Gen-Z Bashing: What Constant Criticism does to our Generation

Image Credit: gegendasgrau vir flickr

Every generation, it seems, gets handed a label they never asked for. Millennials put up with “entitled”, “self obsessed” and by some were even branded “The Me Me Me Generation”. And now, as if by tradition, it's Gen-Z's turn to bear the burden.

With each new generation, this criticism only becomes more ubiquitous. The company line is now that we, as a generation, simply can’t handle being told we’re wrong. But how is it that the generation trained in constant online discourse is seen as too fragile to take a real-world blow? Surely, we are exposed to criticism and debate more so than any other generation? Perhaps this tells us less about ourselves and more about our critics. 

Previous generations never grew up with the relentless word storm that is social media. Comments proliferate in seconds, appearances are dissected in real-time, and any moment becomes public property before you’ve had a second to process what exactly is happening. As opposed to previous generations where social media appeared later down the line, we have grown up alongside it. The omnipresence of social media means that, unlike our predecessors, where criticism was seen only in the workplace or at home, our devices have formed a new space to be critiqued incessantly. Technology’s ever growing presence in today’s world means that young people have become conditioned to expect criticism and conduct themselves accordingly – not through posts or photos, but through our everyday behaviour in a way that no earlier generation has experienced.

Much of our work and social interaction now take place online, rendering social media and the digital world core components of everyday life. Yet despite this, we are often told that we are too dependent on devices and thus lack ‘real world experience’. This may be true for the older generation’s understanding of the ‘real world’, where technology had yet to establish its place in daily life, but ultimately it is an integral part of the Gen-Z lifestyle. Using it effectively and efficiently is understanding the real world of today.

Alongside a dependence on social media and technology, we’re often charged with needing constant validation, whilst also being oversensitive to criticism – we are allegedly unable to do anything without being coddled and told “that’s great, sweetie!” But for most, criticism is a catalyst for change. We don’t want it to disappear, it just needs to make sense. Why should feedback be condescending, and, in turn, why is the desire for clarity and just demands framed as a weakness? It seems we should be complacent to accept unwarranted criticism, but I, for one, will not.

The argument once levelled at Millennials for challenging the status quo was that they were delusional and narcissistic. They grew up being told that they could do what they want, achieve anything, and strive for perfection despite all odds, and what were they called? Entitled. They took charge, demanded better working conditions, and still, all their demands were reduced to ‘self-importance’. Why should Gen-Z settle for the same reduction? We speak out about inequalities, outdated methodologies and beliefs and demand people take accountability. Our parents and grandparents may have accepted their conditions, but if we are to be free from this vicious cycle then we cannot do the same. Our distaste for unconstructive criticism is not entitlement, it is indicative of our refusal to be bullied.

The Gen-Z relationship with criticism is unique; people often overlook the distinction between rejecting criticism and rejecting condescension. Nobody likes being disparaged, but constructive criticism is invaluable. Gen-Z seems to channel criticism as motivation to change and better ourselves, forcing us to re-assess our reasoning. Whilst there is always some initial discomfort with receiving criticism, we should all accept this and use it as a prompt for reflection. Ironically, when critiquing people my own age, the feedback is accepted and acted upon, centred on why I think this and what they should do to act upon this feedback. With older generations however, I am often met with obstinance and defensiveness. 

In the end, the claim that Gen-Z can’t take criticism says far more about the discomfort of those making the accusation than it does about Gen-Z’s flaws. A generation raised under relentless judgement isn’t fragile, it's discerning. We know the difference between feedback that helps, and comments designed to belittle. If that distinction unsettles older critics, then perhaps the real problem isn’t our sensitivity, but their desire to disparage others.