We are now twenty-five years into the 21st century. Mankind is transitioning from the industrial era to the digital and artificial intelligence era, where automation, data-driven decision-making, and advanced technologies is reshaping every aspect of society, from work and education to communication and entertainment. Beliefs, practices, and institutions are being impacted.
To understand and find meaning to this emerging growth ring in the evolution of human beings requires to objectively observe, and discern, present societal conditions.
“The Butterfly Effect”
It is realized that all on planet Earth are interconnected in a giant web, and that an action in one part of the web can impact the entire web. Illustrated by the “butterfly effect”, a butterfly flapping its wings in one part of the globe can impact weather conditions around the world. The hypothesis is that seemingly small actions can have a rippling effect and can impact the entire globe.
Keeping in mind global interconnectedness, for the purpose of this writing, the perspective is from the United States, with the assumption that small actions from the US may impact the globe.
Being born into the Baby Boomer generation I realize I may have biased. However, it is my intent to be objective and focus on observable facts and conditions.
Observation #1: 7 Generations
It is unique that at present, in the United States, there are seven generations alive, each with their own perspectives shaped by their life experiences. To these individuals, this is their definition and understanding of reality. The emerging condition is that because this is what they experienced, survived, and believed to be true, it is hard then to embrace new thinking and changes.
Negative or positive life experiences each shape worldly beliefs and perspectives. A common phrase used to describe this condition is “perception is reality” and generally grounded in one’s experiences, emotions or interpretation of facts. In some instances, people may create knowledge where there is none. Each witness to an accident will see and interpret things differently. It’s up to the investigators interviewing those involved to discern the facts.
For many, their reality snapshot of life is remembered nostalgically, sometimes with childhood scares carried into adulthood. For some there is a desire to return to “the good old days” because that is what they know and are comfortable with. However, it should be noted that the “good old days” were not so necessarily “good” and that not to grow and evolve, stuck in the “glory days of the past,” is to die.
Observation #2: The condition of family
The importance of family cannot be overstated, as it plays a foundational role in shaping individuals and society.
Ideally, family provides a safe space for love, care, and acceptance. It serves as a source of emotional strength during times of joy and hardship. Families nurture feelings of belonging and unconditional love. A supportive family reduces stress, anxiety, and fosters resilience. Families are the primary source of moral and ethical education, teaching right from wrong and imparting cultural traditions. Parents and elders guide children in understanding respect, responsibility, and kindness.
Families pass on traditions, beliefs, and customs, fostering a sense of identity. They shape individuals' personalities, habits, and worldviews and encourage learning and skill-building, confidence and security to boost self-esteem and provide a sense of stability. Family is often the first place where individuals learn to communicate and build relationships. Families teach how to handle disagreements with empathy and learn teamwork and cooperation.
A strong family unit provides the essentials for physical and emotional well-being. Shelter, food, and care are typically provided by the family. Families offer a sense of safety and support during uncertain times.
Ideally family members stand by each other during difficult times, offering practical help and emotional encouragement. Families provide comfort and assistance in moments of grief or health issues. Celebrating achievements together strengthens bonds.
Strong families contribute to healthy communities and foster societal progress. Parents and caregivers influence the next generation to become responsible, compassionate individuals. Families instill values that promote community service and cooperation. Family relationships are often the longest-lasting connections in a person's life. Families create memories that anchor individuals through life. Unlike other relationships, family ties often endure through differences and challenges.
In summary, family can serve as the bedrock of emotional well-being, personal development, and societal harmony. However, a dysfunctional or fractured family may create conditions that shape perspectives and beliefs.
Observation #3: Divorce Rates
If the importance of family cannot be overstated in shaping individuals and society, how then as family dynamics changed with divorced or single parent families? What are family realities today?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) roughly 50% of American children will witness their parents' divorce. (Jan 31, 2024)
The Annie E. Casey Foundation wrote “In the United States today, more than 23 million children live in a single-parent family. This total has risen over the last half century and currently covers about one in every three kids across America. A number of long-term demographic trends have fueled this increase, including: marrying later, declining marriage rates, increasing divorce rates and an uptick in babies born to single mothers.
