For Gen Z, the biggest frustration is being judged by familiar stereotypes. They feel their choices are often seen as signs of indecision rather than a willingness to explore new paths.
‘We’re more willing to question what came before us’ 19-year-old Jonathan Mathew feels this openness is often misunderstood as being easily offended. For me, working hard doesn’t mean being available 24/7,” says Devanshi Bagri, a marketing & business development professional.
He says, “I definitely think we’re more vocal. Older generations often felt that speaking up would only create problems. We think problems need to be addressed, and that’s why we speak up. I think that’s also why they feel we are more easily offended. Growing up with smartphones has made technology central to Gen Z’s lives. But they do not necessarily see their reliance on phones as a sign that they value screens over people. ‘We want ambition without burnout’ The idea of work-life balance is central to how many Gen Z professionals view ambition. They do not see boundaries as a lack of commitment. Instead, they want their careers to coexist with their personal lives. “My friends and I talk about how we’re perceived, and the narrative that ‘Gen Z is lazy, impatient, and entitled’ often comes up. We’re willing to work hard, but we also question what we’re working for. We want growth and ambition, but also a life outside work.
Kashish Jain, a 21-year-old marketing & brand partnerships professional, shares, “People hold this notion that Gen Z is laid-back, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Surabhi Kumar, a 24-year-old working professional, believes the pressure on young people is often overlooked. We don’t always meet so many people face-to-face, but we can connect with them online,” says Nikhil Jayasanker, 20, a student.
Personally, I feel our ability to take risks has increased drastically compared with previous generations,” says Shaurya Rautela, a student at St Xavier’s College. We are hardworking, prefer being straightforward and are quite articulate,” she says. “Who said we don’t work hard? We also make time for self-care and look after our physical and mental well-being so we can stay healthy and productive,” she says. I’m all for meeting people through apps, but the real challenge is getting past the ‘swipe culture’ and actually taking the time to know someone,” says Harshita Sachdev. Previous generations often followed what their parents told them. We are much more informed in that sense,” says Harshita.
Gen Z has been called many things – entitled, distracted, sensitive, ambitious, self-obsessed and digitally addicted. But how often do they get to define themselves? We asked young people what they wish other generations understood about them. Their answers challenge some of the labels they have grown used to. For Gen Z, the biggest frustration is being judged by familiar stereotypes. They feel their choices are often seen as signs of indecision rather than a willingness to explore new paths. “I feel people see Gen Z as fickle-minded. Back then, people followed a linear career path and were less likely to take risks. We work, learn, and balance. We understand the competition in the market and upskill ourselves accordingly. With more opportunities comes more responsibility and accountability. ‘We want real connections’ Dating apps have changed how young people meet, but not what they want: companionship, comfort, and genuine connection remain the goal. “Dating apps have definitely changed how we meet people, but I don’t think they’ve changed what most people ultimately want. At the end of the day, people still want a genuine connection, someone they can laugh with and feel comfortable around. For some people, dating platforms are simply another way to build friendships. “You don’t have to fall in love or date someone. You can meet people platonically and become friends. These platforms are a way to connect with people you are genuinely interested in. ‘Our phones are tools, not our whole lives’ While smartphones are central to Gen Z’s lives, they don’t view their phone use as prioritizing screens over real-life connections. “We were born in a digital era and, by the time I was an adolescent, smart gadgets had become the norm. We are more connected digitally compared with previous generations, and that also gives us access to information and helps us understand many things better. Mirelle Pereira, a student at St Andrew’s College, agrees and adds, “I think our phones are a really big part of our lives, but I wouldn’t say we have a better relationship with our phones than with people. We use them for basically everything – talking to friends, studying, watching things, and keeping up with what’s happening. I don’t think phones are necessarily bad. It’s more about knowing when to put them down. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.
For instance, people say we cannot commit to one career like earlier generations did. What people don’t see is the pressure Gen Z faces today.
