“It’s not that Gen Zers don’t want relationships — they do. They’re lonely, and they’re human. But, feeling fulfilled on their own terms takes precedence, in addition to Gen Z being very specific about what they may be seeking in the first place. Gen Z doesn’t shy away from putting off their relationship aspirations until they feel more solid in their own skin. The experimentation of young Gen Zers and fluidity of expression are core traits that will define not just who they are today, but at 25, 35, 45 and beyond, ultimately shaping what it looks like to be part of a family structure.” (n.d.)
Gen Z complexities – relationships. sparks & honey. (n.d.). https://www.sparksandhoney.com/gen-z-complexities-relationships#:~:text=It’s%20not%20that%20Gen%20Zers,seeking%20in%20the%20first%20place.
Millennials are the last generation to experience human connection based on family relationships instead of pure choice. An organic relationship is described as a relationship that occurs when technology is completely removed. It is a relationship that is built in the course of our day to day lives; who we see, who we speak to, who we interact with based on geolocation and/or family ties. Because of technology, physical proximity is no longer a requirement for human connection. For the first time in the history of humanity, we can hand-pick our acquaintences from a global pool based on our interests and immediate needs. This hand-picked pool surrounds us with acceptance, understanding, support, and agreement. It is available 24/7 to enhance our lives without criticism, judgement, pressure, accountability, or the need to work to maintain a healthy relationship.
But, having to sow, cultivate, and nurture relationships that are sometimes difficult to maintain seems to be lost in this new “friend/unfriend/block” social environment, and it is worrysome. What if I am not one of the hand-picked club members of someone I love? It hurts. I feel vulnerable, confused, and sad.
On a higher level, what are the social implications here? What will our planet be like in a world full of people that don’t have what it takes to work things out with one another and will simply pivot and walk away? People that have no inner strength to face relationship problems might create a squishy world of happy-thought interactions in which disagreement will shut things down without hope.
You might think that a new world like that is a positive thing, and maybe it will reduce anxiety, discord, and even violence. Maybe because of technology, future humanity will have no need for family relationships anymore because we can choose to surround ourselves with yes-people. Self-sacrifice will no longer be necessary for parents because the kid will bounce at 18 and find people he really likes. You’ll feed and water them and then turn them loose. No bond, no responsibility.
In most non-Western cultures, family is everything. Your extended family is your life, your social circle, your source of support and community. There are very strict behaviors expected of you, and anything less is shameful. So maybe this disconnect isn’t a genetic mutation. I guess we will see.