Albert Camus once said that "each generation imagines it is destined to remake the world. My knows, however, that will not remake him. "But your task is perhaps greater: to prevent the world from falling apart". This reflection resonates strongly when we talk about Generation Z. Born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, this generation grew up in a context of hyperconnectivity, climate crisis and profound cultural transformations. But will she be able to reverse the decline of institutions and promote significant structural changes
Studies indicate that Generation Z already accounts for about 30% of the global population and, by 2025, will constitute approximately 27% of the global workforce. In Brazil, according to data from IBGE, young people aged 10 to 24 already total more than 47 million people, a contingent that will shape the future of the economy and society
Frequently labeled as alienated or narcissistic, Generation Z, contrary to popular belief, is deeply engaged in social issues. According to a Deloitte survey, 77% of young people in this generation claim that their main goal is to work for companies that align with their values, prioritizing causes such as sustainability, diversity and mental well-being. At the same time, 49% say they are willing to leave their jobs if they feel their mental health is not being taken seriously by their employer
This behavior reflects a growing distrust in traditional institutions. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2023 indicates that only 37% of Generation Z youth fully trust governments and large corporations. However, this same generation is willing to act through conscious consumption and digital activism, transforming your beliefs into action
One of the most striking traits of Generation Z is its relationship with technology. They grew up in a digital world, with unlimited access to information, but also suffer from the impact of this environment on mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that anxiety and depression among young people have increased by 25% since 2019, a phenomenon that many experts attribute to the pressure of social media and the culture of performance
The South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han, in "The Swarm", describe this reality as a state of continuous vigilance, where individuals become performers of themselves. This superexposure leads to an incessant search for validation, what can result in an existential void. Viktor Frankl, in "Man's Search for Meaning", I would say that this void is a call to transformation, and it is precisely this restlessness that can become a driving force for change
On one hand, Generation Z shows emotional fragility, on the other hand it also carries a potential for resilience and creativity. In a fragmented world, these young people seek alternative ways of expression and participation. The growth of movements like minimalism, the collaborative economy and digital nomadism are clear examples of how this generation is seeking new models of life, work and consumption
It is possible to say, therefore, that the recurring question "is this generation going to amount to anything?is more related to productivity and compliance expectations than to Generation Z itself. Michel Foucault, in "The Words and the Things", argue that speeches like this perpetuate forms of control, while Generation Z challenges exactly these norms. Maybe she doesn't "amount to anything" in the traditional sense, but this can be your greatest strength: to question and deconstruct obsolete patterns
The real question is not whether Generation Z is prepared for the world, but if the world is ready to understand and absorb its new dynamics. This generation does not want to just adapt; she wants to redefine the rules of the game. Remote work, the search for balance between personal and professional life and the focus on mental well-being are not whims, but real demands that are forcing structural changes
If Generation Z breaks with old patterns and shows us new paths, your greatest contribution will be to prove that true transformation begins where conformity ends
César Silva is the President Director of the Technology Support Foundation (FAT) and a lecturer at the São Paulo College of Technology – FATEC-SP for over 30 years. He was the deputy superintendent of the Paula Souza Center. He has a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Project Management, Organizational Processes and Information Systems
