DR. PREETI
The term ‘Gen Z’ refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. They succeeded the Millennials (also known as Generation Y), who were born between 1981 and 1996. The working-age population for Gen Z broadly falls within the 15-26 age group, while Millennials are aged between the years 27 to 42. According to the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India has an estimated 29.94 crore working-age Gen Z individuals (aged 15-26 years), compared with 35 crore Millennials (aged 27-42 years). Using the same datasets, we analyse their occupational patterns, labour force participation rates, unemployment levels, and access to social security systems.
A 15-year-old who is average in studies but full of confidence. He dresses like his father, speaks fluent English and impresses children of his age, and if anyone stops him, he has anger on his nose and an immediate response on his tongue. At the age of 15, he looks very mature in conversation. If you scold him for any mistake, the answer is immediately present. Today's generation lives in the quick-witted skill, anger on the nose and the happiness of considering themselves capable. In most of today's homes, there is a bubble, which the older generation calls rudeness or overconfidence, psychologists consider it to be the self-protection or early maturity of Gen Z. The question is, is this generation really misguided, or is there a deep emotional pressure behind their behaviour?
The term ‘Gen Z’ refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. They succeeded the Millennials (also known as Generation Y), who were born between 1981 and 1996. The working-age population for Gen Z broadly falls within the 15-26 age group, while Millennials are aged between the years 27 to 42. According to the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India has an estimated 29.94 crore working-age Gen Z individuals (aged 15-26 years), compared with 35 crore Millennials (aged 27-42 years). Using the same datasets, we analyse their occupational patterns, labour force participation rates, unemployment levels, and access to social security systems.
Gen-G (people born between 1997-2012) is often criticized on social media with tags such as rude, stubborn and lazy. But the question arises, is this behaviour really a lack of discipline, or is there a deeper psychological reason behind it? Recent global mental health reports show that this new generation is the most emotionally exhausting generation in history. According to psychologists, what the world is considering as ill-treatment can actually be a defence mechanism of this generation against burnout and digital stress.
Early maturity in 15-16 year olds Is maturity really a maturity or a defence mechanism?
Today's children are being raised with media, internet, due to which these Gen G get a lot of knowledge. These young people are very aware of their rights. This generation is more knowledgeable than the millionaire. Their social and emotional awareness is better. The home environment contributes to the behaviour of these young people. These children are getting more and more information from the internet, mobile, TV and school. The information level of these youth is increasing, so they are gaining understanding of more things at an early age. Their confidence level depends on the environment of the house. Not interrupting the child for good and bad deeds increases their confidence.
Is it rude to answer repeatedly?
Today's Gen G is emotionally and socially aware and has a lot of knowledge. At this age, they have the information but lack maturity. They don't know when and how to behave. Maturity in youth comes from people's convincing and home environment. This generation knows that they have more information than the previous generation.
Why is this generation competing to look big at a young age?
Teenagers are always looking for their identity. They are engaged in stabilizing themselves. They do not like restrictions in life, so they start cutting off from the elders of the house, from the parents. Normal children who do not have any psychological problems have an important role of school, society and family to become adults.
Digital Burnout and the Role of FOMO
The 24-hour exposure to social media is emotionally draining for these young people. They are always in on mode, which is increasing their irritability and wit. Today's generation is living in 24 hours digital connectivity. Smartphones, Reels, notifications and constant online presence have made their minds accustomed to being in active mode. This condition is called digital burnout by psychologists, i.e. emotional and mental exhaustion due to constant screen exposure. Engagement with social media, such as constant notifications and likes, releases dopamine in the brain. They get into the habit of reacting quickly and have less patience. Even in offline conversations, they are getting used to responding immediately. FOMO i.e. Fear of Missing Out is ingrained in the younger generation. They are afraid that they may be left behind by a trend, party, news or opportunity. According to the American Psychological Association, constant social comparison can increase dissatisfaction and stress among young people. Seeing the perfect life of others on social media, the youth feel that they should also always do something bigger, better and exciting. This pressure makes them tired from within.
Parents are also responsible for children's habits
This behaviour of children does not happen suddenly, but they gradually put themselves in this environment. Many times, parents ignore the small habits of the children in the beginning by saying that the child is fine. Sometimes they pamper too much and sometimes they are suddenly strict. These unbalanced behaviours can create confusion and insecurity in the child's mind.
According to psychologists, when there is no stability in parenting, the child does not understand what his boundaries are. The result is that he either starts to look overconfident, or becomes defensive on everything. Today's children are under pressure from education, career, social image and performance. In such a situation, if the house also becomes a performance zone, then the child can be emotionally exhausted.
What is the right way to bite babies like Bablu?
If you want your child to be polite and patient, then instead of stopping and interrupting the child, talk to him lovingly. The child immediately becomes defensive when talking to a loud voice or in a taunt to the children. Listen to him first, then explain to him in a calm tone.
How to explain the difference between rudeness and logic to Jen G?
Explain to the children by giving examples that they should keep their point of view with peace and logic. Let him know that tone and words become aggressive in the misbehaviour. Make the child realize that it is not wrong to agree with you, but the method matters. The behaviour of elders in the home is their first learning model. Parents should not kill the child but explain the rules to him. Be balanced with the child.
Why is a digital detox necessary?
Constant screen exposure keeps the brain in always-on mode, which can lead to irritability, lack of attention, and increased sleep problems in their brains. Digital detox relaxes the mind and improves emotional balance. It is important to spend some time in the day without a phone, without notifications. This provides time for real conversations, family connection, and self-reflection, which is crucial for the mental health of adolescents.
(The content of this article reflects the views of writer and contributor, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
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