Gen Z: Ask Me Anything

What do you think are the biggest sources of anxiety for Gen Z today?

We are always tied to our devices. Boys are often addicted to video games and girls are addicted to social media. It is common for students to procrastinate on homework, and receive terrible results on exams, leaving them with disapproving parents and disappointing grades. This can also make students feel depressed and insecure, and their low self esteem might interfere with their relationships. Although this is a prevalent issue, it can be easily controlled by restricting screen time. Extracurricular activities can also eliminate their desire to be on their devices 24/7, thus contributing to academic achievements. It can also help to reduce eye strain. - Ethan Vu

Common problems include depression. This might be caused by body image issues. Social media perpetuates stereotypes about how we should look and how we need to behave. For example, influencers share extreme and dangerous diets and exorbitantly expensive clothing. Young people like us are generally quite impressionable, following ridiculous trends such trying to make their lips bigger with glass bottles or frying laundry detergent packets. We need to be aware of sensationalistic information and be critical of unsolicited advice. - Joy Nguyen

Social media plays integral part of out lives. We compare our bodies, goals and where we are in life to influencers online. Family can place a lot of pressure on you to succeed, constantlyy comparing you to others physically and academically. - Beatrice Nguyen

What brings Gen Z the greatest amount of happiness?

I watch an abundance of YouTube shorts. They are filled with witty comedy. My favourite sitcom is Brooklyn 99, particularly the character Jake for his energetic and childish nature. - Ethan Vu

Social media, family and friends. We watch funny shorts on YouTube, Tik Tok and Instagram. We message our friends about random topics and send photos with hilarious filters on Snapchat. For others who rarely visit social media platforms, family brings a sense of belonging and welfare. It is easy to make friends in real life through leisure. - Joy Nguyen

Some primary sources of joy are friends, family and hobbies. - Beatrice Nguyen

Do you have any role models?

I do not aspire to anyone, but my parents teach me a lot about life. I basically need to know how to be successful in life and how do you define are being comfortable having a nice family anything else. They taught just a good life and comfortable. My family and friends are always there for me. I have someone to talk to you every day. - Ethan Vu

I aspire to social media influences and look up to my parents. I want to be comfortable in life such as spending time with our dog Chase. - Beatrice Nguyen

Was there any news which stood out to you recently?

I don’t watch the news, I’m not that interested in other people‘s lives I’m only really interested in mine. - Ethan Vu

The girl that died from the train was really sad. - Joy Nguyen

The vape ban stood out to me. I don't think it is going to work. - Beatrice Nguyen