I read an article this week about the rise of Generation Z. I was very interested to see the contrasting characteristics presented between this rising generation and their Millennial predecessors.
Where Millennials are typically characterized as over-confident, demanding individuals with unrealistically high expectations, Generation Z is being touted as a realistic, cautiously confident, and work-for-what-you-have group. Of course, general stereotypes don’t always play out, but I think many are hopeful the stereotypes will ring true in the workforce.
Although we don’t know exactly what is coming with Generation Z, I do think some of their patterns can help us understand how they will handle creativity. After reading the article, I came up with three creativity characteristics I think you can expect from this next generation.
Broad-Based Knowledge
Generation Z is expected to grow up too fast. They have immediate access to more information than any generation before them. They are also a digital learning generation. They have been trained to find answers using the media at their fingertips. Ask them a question they don’t have an answer to, and they will shove an iPhone in your face with a perfectly reasonable explanation from YouTube. They may not have all the answers, but they know how to get the answers.
The access to immediate learning gives Generation Z an incredibly broad knowledge base. As I talked about in my post on Pressure and Creativity, a knowledge base around your topic is essential to creativity. Based on digital portals to endless amounts of information and a well-honed sense of curiosity, Generation Z will likely advance their ability to make logical connections between ideas.
Virtual Collaboration
One interesting observation as it relates to Generation Z is their reliance on technology and social media connections to build relationships. Where Millennials adapted to a social media driven world, Generation Z will be native to it. Children in this generation grow up FaceTiming grandparents and friends. Virtual connection is as natural to them as face-to-face would have been for Boomers. This is important because they have an innate ability to form virtual relationships.
One likely result of a generation so bent on building digital connection is virtual collaboration. With instant access to friends who run the gambit of expertise, Generation Z has the ability to collaborate faster and with more efficiency than previously experienced. If, as expected, they have a lowered sense of self-confidence, they are also more likely to reach out for help than their generational predecessors. From a innovation standpoint, we could be looking at one of the most creatively collaborative generations our world has known.
Complex Simplicity
I love using paradox to describe common situations. I think this paradox is appropriate for describing how Generation Z will understand creativity and design. Previous generations lived in a world where well designed images just appeared in front of them. The rising generation is well versed with the technology used to create those same images. Most of Generation Z has been tapping and swiping design based technology since they were kids. And in a world where photo editor apps and Instagram are king, they have a new understanding of just how much effort goes into making something as simple as a posted picture.
A generation that knows how much effort it takes to create the perfect #nofilter image also knows how much effort it takes to turn a decent picture into something beautiful. They have experienced the complexity involved in creating something simple. This knowledge culminates in an increased work ethic. Generation Z will likely walk through the doors willing to work harder to create simplicity in their design and organizations than previous generations.
These are just three characteristics I have identified with respect to Generation Z and creativity. Are they definites? Of course not, but I think they are probable.
What about you? What do you think Generation Z will bring to the creativity table?
Useful observations, Nate, thanks for sharing. We all wonder about the future, and how technology shapes our understanding and activities. I know a man who says, “It will be a lot of things but it won’t be boring.” 🙂
Thanks Glenn! If you like change, you’ll probably like the future 🙂
Great post, Nate! Your statements make a lot of sense, given the observations. With so much information they have at their fingertips, you are right in that they will have access to more than ever before. If they will understand that they need help and will put in the work, then yes they will be the most intelligent generation ever.
Thanks Adam! It will be interesting to watch this next generation mature. They have enormous potential for positive impact.
Very interesting Nate!