The thirteenth week of Social Media & Society has introduced us to our last book presentation Information Wars: How We Lost the Global Battle Against Disinformation by Richard Stengel. We also watched Social Media Dependency Silicon Valley: Minimum Viable Product, discussed the overall data and influence of several different generations. Group five’s interpretation and feedback on Stengel’s book was extremely relevant to society today. The impact of disinformation from Russia and terrorist syndicates such as ISIS have plagued social media and silently influence an entire generation. Media platforms have activated a new cyber war on the web that is far from over. I believe in fact we have only scratch the surface of technologies potential but face growing threats of its abuse or misuse.

Generation Z (my generation) has several different qualities and dynamics. This generation covers the mid-to-late 1990s through the early 2010s. One quality I believe to be bestowed upon us is lust for education or knowledge. We are a generation growing and developing in uncertain times. Between the pandemic and social rights movement, we are constantly evolving and adjusting new perspectives. Another dynamic of our generation is diversity. We vary both culturally and ethnically. I believe generation Z is more accepting of diversity and equality. Generation Z is also associated with the rise of technology. Our usage of social media and constant communication over platforms is a daily occurrence. Generation Z wants authentic genuine brands as well. We engage with content and trends that interest and capture our attention. Lastly generation Z has been smothered with Covid -19. However, how we handle and continue to move through this pandemic will be our true judgment of character.

There are also negative attributes associated with this generation. Generation Z was burdened with an economic recession which may have affected families financials. We are linked to borderline obsession with social media and a much lower percentage in reading compared to prior generations. We also are known as a generation that is constantly stressed and dealing with depression. Emotions such as anxiety and panic have become problematic for individuals today. Lastly, generation Z struggles to handle serious issues around the spectrum. From mass shootings, immigration and individual acts of violence, we viewed and struggled to handle these matters. Much like Covid-19, it’s hard to blame a generation for a pandemic. However, how we confront these challenges will be a testament to our authentic behavior.

The concise Talk Space clip was moving and a reflection of social media. Strangers on the street shared their thoughts and experiences of media platforms. Some were adapting to new frontiers as others were overwhelmed with information. The Talk Space theory wants users to understand their true worth, not likes or pictures on a screen. Technology and media are great tools to expand our horizons and develop new forms of communication. However, we need to understand social media’s true potential before wrong intentions destroy beautiful inventions.

Published by: Samuel Erickson

Weekly News Article: 10 Defining Characteristics of Generation Z was published by Dave Clark on his TTI blog. This may not be a reputable source, but I believed Clark’s perspectives and insights on what truly motivates generation Z was accurate. His use of a blog to display his opinions also captured my attention and drew me in further. It’s been a pleasure Dr. Schlegel, till next time…

https://blog.ttisi.com/10-defining-characteristics-of-generation-z