Generation Z is a strong generation that has made an effort toward creating a more politically and philosophically fair society. Social justice encompasses a wide range of issues including fighting against economic inequality, health inequality and racial injustice, discrimination and violence. Gen Z has proven time and time again that its voice should be heard.
In recent years, technology has given this generation the platform to learn immensely about the social issues that are prevalent, not only in their home states, but all over the world. With hashtags and trending topics, Gen Z is full of young activists using their resources to inspire change and equality in all aspects.
Gen Z focuses on advocating for mental health awareness, racial justice, gender equality and climate change. A huge factor in the passion within this generation is the personal effect each of the social issues have on each individual. The internet has provided quick access to information, sparking curiosity among Gen Z.
When a draft opinion on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade first came to be, Gen Z did not waste time taking to social media to persuade others to show this generation has power. Gen-Z for Change is a non-profit that drives to work toward “tangible progressive change on the ground.”
Teen Vogue wrote about a Gen-Z for Change coder, Sean Wiggs, who was successful in spamming anti-abortion tip lines and flooding a job site with applications in an effort to help prevent union busting. This occurred after the Supreme Court’s opinion decision. Wiggs was quick to work toward progressive change.
Older generations may even envy or feel threatened by Gen-Z because of how fast-to-action and vocal they are about social justice issues because of the accessibility of the digital age. Access to breaking news and life-changing information has never been faster.
Social media has been a large contributor to Gen Z using free speech as a means to see change. An aspect of this, though, is that Gen Z is also tired of seeing life-changing information. It is exhausting to hear of terrible events. Thus, members of Gen Z are using their voices online and seeing change come from it.
Zoe Duncan, a junior studying art history with a certificate in women’s gender and sexuality studies, spoke about Gen Z’s access to the internet.
“This is the first time, in terms of our generation, that we’ve had such a connection with people, not just among our communities, but across the world because of the internet,” Duncan said.
Gen Z, especially with having a vast amount of access to social media, still must remain conscious of using their voices to advocate, and not to spread misleading information to create a false narrative about social issues. Duncan explained that she is mainly active on Instagram and uses the story feature to share her thoughts about feminism and the upcoming elections in particular.
“I do think that social media can be a double-edged sword in that misinformation and falling down different pipelines,” Duncan said. “So I try to know what the source that I am reposting is from, at least, or I try to, not just post things and go about my day. I want to make sure that I’m going beyond being performative.”
Gen Z will continue to use their voices to speak out about social injustices and demand change. By having such access to social media, Gen Z is the next wave of activists who are proving that their voices should be heard in speaking for social injustice.
Daphne Graeter is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu.
