Generation Z: the generation of narcissistic goldfish addicted to technology that needs instant rewards. That’s us West Ottawa, we are Generation Z.
One undeniable negative trait is our dependence on technology.
“Students aren’t hanging out in real life anymore. It is almost as if being together online is the way of hanging out. There is much lost when a person is not fully connected to another individual face to face and shoulder to shoulder. Human beings were meant for human connection and it is lost over social media and technology,” Guidance Counselor Lacey Otteman said.
Social connections are a crucial part of human nature. Generation Z has lost the contact necessary for leading successful lives. We pride ourselves on our abilities to use technology in ways that have never been done before; however, the obsession has stripped Generation Z of the necessary connection human beings are built on. Students of West Ottawa would prefer to call or text instead of initiate in-person conversations.
“I would just text them if I needed to ask someone a question or talk to them,” Sr. Arianna Ramirez said.
Ramirez isn’t the only West Ottawa student who would respond in the same way. Generation Z students’ first resort would be to their phones and technology for conversation.
Growing up with technology being the only form of communication familiar to us, texting has become the new normal. Past generations frown upon our actions and label us as technology addicts driven by our need for instant feedback.
Not only are these accusations of technology dependence real, but many older generations and artificial intelligence define us by these negatives.
With a quick Google search, the definitions of Generation Z come flooding in. Unfortunately, as a generation, we are quickly defined and criticized by these negative aspects. Ranging from immature to technology addicts, these less-than-ideal aspects of our generation are undeniable.
Even AI can speedily generate negative characteristics of Generation Z.
“Negative characteristics associated with Generation Z include a perceived dependency on technology, shorter attention spans, a tendency towards instant gratification, and potential challenges with face-to-face communication.”
Older generations have amplified the negative aspects of our technology dependence and loss of human connection. West Ottawa, we don’t need to spend our time fearing the negative stereotypes many others have assigned to us; we are so much more.
Our attachment to devices is a small negative trait amongst a plethora of positive ones.
Generation Z is the generation of diversity and inclusion, excelling abilities to adapt to change, and the technological savviness that our society and workforces need. Our desire for connection through social media may be a downfall of ours, but the positive aspects of the generation outweigh the negatives.
As a whole, we have displayed immense success in adapting to unfavorable circumstances with an emphasis on inclusion.
“Students have responded to turbulent times in history like COVID and political and social division with a keen sense of how all of these significant events affect us differently. Our students consider one another and the unique stories we all are living so when difficult times come, our students truly look out for one another with consideration and care,” Assistant Principal Jake Manning said.
All generations that have lived through the past five years share one idea in common: COVID-19 proposed challenges on all fronts. The unique ways in which COVID-19 impacted individuals of varying generations were highly diverse. Generation Z has exemplified immense success and acceptance when faced with difficult times. As a generation, we are the most supportive and inclusive of all types of individuals. Our strength proved beneficial in aiding to support all people impacted in various ways during COVID-19 and beyond.
Finally, technology: the defining aspect of Generation Z that has the worst rap, but has proven to be our generation’s greatest attribute. Seen as a blessing and a curse, many local employers can attest to the fact that they admire, and need, Generation Z’s smarts regarding technology.
“I highly value the emerging group of new young professionals in the workplace. In particular, their digital literacy skills, especially among Generation Z, provide many workplace advantages. Their ability to utilize and easily apply technological applications is a skill set I don’t have. We are better as an organization because we continuously learn from each other,” Director of Strategic Planning for Ottawa County, Paul Sachs, said.
Sachs employs nine individuals, with a handful being in Generation Z. He admits that his workplace, and the excelling functionality, would not be the same without the knowledge that Generation Z provides concerning technology.
“A few of the valuable skills that my Generation Z employees contribute to our work environment include, but are not limited to: embracing cloud sharing document design and collaborative editing, building more visually dynamic, tech-savvy community outreach materials, and operating with a continuous focus on how best to utilize new software,” Sachs said.
Without Generation Z’s advanced knowledge of the world of technology, our society would not be where it is today. As a generation, we can defy the generalized Google searches and negative attitudes. West Ottawa, we are Generation Z: the generation of technologically advanced, highly adaptable, and modest panthers. Each day we need to keep our heads high, knowing our strengths outweigh our weaknesses.
