Off topic Current events thread

AzIllini

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Apr 26, 2003
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I looked up Gen Z (1997-2012) and here is how Google's AI summarized it. My children are millennials but particularly the younger one and his wife also fit this description. It is a big opportunity for the Republicans to lock in these voters but I think Vance would do much better here than Trump. It is an interesting challenge for the Republicans as VP's are usually kept in the background and not many seem to get elected. The midterms are less than a year away. (ps. The current visa policy has to be a big loser with these voters.)

Key characteristics:
  • Digital natives:
    This generation has grown up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, which fundamentally shapes how they communicate, work, and consume information.
  • Tech-savvy:
    They are comfortable with technology and often use it for everything from work and shopping to connecting with friends and getting news.
  • Mentally health-conscious:
    Gen Z places a high priority on mental well-being and is more open about discussing mental health issues.
  • Values-driven:
    They are passionate about social justice, equality, and inclusivity, and want to work for companies with a strong sense of mission and purpose.
  • Pragmatic and financially focused:
    Growing up during economic instability has made them pragmatic and fiscally conservative, with a keen interest in saving and investing.
  • Entrepreneurial:
    They are often self-driven and adaptive, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Diverse:
    Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date.
 
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Uncoach

All-American
Dec 8, 2011
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I looked up Gen Z (1997-2012) and here is how Google's AI summarized it. My children are millennials but particularly the younger one and his wife also fit this description. It is a big opportunity for the Republicans to lock in these voters but I think Vance would do much better here than Trump. It is an interesting challenge for the Republicans as VP's are usually kept in the background and not many seem to get elected. The midterms are less than a year away. (ps. The current visa policy has to be a big loser with these voters.)

Key characteristics:
  • Digital natives:
    This generation has grown up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, which fundamentally shapes how they communicate, work, and consume information.
  • Tech-savvy:
    They are comfortable with technology and often use it for everything from work and shopping to connecting with friends and getting news.
  • Mentally health-conscious:
    Gen Z places a high priority on mental well-being and is more open about discussing mental health issues.
  • Values-driven:
    They are passionate about social justice, equality, and inclusivity, and want to work for companies with a strong sense of mission and purpose.
  • Pragmatic and financially focused:
    Growing up during economic instability has made them pragmatic and fiscally conservative, with a keen interest in saving and investing.
  • Entrepreneurial:
    They are often self-driven and adaptive, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Diverse:
    Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date.
What specifically did you ask? I use Grok.

Gen Z (born roughly 1997–2012) is the first generation raised entirely in the digital age—smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity shaped their worldview from the start. Here’s a concise breakdown:

Core Traits
  • Tech-Native: Fluent in TikTok, Instagram, and AI tools; they treat the internet as an extension of self.
  • Pragmatic & Anxious: Grew up amid 2008 recession, climate crises, pandemics, and school shootings—leading to high rates of mental health awareness (but also burnout).
  • Values-Driven: Prioritize authenticity, diversity, sustainability, and social justice; skeptical of institutions (corporations, government, traditional media).
  • Entrepreneurial: Side-hustles, creator economy, and “quiet quitting” reflect a rejection of boomer-era loyalty for work-life balance.
Cultural Impact
  • Memes & Irony: Communication via reaction GIFs, slang (“sus,” “no cap,” “slay”), and dark humor as coping.
  • Activism 2.0: Sparked movements like #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and climate strikes—often online-first.
  • Aesthetic Shifts: Y2K revival, indie sleaze, “clean girl” minimalism; music leans hyperpop, alt-rap, and bedroom pop (Olivia Rodrigo, Ice Spice).
Challenges
  • Economic Headwinds: Student debt, housing unaffordability, gig economy instability—many live with parents longer.
  • Doomscrolling Culture: FOMO + algorithm anxiety; 1 in 3 report serious mental health struggles.
  • Polarization: Split between hyper-progressive “woke” ideals and a growing reactionary backlash (e.g., “deinfluencing,” trad revival).
Bright Spots
  • Innovation: Leading in AI adoption, fintech (crypto/NFTs), and sustainable tech.
  • Humor as Resistance: Absurdity (e.g., “OK boomer”) diffuses tension.
  • Global Mindset: Cross-cultural collabs and empathy via global memes.
In 2025, Gen Z is entering full adulthood—voting en masse, reshaping workplaces, and forcing brands to ditch performative activism for real change. They’re not “lazy”; they’re redefining success on their terms.
 

Uncoach

All-American
Dec 8, 2011
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@AzIllini it appears you have grandkids that are Gen Z. My kids are all Gen Z. I was curious what the difference would be between Google’s AI and Grok. There are some differences of interest.
 

BigWill

Heisman
Jul 25, 2001
52,934
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Parents make their kids take challenging courses in high school ! Don't leave it up to the Guidance Dept.

Matt was slated to take shop/woodworking as Senior. That made me traipse into the GD and sign him up for AP Economics.
He got a B and had that to help him into first semester.

Grandson # 4 is Math Savant is AP Computers as a Junior, by invitation only at his HS.

Granddaughter # 2 had 4.3 GPA in HS. 1/2 Academic 1/2 Sandy Hook Foundation $ for as long as she remains at UCONN for her NP Degree.

Grandson # 1 about to graduate College after 4 yrs USMC and then 4 yrs GI Bill, Civil Engineering Major, FIRST JOB interview, offered job $100,000 + , Texass 2 years then anywhere in the World the Co has an office !
 
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ILisBest

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Jun 16, 2007
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Even Stephen A gets it.

 
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