When
my mother, a member of the Silent Generation, was dying, she told me that she
was the best mother she knew, because she raised two such strong and
independent children. As a Baby Boomer,
I was also raised in an era of hope, when we all believed we could have a coke
and teach the world to sing in harmony.
We also believed in free speech.
That's
why the recent controversies over free speech on college campuses caught me off
guard.
But
when you think about it, the defining childhood event of Gen Z was 9/11. And, it's easy to see why this led to
helicopter parenting and a generation for whom safety is a priority.
Based on
her research, Dr. Twenge of San Diego State University notes that Gen Z's are
more risk adverse than were previous generations; perhaps because they are more
aware of their own mortality. And
because their world revolves around social media they have learned that words matter,
and that every social interaction carries the risk of being hurt. So, opposing viewpoints must be shut down
because merely hearing them can cause harm. (Twenge, 2017)
Assuming
that is true, it poses huge challenges in terms of persuasion. How can you persuade someone to change their
mind if they won't even listen to you?
So,
what do you think? Do you agree that Gen
Z has been raised with fear? Has it
impacted their ability to entertain alternative points of view? And if so, is there a way to get past it and
connect so that we can begin to find common ground again? Which of Robert Cialdini's principles might apply?
Twenge,
J. (2017, September 1) The Smartphone
Generation Vs. Free Speech. wsj.com.
Retrieved September 20, 2017, from
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-smartphone-generation-vs-free-speech-1504274890?mg=prod/accounts-wsj
17 comments:
Interesting article: I think Gen Z because they were born during the era of 9/11 terror attacks and are not used to the relative peace that the world experienced before their birth may be more risk adverse than the generations before them. They lived through the recession of 2008 and had seen or heard about people losing their jobs, cars, and homes. Some of them may have experienced this with their parents so unlike millennials this group of youth is not willing to spend money at a wimp. I don’t think to agree that they do not believe that they are afraid to protest I believe they have found different ways of protesting or getting their opinion. I believe that social media is where they express their feeling towards world issues. I think they have very different objectives and are super competitive. Gen Z doesn’t have time for all the fluff preferring down-to-earth pragmatism. We just have to figure out a different way of reaching Gen Z.
I think because Gen Z has watched Paris, Brussels, London, more and more cities being attacked by ISIS. Gen Z has watched as guns, gender, sexuality, religion, and economic status has become a sensitive subject. This generation has become desensitized by all the events they have seen and pushed for tolerance and acceptance at all cost.
If we were trying to persuade Gen Z to be apart of a movement or sell them products the best way to use Cialdini's principles is to use authority. Gen Z is skeptical of the truthfulness of the reviews provided on Internet portals. They’re more apt to trust the opinions of friends and family acquainted.
Gen Z is a generation people who born after 1995. I agree with that Gen Z has been raised with fear. Fear comes from their parent because their parents really want to make sure their safety. After few years of Gen Z’ birth, the September 11 attack happened. In my personal opinion, Gen Z is the generation too protected by their parents. They are raised in a small family and their parents will provide them the best growth conditions as they can. And also ensure their security. Therefore, Gen Z always stay in a safe environment. In the meanwhile, Gen Z generation also known as the smart phone generation. They use smartphone to connect with the society, solve problems and communicates with others. They really want to keep the safe environment online as they do in real life. That’s what Gen z called “emotional safety”. If they focus too much on “emotional safety”, it will impact their ability to entertain alternative points of view. The best way to solve the problem is do not focus on their cellphone too much.
Everyone one has their right to give free speech. If you can't accept you can choose to not to listen to it.
Jinjin Lu
It might be true that Gen Z are raised with fear, nevertheless, I do think that all generations are raised with all kinds of fear. I think the reason that Gen Z is more risk adverse than the other generations is that they get to know more through the internet. Nowadays it is quite conventional for someone to obtain news from all over the world. Following this logic, I think Gen Z also do protesting like other generations; however, they do it through where they obtain most of their news, which is internet. They express their opinions and thought with social medias, such as twitter, facebook. Some of them might be doing that anonymously since they are more risk adverse. So I think one good method to persuade Gen Z is through internet.
Growing up, in San Diego, CA I definitely felt like I was raised in a bubble. I was aware of the security issues of the world, terrorism was always on the news, but I never felt unsafe. Again, because of the city and area I grew up in. However, now living in New York City a highly alert and targeted city - I feel the fear more than ever. So I agree to an extent that us Gen Zers grew up with fear and therefore are more cautious of what we do and especially what we post on social media. With the recent data hacks and the shift in the digital landscape I can say that these events have altered my decision making process. I’m more likely to think of consequences than say my dad is when sharing information. I would argue though that we are no less persuaded than our generations before. We are able to call bullsh*t however. Therefore brands need to be “consistent”, have “authority”, and “liking” to be able to be successful with our generation.
