By Parvi Anand
I’m always skeptical when I read an article or listen to a podcast that makes statements about my generation because oftentimes its declarations and pronouncements are generic or stereotypical or oversimplified. So when Mr. Newman suggested I check out this Plain English podcast titled “How Gen Z Sees the World,” I was cautiously curious, but I actually feverishly took notes.
Plain English podcast is by Derek Thompson and in this episode he features Kyla Scanlon, a 27-year-old financial commentator on TikTok, Instagram, and Substack. Her research and journalism have been featured in the New York Times and federal economic reports.
After reflecting on the key ideas, I thought I’d run them by the Lovett students for some perspectives. Here are some of the big takeaways from the podcast, and my thoughts on how they reflect the unique challenges facing our generation.
Gen Z is often seen as the first generation where traditional adult milestones—like marriage, owning a home, and having a stable career—feel out of reach. Unlike past generations, we’re delaying these things not by choice but because of economic and social changes. The podcast mentions how we don’t feel pressured to “grow up” the way previous generations did, and I can relate. Yes I’m 17 and live with my parents, and while I know becoming independent is challenging, it doesn’t bother me as much. But it does make me wonder: Is this a generational thing, or is it because of the instability around us?
Some Lovett students share this sentiment. When asked if they feel pressure to achieve traditional goals like marriage, homeownership, or a stable job, Julia Threlkeld said, “Yes, to the job thing, obviously. There’s a stigma that you have to make money to be happy. The marital thing—I don’t feel pressured, but I’m going to choose careers before I depend on a person.” Lauren Snugg added, “I definitely think about careers, not a house or marriage. It isn’t in my mind often.”
One key idea from the podcast was how technology shapes our lives. Smartphones, especially, aren’t just tools for us—they create an entire environment. Our social lives are mostly shaped by social media, which the podcast calls a “forcing function,” meaning we can’t escape it. It leaves many of us feeling trapped. Another idea discussed was the “algorithmic self,” which refers to how many of us find and shape our identities online. For some, this online identity can feel just as real as their physical one.
Lovett students also reflect on this impact. “I think for any teenager, you’re going to compare yourself to others,” Julia said. “But sometimes, I need to tell myself not everything on social media is the truth.”
The podcast also breaks down how different groups of Gen Z view technology:
- Gen Z 1.0: Views technology as just a tool, not a way of life.
- Gen Z 1.5: Recognizes the power of technology but keeps some distance from it.
- Gen Z 2.0: Grew up with social media and AI and struggles to separate the digital world from real life.
Many Lovett students fit into Gen Z 1.5 or 2.0 since technology is so deeply tied to our social lives, learning, and entertainment. But while tech has shaped us, it’s also contributed to mental health struggles. Anxiety is higher among Gen Z than previous generations, largely because of smartphones, the COVID pandemic, and economic instability. The pressure to maintain a curated online image only adds to this stress. “It feels like you’re doing it for other people instead of yourself,” Julia said.
Another concept discussed was “Financial Nihilism,” which describes how our generation is approaching financial milestones. With homeownership and career stability feeling out of reach, many of us are turning to alternative financial paths like cryptocurrency or sports gambling. This “FAFOnomics (Eff Around and Find Out Economics” approach reflects how some of us are navigating an unpredictable future.
Housing is a major source of financial stress. “I hear my parents talk about it a lot,” Julia said. “It’s a little daunting to think that’s the world we are going into next. It’s scary because I’m not going to be supported by my parents.” Lauren, however, said, “I try not to think about it because I don’t want to worry about that right now.”
The podcast also talked about the “attention economy.” In today’s digital world, attention has become a form of currency. Figures like Mr. Beast have turned content creation into a numbers game, where success is measured by how much attention you get, not how hard you work. Lauren disagreed with this mindset, saying, “I think 100 percent it’s hard work because being an influencer is about how well people receive you, and it’s not definite.”
Despite all this chaos, Gen Z seems to prioritize self-care over traditional relationship expectations. We date less—only 56% of Gen Z has been in a relationship in their teens or early 20s, compared to 70% of Gen X and Baby Boomers. Julia expressed her personal feelings, saying, “I feel like it depends from person to person, but I think it will always be myself. The idea of starting a family grosses me out.” Lauren added, “Right now, yes, I’m 16, but I haven’t thought about it because it isn’t really present in my life right now.”
With all these shifts, are we redefining what it means to “grow up”? Julia thinks so: “For sure, because you see 10- and 11-year-olds who force themselves to act older when they should just enjoy their childhood.” Lauren gave a specific example, saying, “A 10-year-old Sephora kid doing GRWMs and asking for makeup and skincare. It’s not that they can’t wear it, but they’re trying to just be older.”
In short, the future feels uncertain for Gen Z. We’re navigating a world that feels out of our control, filled with questions about our careers, jobs, and even our identity. This uncertainty might actually help us become more resilient. As the podcast suggests, our generation has the chance to find new ways to adapt, carve our own paths, and redefine what growing up means.
So, Lovett students, what do you think? Do these changes feel personal to you, or do they seem far away? Is this just the water we’re swimming in and we don’t know anything different? With so much shifting going on around us, it might be worth thinking aboout.
