Are We the Change?

by Riona Carrington

Edited by Manushri Bapat & Arushi Patil, Layout by Michelle Li

We, Gen Z, are the most diverse generation yet. We believe that all people should have a voice and are making promising strides to get the outcomes that we desire. We use technology to make our voices heard. As a whole our generation wants to correct the mistakes that have been made in the past. We are actively creating the change we want to see in this world. We Gen Z, are going to change the world one hashtag at a time.

In the years before us people did not have smartphones. Smartphones only made their debut in 1992 just before Gen Z. Some say we are stuck to our phones but the truth is that is our language. We use it for everything, to think we would stop now would be a shame. With our phones, we are shedding light on crimes that older generations and even our generation are facing. We are creating movements and funding for people who need it the most.

Since the start of twenty-twenty, many changes have occurred. We lost Kobe Bryant and his daughter to a horrible crash and the pandemic started. Many of us have been in quarantine for quite a while and we are getting anxious. However, we are using the technology we have to make a difference. Older folk often say that we are on our phones too much and are up to no good but we have proved them wrong. We started hashtags for change. We got old cases reopened and we even got justice to be served. Our generation is making necessary alterations today, for a better tomorrow.

As young people, we are passionate about activism and helping those who need it the most. We are modifying our way of thinking so much that even on Instagram you see posts about defunding the police. We want to create safe havens for everyone: no matter their race, creed or religion. We know that we are on a journey of a better tomorrow and we are not letting anyone stand in our way. We are the generation that is starting the trend of being open about our mental health and self-care. With our phones, we are constructing a new rationale for what it means to be a community.

Everyone can log into youtube and support the creators there. As a global population we are changing the status quo and moving away from all the stereotypes. We are focused on building a brighter future. Many youths are starting online businesses and making a career out of creating content. We really are being the change we want to see in this world. We are building on what we have left to ensure that everyone is equal and loved.

As a whole, our generation, Gen Z, has done so much to change the world already. We are creating stronger communities and affecting change just by typing on our phones. We are so powerful because of our smartphones; we can use that power to make the world a better place!