Should we really be convinced that there is nothing we can expect in the future?
Conversations and topics about political issues often turn into people arguing about what is wrong with the world instead of discussing possible solutions that can fix the problem. Rather than addressing the deeper issues that create inequality and suffering, some people would rather “get high,” go off the grid, or simply escape from the gloomy world they believe they live in.
It is not their fault. Gen Z was brought up in a time of precarity. Climate change, a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and political unrest are the defining events of their developmental years. They are the generation with the least amount of optimism since previous generations and are among the first to understand that advancements are not automatic. This doesn’t make them necessarily negative; it might only suggest that they are more wary of the future.
“At times, it’s like there is a continuous decline in everything,” Tavish Thain ’28 commented. “But sharing memes or discussing them online helps a lot. It makes the stress feel less isolating.”
Humor allows this generation to create a mental and emotional escape. It takes the anxieties and stresses of the new world and turns them into something else, something manageable, something smaller, or something silly. In humor, Gen Z has found a way to cope with everything.
There are instances when maintaining a positive attitude is difficult; when issues seem insurmountable or fundamental, it’s hard to get rid of that feeling of despair. Many young people ask themselves, “Can an individual truly affect a change?” Yet, despite these questions, many Gen Z students are still working to generate change.
“Students are confused and need proper guidance in order to succeed,” said Spanish teacher Concepcion Contreras. “I definitely see potential in every single one of them, but they are exposed to a lot of different negative things, and we need to help them.”
“Gen Z is not necessarily more pessimistic, but they are often less patient with the process of success,” English teacher Sarah Gacina added. “Digital technology has trained them to expect instant results, even though real growth takes time.”
The increasing number of college clubs, volunteering, and activism groups shows that today’s youth have not completely given up on improving society. At the same time, some young people are beginning to lose faith in the idea that progress is something that society can always rely on.
This generation will soon make up the largest share of the workforce, so it’s important to know where they’re coming from. For all the bad rap they get for negativity, a lot of young people today are open and cooperative when it comes to solving issues. Gen Z may not need to ask whether the best days have passed, but a more important question might be how we define what “better days” actually means.
At Loyola, the drive for success is alive. Cubs are still chasing their dreams, but with a new perspective compared to other generations. They’re shooting for the stars, trying to make the most of their education, and stepping into the real world with as few errors as possible.
While there may be a hint of defeat in their attitude towards the system, they’re not giving up, but are determined not to let the world they’re inheriting soon destroy their futures. Maybe they are the “best generation” after all. They’ve just been waiting for the world to catch up.