First of all, I think all people have different kinds of fear. For example, my parents have fear of losing jobs, and my grandparents have fear of death. When I was a kid, my parents often told that I cannot eat stranger's candy and I should back to home as soon as the classes are over. For me, who is counted as Gen Z, fear of the society is mostly from old generation's education. In another word, they concern too much about my safety. Gen Z's daily life is limited since all their behaviors are under elder generations' supervision.
But Gen Z are more familiar with technology than their parents, so they usually spend a lot of time texting friends and posting photos via social medias such as Facebook and Instagram. I don't know whether other Gen Z do the same thing with me, but I always block my partents when I post something on social media since they will "offically" comment to me and strictly judge my behavior if they see it. Honestly, the network is a great platform for Gen Z to express their thought, but they have to watch their language in order to avoid the cyber bullying or be harmed. Gen Z definitely have the right of free speech, but in lots of time, they will surmise the result after saying that. And sometimes they choose to be silent since it's the safest way to keep harm from them.
Shixiong Yang
Being born in 1996 is interesting for me because I'm on the cusp of the Millennial generation as well as Generation Z. One of my earliest childhood memories was, in fact, 9/11. I was in Kindergarten sitting next to my friend Carly who lost her father and uncle that day. My home on Long Island roughly 45 minutes outside of the city smelled like smoke for days to come. This is one of my most powerful memories. Being New Yorker, there has always been an awareness that nothing is forever, especially since 9/11. Relating back to the post - I do think that younger generations have an issue with hearing opposing points of view which could definitely be linked to increased social media use. However, all generations I've noticed are shifting as well. With the most recent election, it was very clear that if you didn't think one thing, you were just wrong. This was disappointing for me to see. I think we all have a lot of learn. For example, a "like" on a facebook post from a friend should not validate anything. I am a strong believer that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Social media has led to everyone wanted to conform to the crowd. I think that with all of the over sharing - people just not forget to simply be kind.
Generation Z are raised with fear not only because they had earliest childhood memory of 9/11, but also because they now have access to latest news very easily. They are active users of social media, and because of the advanced development of news and Internet, people get information about what is going on around the world very quickly. Horrible news scares teenagers and their parents. Sometimes people’s fear arises from knowing too much about the truth and bad things. Also, generation Z has fear because they receive much love from their parents. Personally, I am the only child in my family and have never left my parents before studying abroad in America. My mother is worried about my safety condition all the time and plays close attention to the news. She always sends me the latest news about things happened on international students. I understand that she wants me to be more vigilant, but I have to admit that reading those news really increases my fear.
Siqi Xu
Hi class! Happy Tuesday. Hope all is well!
Prior to reading Professor Lehrer’s post, I had really never given much thought to this topic, perhaps because I have never heard this to be true. Thus, I researched a little on my own and found Alex Ellison’s article, “Gen Z Sensibility,” in The Synapse. Ellison first defines Generation Z: “Generation Z, which is made up of kids born between roughly 1996-2010, is characterized as much more pragmatic, tech-oriented, and realistic” (Ellison). She continues, “…Gen Z’s pragmatism really stands out. This can likely be attributed to the economic downturn and terrorism they were born into. According to a New York Times article, Gen Z’s more risk-averse behavior makes sense given the environment they were raised in. the article points out that these kids were raised in the wake of 9/11. This “Homeland Generation” has been enveloped in safety and security; fear and metaphorical caution tape contained them and kept them safe and sensible” (Ellison).
This makes sense, but I still, partially question its validity. As a Generation Z myself, I wonder what means led to this conclusion. Where are the hard facts? The data? How was this tested? I say this because as Shixiong comments, “I think all people have different kinds of fear” (See Post). I am having a hard time relating to this post because I am not fully convinced it is true. Perhaps if I see more data, I may think otherwise. What do you all think?
With regard to Robert Cialdini’s principles, it seems that “consensus” supports the ideas of Professor Lehrer and Alex Ellison. Especially when uncertain, people will always look to the actions of others.
Would love to hear your thoughts! See you all tonight.
Best,
Grace
Ellison, Alex. “Gen Z Sensibility – The Synapse – Medium.” Medium, The Synapse, 8 August 2016. .
