5 Personality Traits of a Gen Z You Can Probably Relate to
Who is the Generation Z and what are their personality traits like? Read on to find out more about this upcoming generation that’s going to take the world by storm!
Updated 05 Sep 2019
If you are born between 1995 to the mid-2000s and have never known a life without the internet, you’re probably a Generation Z.
Also known as the iGeneration or Post-Millennials (yes, that’s right — you're not a pesky Millennial), Gen Zs possess certain traits that make them decidedly unique in comparison to the other generations.
Here are some characteristics of Gen Zs that you can probably relate to!
#1. You live and breathe technology
As a Gen Z, you’re probably great with devices and are digitally popular — although you may be more awkward in real life. You prefer to chat with friends via chat apps, compared to making phone calls or speaking face-to-face.
And while you feel most comfortable within the online realm (it’s where you get most of your information from), this doesn’t mean you’re vulnerable to false news. In fact, local research states that only 21% trust the information shared on social media. This allows you to gain the many benefits the online world has to offer without being affected by its cons.
Additionally, you stay updated on the latest trends and fads via social media platforms. This makes you the go-to person among your family and friends of different generations when it comes to the best places to eat or the latest fashion trends!
#2. You want to make the world a better place
Gen Zs tend to be more compassionate and accepting towards those with a diverse background and different life preferences. Research also shows that 65% of you want to make a difference in the world.
This could be because you have been exposed to global issues such as terrorist attacks and gender inequality from a young age, thanks to the power of social media. As you grow up watching older generations fight for certain rights, you feel that you should and can do the same.
As a result, you are likely a social warrior who would express concern for:
- Online privacy
- Environmental issues
- Freedom of speech
- Robbery
- Education rights
- Cyber crime
- Race equality
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Start now#3. You were over-parented as a child, and still are
You are probably way too familiar with the phrase often used by your parents, “In those days, we never had the opportunity to…” followed by war stories of all the hardships they endured in their youth. Although this might leave you feeling guilty, you can’t help but roll your eyes after realising that it isn’t your fault for being born in the digital age.
Despite their constant lectures on how “easy” life is these days, your parents are still overprotective and would dictate your life every step of the way until college or university. You may feel frustrated as this makes you feel like they don’t think you are capable enough.
The truth is, they are just trying their best to provide you with whatever they never had in the past. Ultimately, they want to enhance your study experience so that you get good results and have a bright future.
So, the next time you feel like your parents are “taking over” your life, tell them that you understand their concerns, but you want to take the wheel for once and prove your abilities.
#4. You have a constant thirst for online content
Older generations may feel that browsing the internet is a fruitless activity, but to you, they have no idea what they’re missing out on.
YouTube videos, Netflix, TikTok, viral content… what’s there not to love?
For you, the internet offers a whole new world where there is no shortage of entertainment or things you can learn. You can watch crash courses on YouTube and learn about interesting facts every day, stream your favourite dramas and movies on-demand and best of all, you can easily compile references for your assignments through online journals instead of searching worn and dusty books in the library.
Being productive has never been easier!
#5. You are a multitasker and a multipotentialite
Growing up surrounded by technology has equipped you with excellent multitasking skills as you are used to playing digital games and receiving multiple updates from various apps at the same time.
Technology has also helped you become more versatile in talent as you can easily learn a new skill anywhere, anytime. Instead of following the footsteps of your parents, who most likely would have devoted their lives to only one career path, you prefer to pursue a sea of interests and gather as many skills to be an all-rounder.
Sometimes, people may mistake you for being a jack of all trades and a master of none. Yet people often forget the full phrase — “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” So, keep your heads up and keep doing what you love.
So what is the difference between Gen Z and Millennial traits? Although they are almost similar, it is safe to say that Gen Zs are more pragmatic and careful compared to millennials. They have learnt the lessons experienced by the previous generation and are all the more wiser.
Whether you relate to Gen Y or Gen Z traits, what’s more important is that you use your skills for a good cause and continue striving for what you believe in.
If you ignore the naysayers and stay focused on your goals, you’re sure to achieve your dreams!
Are you a thinker, a doer, a creator or something else? Find out the jobs that best fit your personality here!
Josephine Serena
Media studies and journalism graduate. Buy me coffee and I'll spill the beans. Also really tall.
