What shall we call “Generation Z”?

This placeholder name derives from my own cohort’s moniker: Generation X. Gen X took our name from a novel by Douglas Coupland. We see ourselves as so ironic, jaded and snarky, the only way to name us is to choose a non-name, like Malcom X did. Future generations should not be bound by this. Generation Y was quickly renamed millennials, and now it is time for Gen Z to get a permanent name.

San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge proposes to rename Gen Z as iGen, or Internet Generation, more specifically referencing Apple’s iPhone. Her research indicates a sharp, generational break occurring right around the time people became teenagers in 2014. iGen never experienced teenage or adult life without wireless, internet-capable mobile devices. Their phones and social media accounts are integral to their self-identities and their lives.

Twenge cites surveys of teenagers conducted since the mid-1970s, allowing her to compare different cohorts at the same point in life. She finds that iGen is more focused on security and more anxious than Boomers, Gen X or millennials. She also points out that they are in no hurry to act like adults, for example by learning to drive. Twenge finds that they wait longer to become sexually active but are more likely to exchange explicit images through texting and social media. This has both positive implications (fewer teen pregnancies and less transmission of STIs) and negative ones (the images can be abused by bullies). Of course, they log several hours of screen time per day, usually checking social media or playing video games.

Like many other social scientists, Twenge documents that “none” is the fastest-growing religious affiliation among iGen. Most passionately advocate full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Some churches and other faith traditions are open and affirming, but many are not. Many iGeners also reject intolerance based on race, ethnicity, ability or gender. Inclusiveness is a passion and an expectation. Twenge notes that most of their social media contacts are people they have never met in person, including people in other countries. Many are furious at older generations for doing too little about climate change.

In the classroom, I find iGen to be kind and sincere. They get impatient if they cannot see the immediate, practical value of something. This can be frustrating, particularly if parents get involved — once unimaginable at the college level, but a common scenario today. Some grew up reading entire book series (like Harry Potter); others have never finished a single book, and few are in between.

I like iGen — their kindness, their inclusion and their insistence on getting something meaningful out of every experience. Theirs will not be a generation of clock watchers, paper pushers or box checkers. Unfortunately, I have never seen such high levels of anxiety among college students. Starting well before the pandemic, they fear the future, worry too much about getting things just right and crave security. Twenge pins the blame to overreliance on smartphones and social media. I also wish our society had a healthier relationship with faith and spirituality — more awareness of options beyond evangelical and “none.”

Will iGen be able to become adults and still find the meaning, happiness and the security they crave? Their future — and ours — depends on it.

— Michael A. Smith is a professor of political science at Emporia State University.