Within single-parent families, most children — 14.3 million — live in mother-only households. More than 6 million kids live with cohabiting parents and about 3.5 million kids live in father-only households, according to 2022 estimates.”
Divorce rates in the United States vary significantly across different generations, incrementally redefining family.
The Greatest Generation (born 1901-1927) had very low divorce rates. This generation married young and tended to stay married, valuing traditional family structures and social norms that discouraged divorce. The Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) also had a Relatively low divorce rate. Like the Greatest Generation, members of the Silent Generation also valued marriage highly and were less likely to divorce, though the rate was slightly higher than the previous generation.
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) had a high divorce rate. The Baby Boomers experienced a significant increase in divorce rates, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, influenced by changing social attitudes, the women's liberation movement, and no-fault divorce laws. Generation X (born 1965-1980) had a moderate to high divorce rate. While initially the divorce rate remained high, it began to decline as Generation X reached marriage age. They have a higher rate of cohabitation and delayed marriage, which contributes to a lower divorce rate compared to Baby Boomers.
Millennials (Gen Y) (born 1981-1996) Millennials are marrying later and are more likely to live together before marriage, contributing to a lower divorce rate. They also tend to prioritize education and career stability before marriage.
With Generation Z (born 1997-2012) and Generation Alpha (born 2013-present) it is too early to determine. As the oldest members of Generation Z are just starting to enter adulthood and marriage, it is too early to assess their divorce rates accurately. Members of Generation Alpha are still children, so divorce rates are not yet relevant.
Observation #4: The Impact of Divorce on Family.
The Greatest and Silent Generations had low divorce rates due to traditional values and societal norms. Baby Boomers have the highest divorce rates, influenced by cultural shifts and legal changes. Generation X and Millennials experienced a declining divorce rate, with Millennials showing a notable decrease due to changes in marriage patterns and priorities. Overall, divorce rates have shown a significant decline in recent years, particularly among younger generations who are approaching marriage more cautiously and with different expectations compared to older generations.
There is evidence to suggest that high divorce rates among Baby Boomers have had significant impacts on their children (Generation X and Millennials) and may also affect their grandchildren (Generation Z and Generation Alpha). Here are some potential effects:
Generation X and Millennials have a cautious approach to marriage. Many children of Baby Boomers have delayed marriage, prioritizing education, career stability, and financial security before tying the knot. There has been a rise in cohabitation before marriage, as these generations may want to test the compatibility of living together before making a legal commitment.
The higher standards for marriage focus on compatibility. There may place a higher emphasis on emotional, financial, and personal compatibility, seeking partners with similar values and life goals. There's a greater willingness to seek premarital counseling and improve communication skills to avoid the pitfalls they saw in their parents' marriages.
Witnessing high divorce rates has led Generation X and Millennials to be skeptical about the institution of marriage itself, causing some to avoid marriage altogether. The fear of repeating their parents' mistakes can lead to either very cautious approaches to marriage or, conversely, very idealistic and high expectations that can be difficult to meet.
Observation #5: Blended Family Dynamics.
Generation X and Millennials, who grew up in blended families with stepsiblings and stepparents, may experience feelings of displacement, less important, especially if a stepparent has their own children. Adjusting to new family dynamics, rules, and routines can be difficult. Step-siblings might experience jealousy or competition for parental attention. Sharing homes or rooms with new family members may lead to a sense of intrusion.
Generation X and Millennials may have experienced conflicts if the stepparent and biological parent have different parenting approaches. As children they might struggle with belonging, especially if they’re trying to navigate relationships with multiple families. Adults may have expected immediate bonding, leading to disappointment when relationships take time to develop.
