Talking to Gen Z: Connecting with the Digital Generation
Connecting with Gen Z can feel like learning a new language, but you're not alone. Growing up in a world shaped by social media and instant communication, their way of connecting is constantly evolving. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or mentor, understanding their communication style is essential for building genuine relationships.
In this post, we’ll hear from Grey Morales, a Gen Z peer educator and a third-year Criminal Justice student at Vanguard University. Grey regularly visits schools in Orange County and will share insights on effectively engaging with both Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Let’s dive in!
Questions and Answers
How would you describe the key communication differences between Gen Z and older generations?
Answer: “ One of the key differences in communication is perspective. Many older generations don’t realize how mature and cynical a lot of Gen Z is due to the times we’ve grown up. Before most of us could drive, we experienced pandemics, some of the worst political climates we’ve seen, war, and genocide. Gen Z is one of the most empathetic and socially conscious generations, along with being a very cyclical and funny generation constantly using humor to cope. All these factors have led to later generations not understanding us and thinking we’re either too sensitive or not sensitive enough. It’s an odd dichotomy.”
2. What inspired you to become a Peer Educator?
Answer: “I became a peer educator because I experienced neglect in my childhood that led to me not receiving the education I needed. Because of this, I’m able to come to these kids with a personal perspective on the sorts of things they’re experiencing, like abuse, neglect, and mental health issues. Connecting to these kids with stories they can relate to and showing we understand them helps them enter better. Anyone can read off a slide show, but I think it takes people, like the incredible people I work with, to get kids to care about these subjects.”
3. Have you observed any significant differences in how Gen Z and Gen Alpha engage with education and social issues?
Answer: “Gen Z, especially Gen Alpha, are some of the most socially conscious generations to date. These kids are already fighting for their rights, the people they love’s rights, the planet, etc. Many of these kids are very smart and educated to be this socially conscious. Realizing how fast Gen Z and Gen Alpha had to grow up because of their situations. With everything going on, our generations didn’t have time to be kids. They’ve grappled with so much complicated stuff at such a young age it’s understandable why they’re often very mature. Many are incredibly passionate about social justice, kids in this generation who genuinely have a fire in them.”
4. How can educators and caregivers establish healthy relationships with Generation Alpha?
Answer: “Building relationships with Gen Z and Gen Alpha is all about mutual respect. That doesn’t mean an adult is on equal footing to a child, and you guys will be all buddy, buddy, but what it does mean is listening and respecting these kid's thoughts. Telling someone from Gen Z or Gen Alpha what to do without proper explanation or raising your voice and getting emotional when they’re perfectly calm is the absolute number one way to lose that relationship completely. These kids know how to talk and explain themselves and have strong opinions, many won’t back down on. They’re also smart kids who know when an adult is safe to talk to and not safe to talk to, and to them, it’s a lot easier to be viewed as unsafe to talk to than safe. The best thing to remember is that humor is your friend; these kids cope with it. I’ve seen it a million times. Don’t take jokes or jabs so personally; it’s their way of having fun and dealing with so much dark stuff they’ve experienced.”
5. What is your best advice for connecting with younger generations?
Answer: “ Trying to talk to Gen Z and older Gen Alpha like they’re a kid isn’t going to get anyone very far. These generations enjoy jokes, being authentic, and treating them like adults instead of babying them. Having respectful conversations with them means hearing their side and talking to them like you would an adult rather than trying to put out their fire just because you’re older. These are passionate, empathetic, intelligent kids, and I’m so excited to see what they’ll do as adults. Don’t stamp out that fire early; you’re on equal communication grounds in a conversation. As an adult, you don’t suddenly have more right to speak or have an opinion just because you are an adult.”
Closing
As Grey Morales shows, connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha requires understanding, respect, and authenticity. These socially conscious and resilient generations value strong relationships, rely on meaningful conversations, and embrace diverse perspectives.
Takeaway #1:Mutual Respect is Essential
Approaching Gen Z and Gen Alpha conversations by valuing their thoughts and perspectives respectfully rather than relying solely on authority helps build trust and foster meaningful connections.
Takeaway #2: Authenticity and Humor Matter
These generations often use humor to cope with challenges and appreciate authenticity in communication. Being honest, open, and lighthearted can significantly strengthen relationships.
Takeaway #3:Social Awareness Drives Engagement
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are socially conscious and passionate about issues affecting their communities. Recognizing and supporting their advocacy efforts is crucial for understanding and relating to them.
Stay tuned for insights on engaging with younger generations! Contact us to learn more if you want to bring peer educators like Grey Morales to your school or organization.
A message from the SKSC Program Coordinator: The Global Center for Women & Justice at Vanguard University, with the support of the Samueli Foundation, has launched the Safe Communities; Safe Kids program to directly address the severe threat of human trafficking in Orange County by delivering expert-led prevention education and trauma-informed training for students and educators at no cost. SKSC is an innovative program that brings together trained Vanguard University college students, Peer-Educators, and dedicated teachers to provide essential education on human trafficking, online safety, and healthy relationships, equipping students with vital knowledge and skills for their future. For more information, or to schedule a visit to your school, please contact Jamie Macintosh, Program Coordinator, at jamie.macintosh@vanguard.edu. Together, let’s bridge the gap!