Beyond The Labels: Understanding Gen Z | Nguyen Bao Ngoc Le | TEDxYouth@TranPhuGiftedHighSchool

Challenges Faced by Generation Z

• Gen Z, also known as "Zoomers," faces unique challenges that impact their mental well-being.
• They are the first generation of digital natives, shaped by rapid technological advancements like smartphones and artificial intelligence.
• Economic challenges, including global financial crises and a slow post-pandemic recovery, have affected job markets, housing prices, and savings.
• Traditional advice on education and career may not apply due to rising educational costs, employment difficulties, and housing crises.
• Social comparison, exacerbated by constant exposure to idealized content on social media, creates pressure to succeed and maintain a perfect image.

Mental Health Impact

• Gen Z experiences significant mental health issues, with many reporting anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
• Digitalization, social comparison, lack of purpose, and loneliness contribute to these mental health struggles.

Generational Understanding

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the specific struggles of each generation rather than comparing them.
• Open dialogue and understanding are encouraged instead of generational hate and labeling.

Gen Z's Resilience

• Gen Z is described as the "unafraid generation" for their willingness to discuss mental health and build support systems.
• Their anxiety is attributed to their desire for healing and progress.
• Gen Z is portrayed as a generation that questions, fights for what is right, and seeks to shape the world.

Call for Support

• The speaker concludes by urging other generations to support and acknowledge Gen Z's efforts to navigate life and create positive change.