Being from Generation Z I can actually say that I feel like my parents, compared to those of my friends did not raise me with the notion of fear. As it has been mentioned multiple times, the events of 9/11 is considered one of the defining moments in my generation. It will always be one of the memories that I will always recall because of all the commotion that went on. We live in a world where technology and social media are used to try and lure younger kids into doing the wrong things. Parents monitor everything that their kids are doing and rightfully so because of the fact that there are people out there looking to harm them.
Gen Z’s point of view has definitely been impacted but I don’t think to the extent of not being able to at least entertain a different point of view. However, it is much harder for them to “accept” someone’s point of view as the correct one. Social media might be one of the reason as to why we are that way. In order to persuade us to change our minds you have to have good evidence and always keep in mind that we will always question everything we are told because of the fact that we can be skeptical about many things. Cialdini’s principle that would apply to use because of how we are is authority, as familiar faces help us become more open-minded about things and display a level of comfort with someone we know.
I actually don't agree that Gen Z has been imbued with fear and has a tendency to clamp down on alternative points of view. Conversely, this technology and social media empowered generation, (born between '96-'10) is more inclined than any generation before it to be receptive to hearing a multitude of POV's from all points along the political and ideological spectrums. For these young adults, the Internet was part of their everyday lives and they were immersed with its transformative and playing-field leveling power from an early age. They witnessed the rise of social media and adopted it with open arms. The WSJ article speaks of a tendency toward "safe spaces" and pushback against speakers on college campuses, but more often than not, those speakers are quite often political firebrands known for being controversial if not downright offensive (i.e. Ann Coulter). It's also, in this writers opinion, a predominant fact that universities are quite often liberal enclaves where the student populace would have an aversion to right wing speakers. There are downsides to Gen Z's total immersion in the social sphere. Social media tends to create an echo chamber of like-minded voices. Cialdini's principal of Social Proof says that we "tend to have more trust in things that are popular or endorsed by people that we trust." Additionally, cyberbullying is a growing problem. According to a 2014 study by the National Crime Prevention Council, 43% of young adults report that they've been bullied online. It would seem Gen Z's perception of themselves and the world around them is fraught with many contrasting and often confusing influences.
https://gettinggenz.com/2016/12/20/gen-z-unplugged-cyber-bullying/
https://www.referralcandy.com/blog/persuasion-marketing-examples/
I think many generation Z are raised with fear since their parents always want to keep them safe from all the harm. Their parents are the definition of helicopter parents. That's why it's hard for them to accept opposite point of view, especially in universities. I always think that they need to check their facts and logic of their opinions about certain issues. After that, they can't stop the voice from the other side and they need to stop being so politically correct. At last, they need to understand that their feeling isn't safe in universities, they will be challenge, and they can't just shut down the voice from the opposition.
Yucheng Wu
I also agree the Gen Z is raised with fear. There are some reasons that I thought why they are naturally raise with excessive care by their parents. First, the Gen Z experience 9/11 when they are young. At that time, their parents vividly remembered and they regarded their children safe as the priority.
Second I think the most influential element is tremendous information through online. Especially, Social media is one of the important part for Gen Z’s life routine. They use the SNS wherever they go, and they are used to it. However, there are a lot of unreliable information in the internet and SNS which ruin and threat Gen Z. Furthermore, this unreliable information effect to Gen Z’s point of view too. It makes Gen Z’s can get skewed perception toward the society. So I think Gen Z’s need to raise their ability to distinguish right or wrong.
I do not think gen Z has been necessarily raised with fear. We are aware and receptive but not perpetually afraid. Our mass media has always functioned off of fear, that is how it keeps people interested. Although now through the internet and social media it is more widespread than the days of the printing press and snail mail, none the less the core idea of circulating information remains the same. We are a generation of realists but we also seem to find ourselves to be untouchable as we have seen the effects of communicating online without repercussion. Our behavior is merely a product of our modern times and environment. We have seen the fear and reactions to it increase such as the changes in airport security or the amount of police as protests or festivals but many of the political and social fears branch back further than our own generation. Despite fear, we are able to understand and critically think about alternate perspectives and points of view. Finding a common ground will come from being reliable and truthful. We are able to sense inauthenticity so typically if a brand takes an approach that is genuine we will be more interested, rather than them telling us what they think we want to hear.
