasing the traditional markers of success, many of us are prioritizing flexibility, balance, and purpose. It’s not that we don’t value hard work; we’ve just realized that hard work within broken systems doesn’t always yield results.
Take the rise of gig economies, remote work, and entrepreneurial ventures. For us, these aren’t just trends; they’re survival mechanisms in a volatile world. We’re not rejecting hard work—we’re redefining it in ways that align with the uncertain times we live in.
Work Hard, Rest Harder
The generational divide has often led society to view the lives and values of younger people through a sceptical lens. Today, Generation Z—often referred to as “Zoomers”—finds itself under scrutiny, criticized for being “lazy,” “entitled,” or “unfocused.” But as a member of Gen Z, I’d like to offer a defence. We’re navigating an unprecedented world—one …
Mind
Another stereotype that stings is the notion that we’re “fragile” or “too sensitive.” The reality is that we’ve grown up in a world where mental health issues, once ignored or stigmatized, are now part of everyday conversations. But that doesn’t mean we’re weak—it means we’ve had to confront challenges head-on that others once swept under the rug.
We’ve grown up in the digital age, constantly bombarded by news of global crises, climate change, social injustice, and more. Information overload isn’t just a phenomenon for us; it’s our reality. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, we’ve made mental health and self-care priorities. We’ve embraced therapy, mindfulness, and open conversations about well-being as tools for survival.
However, even these efforts are not without complications. The rise of wellness culture has turned vulnerability into a commodity, with social media often turning genuine struggles into curated performances. Navigating this balance—between authenticity and the commercialization of mental health—is one of our generation’s greatest challenges.
But fragility? No. What we’ve shown is resilience. Choosing to address our anxieties and challenges openly isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a testament to our strength.
Now Trending: Vulnerability
There’s a widespread narrative about how fragile Generation Z is—how we’re too sensitive, too quick to seek therapy, and how we just “can’t handle things” as previous generations did. But when we look at the generations before us who followed this same advice, we must ask: for every person who “dealt with it,” how many were quietly suffering, lost along…
Social
Gen Z exists in a world that is simultaneously hyperconnected and isolating. Social media has amplified our voices like never before, giving us platforms to challenge injustices, demand inclusivity, and share our perspectives. But it has also trapped us in echo chambers, where algorithms prioritize outrage and engagement over nuance and understanding.
Our activism often reflects this duality. On the one hand, we’re demanding systemic change and challenging the status quo; on the other, we’re constantly battling the constraints of performative cycles. It’s exhausting to navigate a world where your worth and your voice seem tied to likes, shares, and comments.
Take the example of Greta Thunberg. She’s a Gen Z icon not just because of her climate activism but because of her refusal to sanitize her message for mass approval. Greta represents a kind of authenticity that resonates deeply with us: unpolished, unapologetic, and driven by purpose. She’s proof that genuine change doesn’t come from curated narratives; it comes from confronting uncomfortable truths.
For all our ideals, though, we face the question: Are we truly redefining social norms, or are we still playing within systems we claim to reject?
Generation Apathy
Gen Z is often described as a generation defined by ambiguity and fluidity, but this detachment from traditional labels may not be as revolutionary as it appears. We question identity and social constructs, frequently rejecting the conventions that shape other generations. Yet, we are living through a uniquely turbulent period in history. Despite undeni…
A Generation in Context
Writing this reflection has been more than an act of defence. I started with the intent to argue against the criticisms of Gen Z, but I ended up learning so much more about my position in a world shaped by instability, information overload, and the constant push-and-pull between tradition and progress.
Are we perfect? No. But neither is the world we’ve inherited. This is not a call for absolution or excuses but a call for understanding. Older generations might find it easy to criticize us, but they need to recognize the unique pressures that have shaped us. And we, in turn, need to keep reflecting on how we can rise above these challenges to create a better world—not just for ourselves but for those who come after us.
So, what do you think? Are we breaking the mould or simply reacting to chaos?
Let’s start the conversation.
This is amazing Aru! I’ve been thinking about the same myself and it’s time someone spoke about it. This is articulated very well
Very well written, Aru, as always. Keep reflecting and keep writing.