Generation Z or Zoomers, are those born between 1997 and 2010. Most zoomers did not live a time without the Internet, and they have a habit of googling everything at once. This is the first worship that does not separate the online and offline space; they build their careers, relationships, and life in general on the Internet. Many call Zoomers the “lost generation” because of their digital addiction and inability to focus on one task. However, is this true? Let’s figure it out together in this article.
Gen Z: between TikTok and anxiety
Zoomers literally grew up watching YouTube videos. TikTok has become more than just an entertainment app for them; it’s a platform for self-expression. Generation Z doesn’t just consume content; they literally live it. They use video to explain and convey their feelings and emotions. Also, they prefer to consume information in the form of videos, memes, and short voice messages, rather than in text format.
However, information overload often causes zoomers to suffer from increased anxiety and fear of the future, especially against the backdrop of global upheavals, financial instability, and constant comparison of themselves with others; zoomers experience all these acutely. However, at the same time, Gen Z knows how to turn their experiences into aesthetic content as well as make money on it.
Values and worldview
Zoomers are a generation that constantly asks themselves “Why am I doing this?” and “Who needs this?” They are not afraid to raise sensitive topics and speak openly about feminism, minority rights, or war. Instead of running away from problems or ignoring them, they choose a conscious approach to solving them.
This is a generation for whom being sincere and real is much more important than being perfect and saving face. They live by the principle: “If it doesn’t resonate with you, don’t do it”. Conditional “success” for them is not measured by career and financial stability. Inner harmony, the ability to remain yourself, and real benefit to the world; this is what is really important for Zoomers.
Digital socialisation
The online space for zoomers is not just an alternative to interaction in real life, but it is an essential component. For Gen Z, the lines between “live” and “digital” are blurring. They meet on dating services, find like-minded people on social networks, and keep in touch with loved ones on messengers. Also, they are able to convey their emotions and feelings with the help of technology, no worse than in offline communication. After all, for zoomers, the Internet is literally a medium of existence. Casual texting in the comments under a video can develop into friendship or love.
The older generation often criticises Zoomers for literally spending their entire lives on smartphones. Nonetheless, zoomers are able to find their soulmate on the Internet and “invite” them offline.
Bazoocam chat as the new small talk
Millennials value meeting up in real life to discuss the news, laugh, and just feel human warmth. Zoomers are quite happy with online communication. However, it is important for them to see the emotions of their chat partner. That’s why voice messages are being replaced by videochats. For example, in services such as Bazoocam and CooMeet, you can chat almost like in a café over a cup of coffee. However, you have the ability to swipe further in Bazoocam chat if you don’t like the chat partner.
For Zoomers, online cam chats are an effective way to bring life back into online communication. After all, the conversation online happens in the moment. No photoshopped photos, clever quotes, and long waits for a response; you see the chat partner almost like in real life. Another advantage of random video chats is the opportunity to go beyond the usual circle of communication and meet someone new. You can never predict who will be on the other side of the screen; a person from the next street or another country.
Content through the eyes of a Zoomer
Zoomers are some of the most successful and influential content makers. This is not surprising because they were born in the digital age. Also, if millennials are mostly afraid of the camera, zoomers are on first-name terms with it. They understand how algorithms work and how they can speak the language of trends and rely on sincerity, not on a glossy picture. All these lead to success.
This generation quickly grasps what “hooks” the audience and uses this information not for hype, but to convey their feelings and emotions. They are not afraid to try, make mistakes, and start everything from scratch. That is why Zoomers are not just users, but creators.
Work and education in a new way: how Zoomers are rethinking careers, studying, and earning money
Zoomers will not work in an office from 9:00 to 18:00. The usual way of life is not for them. Flexibility and freedom are important to them. That is why many of them become freelancers, and this enables them to decide when to work and when to rest. Additionally, zoomers are constantly learning. They are not getting an education just for the sake of it, as millennials often did. It is more important for them to gain practical knowledge and experience. At the same time, work for them is not an obligation or a way to survive, but an opportunity to recognise themselves as a specialist and an individual.
Interestingly, Generation Z is choosing adaptability over stability. This is due to the fact that these people grew up during global events: crises, the coronavirus pandemic, war, etc. Therefore, they prefer those professions that allow them to adapt to almost any life scenario.
Challenges and contradictions
Zoomers want everything at once. That is why they are more likely to suffer from burnout than others. They gain vulnerability along with their freedom. They strive to live a conscious life, at the same time, they feel pressure to follow trends. They want a job that brings them joy, but they are afraid of missing out on opportunities. Zoomers’ lives are intense and exhausting at the same time.
Compared to others, zoomers are more likely to talk about impostor syndrome, internal disharmony, and a feeling of emptiness. They are constantly torn between being themselves or being liked by others, and doing something according to their hearts or an algorithm. Zoomers strive for balance, but suffer from how difficult the path is. Therefore, internal tension is the key challenge that Generation Z will have to cope with. Perhaps it is because of this that they will become the generation that will finally learn to value the result and efforts made.
Video format in the future: what to prepare for?
Zoomers prove that communication via screen is not a temporary phenomenon, but our reality. Also, in the future, video will become a new way of interaction; universal, real, and human.
Today, business negotiations, interviews, studies, and dates are increasingly moving online. Is this good or bad? Time will tell. However, the fact that communication will be built on interaction via the Internet is obvious today. Stories, live broadcasts, and short videos are not a replacement for “live” communication, but a full-fledged format. In the future, video content will be more sincere and interactive. Also, video cameras will become an integral part of the work process, education, therapy, and relationships.