Generation Z (those who are born between 1997 and 2012) have grown up around social media and technology. Although this can be seen as a positive thing because they are better with technology, the screen time has become way too high of a problem-causing issues with social skills, and their abilities to engage in real life situations.

One of the biggest concerns is the lack of face to face communication skills. Since there are apps like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and things like Discord, many Gen Z’s learn to communicate through text or even videos. As a result of this, they are terrible at socializing. Being able to read body language, or engage in small talk is something that they are not good at doing. Studies even show that we as young people rely on texts and tend to miss out on developing intelligence from the outside world-causing an effect on building relationships.

Since this generation is so used to communicating online, it causes them stress and anxiety when it comes time to face real interactions. Their “social anxiety” has appeared to rate higher than those who are millennials or Gen X. This fear has caused there to be an overreliance on messaging. The people of this generation feel intimidated by the people that they are not used to since it requires them to think and make decisions on the spot. 

Confidence has also been a big part of this. By only being able to communicate with people online, no one has the confidence to talk to other individuals anymore. Let’s hear what our friends here at Wayne Hills have to say about this issue. Senior Lana Lacorte says, “I do agree that we are bad at socializing because most of our years developing, we spent on social media and our phones. Hidden from the outside world.” Many can agree with statistics, even the ones being a Gen Z. Now let’s hear from someone who isn’t. Teachers all around the building have said that social media affects the way students do in school. 

From things like, “This generation doesn’t have any life skills” or “They are so boring” or “They tweak out when they get told to put their phones away.” It almost becomes an addiction. When students get told to put their phones away in the phone holders, most of them can’t because of the detachment issues they have. While it is easy to criticize this generation for declining in social skills, it is important to realize how big the issue really is. Gen Z has shaped future generations that now act just like them. Instead of saying they are all “bad at socializing,” some of them are still learning how to navigate through forms of socialization. On and offline communication can help them build better relationships.