Dallas Area Visitors
Jun 6, 20205 min
They may not get to walk across a stage or experience the milestones of being a senior due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the class of 2020's accomplishments are still cause for celebration.
Many students graduating high school this year were born in 2002. They will be entering the workforce during an uncertain time; they were also born in an uncertain time and grew up through the Great Recession and Financial Crisis.
The class of 2020 are part of Generation Z. Dr. Corey Seemiller, a Gen-Z expert, defined them as having a great desire to change the world and make it a better place.
"They want jobs that are fulfilling, tap into their passions, and situated in organizations that align with their social values," she said.
In 2020, there are over three billion smartphone users around the world, and 77% of Americans own one.
Gen-Z expert Corey Seemiller said growing alongside the commercialization of the internet has allowed older Gen-Z members to adapt naturally to technology.
"Many have used smart devices for entertainment, hobbies, and connecting with others since they were toddlers and rely on these devices today in order to engage in everyday tasks – from messaging and streaming the latest episodes of their favorite shows to watching DIY videos online," she said.
The class of 2020 is more likely to be on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram than Facebook.
"While many Gen Zers are on the forefront of today's technology, every young generation is seen by their older counterparts as the most contemporary generation at the time," Seemiller said. "As Gen Z gets older, though, they will likely be like every other aging generation, having those in younger generations seamlessly using and embracing the latest tech innovations while they try to learn to adapt."
It would take a decade or so for the text message to completely change how people communicated with each other.
Connor Blakley, a 20-year-old Gen Z expert, said texting and digital communication makes his generation realize how important face-to-face communication is and to cherish it.
"We understand how to effectively communicate face to face in this world because we are so synonymous with technology," he said. "We understand the value of person-to-person communication."
Gen-Z members are reportedly likely to get married later in life because they fear divorce, among other factors.
Alexandre Daillance, a Gen-Z expert and fashion designer, said people of his generation will likely get married later because they're more focused on their careers.
"If you get married, you're not going to get married as young," he said. "You're maybe going to get married in your 30's instead of your late 20's."
College enrollment rates have dropped by 11% since 2011, according to NPR. Students this year are also facing uncertainty over whether or not college will even open for in-person classes in the fall.
Blakely believes people in his generation are less likely to go to college. They are more wary of collecting student debt they can't pay back, he said.
According to the Pew Research Center, members of Gen Z were born in 1997 or later. Previously they were considered post-millennial's. That means members of the high school class of 2020 are Gen Z.
"I think there's that confusion because older people might just assume anyone who is young is a millennial," Blakley said. He said Gen Z's influence is just starting to be recognized.