Our world is constantly changing and uncertain. We live in a time of uncertainty and change. Profound social disruption can affect how we work, learn, and entertain ourselves. Existential threats to our existence due to climate change and environmental degradation pose serious challenges to our social fabric and emotional and physical well-being.
These issues are felt more acutely by younger generations, particularly Generation Z and, to a lesser degree, Millennials. For instance, Generation Z is more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Nearly one-third of people between 18 and 25 have been diagnosed with a mental illness, compared to 14.1% for those over 50.
Generation Z and Millennials were born into and grew up in a world they love and will continue to live in.
These generations are also responsible for finding solutions to many of the problems in their world and around the globe. Effectively deploying their generation-particular experience and relationship with the internet, data and technology to effect positive change.
Digital-first Generation
Generation Z and Millennials have a unique developmental path connected to the internet. This has made them uniquely educated, ethically and emotionally equipped to face many of the world’s problems.
This ability is largely due to their natural and easy relationship with technology, data, and digital. They also have the inherent ability to use these technologies to make positive changes in their lives and the world.
Generation Z is a generation that has never lived without the internet. What does this all mean for their worldview, approach to problem-solving, and values?
First, they don’t see the world as divided into the digital and physical as previous generations. Digital and physical worlds are now seamlessly integrated into one experience. Their identities, relationships, passions, and self-expression are all so interconnected with the internet that they are all connected.
They view the internet as a source of information and knowledge and a way to connect with others. Everything they do online, from shopping to learning to hanging around with friends to creating and maintaining their physical and emotional well-being, is done online.
Engine recently conducted a study that found that 40% of Generation Z cannot live without the internet for longer than four hours without feeling uneasy. Over 50% expect the internet to be their main source of daily decision-making within five years.
Relationships that required some contact in person for the previous generations are no longer necessary for Generation Z. 51% of Generation Z value digital relationships and can be friends with anyone they only know online.
These measures are far more than those of previous generations.
According to the same study, 74% of Generation Z believe they can join a social movement through social media. 68% of Generation Z think that websites will soon communicate with each other to create seamless experiences and, more importantly, provide highly personalized and predictive experiences. Generation Z expects highly personalized and predictive services when interacting with healthcare providers and related products.
Get ahead of the Time
Generation Z is the first Generation not only to be born online but also to grow up fully immersed in technology.
However, they are more than just comfortable with technology and data. They don’t see technology and data as tools to enhance or impact the physical world. Instead, they view technology and data as an immutable part and parcel of their existence.
They are happy to exchange data about who and what they are – including how they feel – if they believe the return will be of value.
The global community has been slow to adopt technology-led solutions for reducing the negative effects of COVID-19-induced social isolation. This includes maintaining productivity and working relationships through internet-based technologies like Zoom and addressing well-being issues via telemedicine.
Generation Z’s expectations and behaviour were set by the role the internet and digital technology played in their lives. Generation Z has long experienced the benefits of speed, ease of access, convenience and social connection.
For example, Millennials have adopted digital access to healthcare services at a faster rate than any other generation when it comes to their well-being.
One study found that 71% of Millennials would like to be able to access their personal information online or via an app, such as medical records and schedules. 74% also prefer online consultations.
Generation Z, who prefer to have both online and in-person medical consultations, is more likely to use online reviews and social media to make health and wellness decisions.
They use the digital world to make social connections and seek advice, reviews, and referrals from their friends and communities to help them choose providers or doctors who can provide digital well-being experiences.
Generation Z is more likely to use technology to monitor their behaviour and track their habits, including their diet, sleep patterns, finances, and well-being.
More than 40% of Generation Z uses wearable technology to monitor their emotional and physical well-being and use this data to make better health decisions.
Positive Transformation
Generation Z uses the internet, social media, data, and technology to create happier, healthier lives for themselves and positively impact the world.
Their use of technology and data revolutionizes how they approach the key pillars of a happy, fulfilled, and fulfilling life: work, social interaction and entertainment, creativity, health, and well-being.
We are increasingly turning to the talents and ambitions of Generation Z and Millennials to develop technologies that will enable the world to transition to a more sustainable lifestyle and ensure the well-being of future generations.
In particular, has been able to use technology and data to expand their self-care capabilities and provide information better to serve the needs of healthcare providers and well-being professionals.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of Generation Z’s technology-focused approach to engaging with the world is its ability to use data and storytelling to inspire action.
When we consider, for instance, the future of well-being and health, it is becoming increasingly one that is being created in the image of the digital behaviours and beliefs of Generation Z.