Gen Z is like no generation that has come before it. Driven by the rapid technological advances of the past 25 years and shaped by a series of volatile and divisive cultural events, Gen Z is a complex generation yet full of promise. How does Gen Z see the world? In what ways does technology inform and mediate their lives? How have values and morals shifted within this generation compared to older ones?
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Full Show Notes:
Screenagers
- “Gen Z has come of age in a world saturated by digital technology and mediated by mobile devices” -Barna
- 57% of teens use screen media four or more hours a day.
- How does Gen Z use Social Media?
- Talk/chat with friends or relatives - 91%
- Share photos or videos - 79%
- See news stories - 63%
- Connect with or meet new people - 54% (compared to 39% of adults)
- Follow or connect with celebrities, cultural icons and brands - 53%
- Find information about or organize events - 45%
- “Gen Z, along with Millennials, are more likely than older generations to think social media is a good place to discuss opinions and ideas, and to trust information they encounter online.” - Barna
Post-Christian Worldview
- The percentage of people with a biblical worldview decile in each generation
- Boomers - 10%
- Gen X - 7%
- Millennials - 6%
- Gen Z - 4%
- The percentage of Gen Z that identifies as atheist is double that of U.S. adults.
- 34% claim no religious affiliation
- “As the cultural cost of being a Christian increases, people who were once Christian only in name likely have started to identify as nones, disintegrating the ‘ideological ‘bridge’ between unbelievers and believers.” - James White
The erosion of a biblical worldview has huge implications on Gen Z.
- Gen Z views on Sexuality and Gender
- Sex outside of marriage is increasingly accepted. However, Gen Z is becoming sexually active at a later age.
- Monogamy is out - emotionless, physical relationships are in.
- Marriage is out - casual dating and cohabitation are in.
- Kids are out - living my life on my terms is in.
- Intimacy is out - pornography is in.
- Standards of morality are out - everything is in (LGBTQ+)
- Biology is out - how I feel is in (Gender)
“Safe Spaces” Are Normal
- “Gen Z teens do not like to make people feel bad. Their collective aversion to causing offense is the natural project of a pluralistic, inclusive culture that frowns on passing judgment.” - Barna
- Safe spaces and trigger warnings.
- Leads to a lack of open convictions
- Causes anxiety over expressing an opinion or providing an answer.
