As the most online generation, Gen Z believes they are not being accurately represented in the media

With the rise of the Internet during the 1990s, individuals could connect with others, discover and immerse themselves in other cultures as never before. Although Millennials had to adapt to the onset of technology, Generation Z was raised on it. As the first generation to grow up completely online, Gen Z is often misunderstood on social media, where they are frequently stereotyped as lazy and over-reliant on technology. These misconceptions overshadow their creativity, activism and ability to adapt to the changing world.

Due to the generation’s racial and ethnic diversity, representation is becoming more significant. According to NPR, Generation Z consists of the most diverse generation in the country. They have a voice and the ability to dispel negative preconceptions thanks to the digital world’s influence and display of their diverse range of identities, values and creative expression.

‘’I feel like older generations present Gen Z as lazy and unmotivated,’’ sophomore Juliana Fernandez said. ‘’In my opinion, it’s the complete opposite: Gen Z is seeing all the changes in the world and is either accepting them with open arms or protesting them openly. We strive to have and live a better future, prompting us to work hard and stand for what we want.’’

Most of Gen Z is also online and making use of online spaces to do their work, socialize and study. Since they are always online, they are unfairly bound to be portrayed as being reliant on technology and unable to survive without it. The horror-comedy movie “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is an example of this as it satirizes this reliance on technology by depicting Gen Z characters struggling when their technology is taken away. These portrayals do not consider how Gen Z leverages technology to get ahead and create opportunities for themselves. This type of perception is also associated with a risky issue: the constant involvement with technology can increase stress anxiety and feeling of isolation for Gen Z as per research by Emory University. The pressure to always be online, comparing themselves to others on social media and cyberbullying are all factors that negatively impact their mental health. 

For Gen Z, mental health has emerged as a crucial concern. Stress, anxiety and sadness have increased as a result of constant media exposure during childhood. According to the American Psychological Association, over 90% of Gen Z adolescents reported that they have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom linked to stress from constant internet and media use. Yet, the media rarely portrays these struggles anywhere near accurately. The lack of proper representation is important, as mainstream media stays silent about the way Gen Z is actually leading the conversation of wellness and self-care. Gen Z’s efforts are at the forefront of normalizing therapy and incorporating mental health services into schools and the workplace.

‘’Gen Z is the first one to grow with the modern internet,’’ junior Davi Ismério said. ‘’This open access caused many introverts who would normally be really quiet and overshadowed to society to open themselves up online and tell their story that others can empathize with.’’

For Gen Z, the internet serves a bigger purpose than mindless scrolling. For many, it is where they find their niche interests and connection with their communities. They can share their experiences, explore their identity and find support systems online that might not be available locally. They can also establish connections across the world and promote causes they care about using social media.

“I feel like it’s extremely important for Gen Z to provide a voice in the media,” English teacher Kervens Constant said. “I feel like people are dealing with a lot of hate and criticism, especially for their identity; representation matters most to them.”

As Generation Alpha begins to emerge, Gen Z risks being written off as an anxious, screen-obsessed generation Without more accurate representation, the same stereotypes and oversimplifications could follow the next wave of young people.