Gen Z is considered one of the most prominent generations that grew up amidst unprecedented technological and cultural transformations. They were born in the era of accelerated globalization and digitization, making them more connected to technology and more open to the outside world.
However, this generation faces complex challenges, ranging from the pressure to adapt to rapid changes to the loss of traditional identity in the face of the overwhelming culture of globalization.
Between those who view them as pioneers of change and creativity, and others who see them as victims of market policies and global culture, Gen Z stands at a crossroads. This necessitates a deep understanding of their actual role in building the future. Are they the leaders of the next transformation, or has globalization placed them in a vulnerable position as passive recipients?
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Who is Gen Z?
Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012. This generation, raised in a digital environment from childhood, is the first not to know a world without the internet or smartphones. As a result, they are highly adept with modern technologies. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company in 2020, Gen Z constitutes the majority of Africa's population and is expected to make up a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region’s population by 2025. In Canada, this generation represents 17.6% of the population, while in the U.S., they made up about a quarter of the population as of 2015.
By 2030, Gen Z is expected to constitute one-third of the global workforce, with consumer spending reaching $3 trillion. They are also 2.5% more efficient than millennials and 8% more efficient than Generation X. This generation tends to favor companies with environmental and social visions, as studies show that 73% of them prefer purchasing from companies that support environmental causes and contribute to innovation.
Additionally, Gen Z has grown up in a world dramatically altered by globalization, where cultures have intertwined, and markets have merged globally. They not only witnessed the digital revolution but also experienced the deep transformations brought about by globalization in communication, work, and education. In this interconnected environment, information has become available around the clock, giving Gen Z unprecedented opportunities to interact with various cultures. However, globalization has also introduced new challenges regarding identity and adapting to rapid changes in economic and cultural fields.
Gen Z and the Digital Revolution
Gen Z’s life has been intertwined with the internet and social media since their early years, making technology an integral part of their personality and thinking. Their relationship with technology has evolved to the extent that many of their daily activities, from learning and entertainment to work and social interaction, depend entirely on digital tools.
Technology has allowed this generation to access diverse sources of information and education, making them more independent in acquiring knowledge and forming opinions. It has also shaped their interests, giving them the freedom to choose what they follow and learn based on their individual preferences, away from the influence of traditional media.
For Gen Z, their digital identity is not just an extension of their real-life identity; sometimes, it holds even greater significance. They have grown up with virtual identities, allowing them to express themselves freely and form their own communities on digital platforms. This has given them more space for self-expression and social interaction. However, this close attachment to technology has also created challenges related to privacy, identity, and psychological stability.
The Struggle Between Identity and Integration
Globalization has had a negative impact on the cultural identity of Gen Z. It has led to a decline in cultural particularities and the dismantling of deeply rooted values and traditions in Islamic societies. Globalization has opened doors to the influx of ideas and practices from around the world, with Western cultures infiltrating traditional Islamic identity. This has resulted in the fragmentation of identity and the erosion of many values that form important pillars of the moral and social structure of this generation.
Music, movies, fashion, and Western philosophical ideas have become easily accessible, allowing Gen Z to adopt lifestyles and behaviors that do not necessarily align with Islamic culture. While globalization is often promoted as increasing openness and diversity, in reality, it immerses young people in a quagmire of mixed identities, leading to the erosion of loyalty to authentic Islamic identity and encouraging the adoption of lifestyles detached from local values and principles.
Globalization has deepened the psychological struggle for this generation between preserving their Islamic identity and being drawn toward globalization and its values. Many members of Gen Z often feel torn between their commitment to the customs and traditions of their Islamic nation and their attraction to the values of globalization, which encourage individualism and a departure from collective values and ethical principles. This conflict is clearly reflected in their attitudes toward issues of identity and culture, as many find themselves at a crossroads between adopting superficial Western values and holding on to their faith-based roots.
Some members of this generation face pressure from their families and communities to preserve their Islamic traditions, which serve as a fortress against moral collapse. However, they also feel that these values restrict their personal freedom and conflict with the material modernity offered by globalization. Studies indicate that this internal conflict can lead to a loss of belonging and a sense of being torn between Islamic identity and the values of globalization. Hence, there is a need to reinforce Islamic values and activate the role of religious and cultural institutions to help Gen Z resist these cultural challenges that threaten the stability of their Islamic identity.
Globalization has shown a profound impact on the identity of Gen Z, causing a fluctuation between holding on to Islamic origins and being influenced by global cultures. Facing this challenge requires enhancing awareness of Islamic identity and re-establishing religious values, which will protect future generations from drifting into cultural dependence
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Ahmad, & Omar Abduljabbar Mohammed. (2023). "Generation Z: A New Social Segment with New Characteristics and New Theoretical and Methodological Challenges." Journal of the Future of Social Sciences, 12(1), 85-95.
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