How much fear a person feels depends on the distance between a person and the fear. In other words, a person does not really feel the true fear until he or she witnesses or experiences it, or simply is surrounded by it. For example, when 9/11 happened, I was in China. I felt fear about this catastrophe when I heard it from my parents, but the fear didn’t linger, maybe because I was still too young and felt it so far away from me at the time. This fear was nothing compared to my aunt’s when she was working in Manhattan and heard the tremendous sound from the explosion. And I believe my fear was also much different from Alexandra’s when she witnessed the tragedy happened to her Kindergarten friend.
However, digital technology has drawn the distance closer and closer between Gen Z (the heavy users of digital technology) and fear. Digital technology is a double-edged sword. Nowadays, humans are somehow “forced” to be exposed in different kinds of fear because of the easy access of the information. And human nature draws people more into the focus of bad news and negativity. In addition, social media has magnified the effect of fear. Interestingly, Siqi says she feels more fear because her mother keeps sending her unfortunate news happened to international students. It is true that the degree of feeling does increase when people are doing or be exposed to some iterative activities within time frame. Imagine person A reads a piece of frightening news from newspaper in the morning, then A continues to see the news covered on the TV, Facebook, and Instagram, etc. Then curiosity draws A into reading more details about the matter, maybe with the aid of videos and photographs. Of course this might be a radical example.
It is a fact that digital technology has completely changed people’s lifestyles and I believe it will continue to have larger impact on humans’ lives in the future. And it is impossible to escape from it. To majority of the people, the gregarious species, external environment does have different levels of impact on the human development. Sometimes it might be hard to change this external environmental impact, but I believe education from school and family plays an important role in directing and instructing our young generation Z. Although it is quite a challenge, it is a good opportunity to reform the education system on the subjects such as how to make digital technology to better serve our lives, how to examine the relationship between selves and the world, and how to build a strong sense of security and inner strength. The more you know about the world, the more you realize that’s just how the world works. However, another thought, is it possible that people will eventually tend to be indifferent towards fear if they are exposed to it frequently?
At last, I think the combination of principle of liking and social proof would work for Gen Z. The underlying theory of the principle of liking lies on the similarities among individuals. And who shares the most connection with them? Their peers. The principle of social proof “uses peer power whenever available”. Also, empathy can be used as an emotional weapon by understanding their vulnerability and insecurity in persuading Gen Z.
I do believe that Gen Z is “addicted” to social media since they grew up with it. It became part of their lifestyle, rather than just mere entertainment. Smartphones and social media have proved to be a necessity and a significant part in their daily lives. Due of this devices they can acquire information quickly, making them aware of the “bad news” happening since that’s what most newspapers make profit from. So, I can understand their hesitance of security and trust. In addition, “Growing up in an uncertain world, and being raised by gen X parents whose own prospects seemed stunted by less exuberant times, gen Z is drawn to safety” (Scott,2016). However, I do believe that there is some generalisation in this generation characteristics. I believe their reaction towards “emotional injury” is also part of each individual’s personality type.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/causeintegration/2016/11/28/get-ready-for-generation-z/#56c0b7082204
Towards the end of the millennial generation and beginning of Gen Z, we grew up with a general fear of our home being attacked. Being born in 1996, I am a millennial and I remember 9/11 clearly. Waiting for my father to come home because he worked a few blocks away from the towers, watching the footage of the planes crashing into the towers over and over again instilled a something in me that I did not understand at my young age. It was fear for the safety of my family and friends. Even though, I am not a part of Gen Z, I still feel the effect caused by this event. I do believe that the presence of Social Media has had many negative effects in the sense that people can so easily negative. I believe that Gen Z is stubborn in their beliefs, not wanting to change their point of view when it comes to certain ideas.
Ammana Elley
I think Millennial are right next to gen Z when it comes to silencing the people who disagree with them. In my opinion it has little to do with being raised in fear and a lot to do with being raised in a bubble. A lot of parents shelter their kids from everything that can hurt them including words. While I believe parents do that out of love, I’m not so sure if it benefits the kids.
Both millennials and genZ’s have a hard time dealing with different opinions and finding common ground with others. In recent years, we have heard countless stories about college kids rioting to shut down public speakers, or to get a faculty member fired because they did not like what she had to say.
Unfortunately the suppression of free speech by youngsters (including both gen Z and millennial) has a negative impact on our higher education. Professors have to be careful how they address recent events, because if their tong slips they might “offend” someone and lose their jobs. While I don’t think professor should ever verbally assault a student for any reason, they should be able to express their professional option regarding recent events.
In my opinion a university should be place where students can engage in educated arguments, openly discuss their opinions and challenge the status quo. However Gen Zs and millenials don’t show interest in open discussions and hear opinions different from their own.
Adam
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