Generation Z collectively shares one major factor in their upbringing: the internet. Terms such as “digital natives” or “born digital” refer to Gen Z being the first generation to grow up with the internet as a factor of daily life. With anything imaginable accessible with a simple search, this deep interconnection with the web is arguably what shaped Gen Z: for better or for worse. Social media moves quickly, a trending pair of jeans could be “dead” before your pair is even out for delivery. This rapid paced trend cycle induces a sense of urgency to be ahead of the game or appear “different;” however with over 97% of teens on the internet, in each individual pursuit of singularity, they oftentimes ironically wind up achieving the exact opposite.
Many teens subconsciously look to peers for an imaginary greenlight. The goal is cool weird not weird weird, weird enough to appear niche and interesting, not borderline weird …it’s confusing. Teens feel pressured to have this unachievable, mysterious, “nonchalant” persona. While this isn’t an entirely new concept, with social media now being such a conspicuous presence, its effects are seriously amplified. Microtrends rise and fall before you can blink, and in this desperate neverending chase of the next best thing, it’s alarmingly effortless to lose your selfhood.
Many fail to consider the danger of aesthetic or “-core” culture. In the process of suppressing yourself to fit a restrictive and unattainable image, considerable components of oneself are cut loose and descend into the bottomless pit of identity. Posters of artists you’ve never listened to plastered on your bedroom walls, the comically bulky pair of shoes you spent an unreasonable amount on at the foot of your bed, all while an array of Sonny Angels ogle at you menacingly. With constant exposure to media, authentic identities are gradually losing importance. People meticulously craft and mold their identities to align with Pinterest boards and fifteen second clips. They go as far as dedicating an entire year to carefully curating their Spotify Wrapped all in hopes of obtaining a concrete, acceptable, and marketable persona. Setting their own personal desires on the back burner and missing the entire point of self-expression.
In a time where an Instagram post could change the minds of millions of young people, having a true sense of self is applaudable. While experimenting and finding your way as you develop is natural and encouraged, it’s crucial to keep in mind: authenticity is key. The next time you make a personal decision, reflect on who you’re doing it for. In each of our own quests of self discovery, it’s vital we press pause for a moment, ignore the outside noise and make decisions that are reflective of what we want as individuals; as corny as it may sound it’s important to remember, there’s only one you.