Observation #6: Conditions of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
These younger generations are growing up with more diverse family structures as the norm, including single-parent households and blended families. It is speculated that because of this, they might have more progressive views on relationships and marriage, seeing them as partnerships that require effort and mutual respect.
Following in the footsteps of Millennials, Generation Z may prioritize education and career before marriage, reflecting a trend towards financial independence and personal growth.
Research indicates that Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is experiencing higher rates of mental health issues compared to previous generations. A 2018 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 91% of Gen Z individuals reported experiencing physical or emotional symptoms due to stress. Additionally, a 2019 report highlighted that more than nine in ten Gen Z adults experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom because of stress. Gen Zers are more likely than other generations to report that social media affects their mental health.
While specific data on Generation Alpha (born from the early 2010s onward) is still emerging, early indications suggest they may face similar or even greater mental health challenges. A 2023 study by the University of Sydney found a noticeable deterioration in the mental welfare of each successive generation, suggesting that Generation Alpha could be at risk. In summary, evidence points to an increase in mental health and emotional issues among Generation Z compared to previous generations, influenced by factors such as heightened stress levels and the pervasive use of digital technology.
Observation #7: Generation Z and Alpha.
Generations Z (born roughly 1997–2012) and Alpha (born from 2013 onward) share some characteristics shaped by their exposure to rapid technological advancements, cultural shifts, and global events. Here's a breakdown of their positive and negative traits and dispositions:
On the plus side, Generation Z is tech-savvy, growing up with the internet, smartphones, and social media. They can adapt quickly to new technologies and use them efficiently. They are socially conscious. They are passionate about social justice, climate change, and equality and advocate for diversity, inclusion, and global awareness. They are Entrepreneurial: eager to explore non-traditional career paths, including freelancing and startups.
Gen Zs are innovative and resourceful in finding solutions to challenges. They are adaptable having grown up during global uncertainties (e.g., economic recessions, pandemics) and demonstrate resilience and flexibility in changing environments. They tend to be open-minded, embrace different perspectives and lifestyles, and accepting of new ideas, cultures, and identities.
Generation Z negative characteristics include mental health Challenges. They have high rates of anxiety, depression, and stress due to social media pressures and global instability. They struggle with balancing online and offline life and are overly reliant on technology. There is a dependence on digital tools that can sometimes hinder interpersonal communication and patience. Many struggle with attention spans due to constant digital stimulation.
Gen Z is skeptical and tends to distrust institutions like governments, corporations, and traditional media. They are cautious about the future due to economic and environmental challenges and are impatient. They Expect quick results in a fast-paced digital world, leading to frustration with slow processes.
Generation Alpha are digital natives, born into a world dominated by technology, making them even more fluent in digital tools than Gen Z. They likely will excel in leveraging emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR. They are globally aware, exposed to diverse cultures and ideas through digital platforms from a young age and are likely to adopt a more global mindset and collaborate across borders.
Alphas are creative and innovative, encouraged by gamification and interactive learning, fostering creativity. They have the potential to redefine traditional industries with fresh ideas. Early indications suggest they tend to be education-oriented, benefiting from advanced educational tools, personalized learning experiences, and early exposure to STEM.
With Generation Alphas there is risk of overexposure to technology and the risk of addiction to screens and reduced physical activity. This may result in struggles with offline social skills and overdependence on virtual interactions. Becoming accustomed to fast-paced content (e.g., TikTok, YouTube Shorts) may impact their ability to focus deeply, creating short attention spans.
Alphas may face increased pressure from high expectations from parents and society to excel academically and professionally. Additionally, they may feel the weight of addressing unresolved global challenges (e.g., climate change, inequality). Overuse of digital devices could lead to social isolation or difficulty forming deep, in-person connections.
Alphas and Zs have shared dispositions. Both generations value teamwork and collective action but often lean on digital platforms to achieve it. They question established norms and systems, which can lead to innovation but also resistance to authority. Both are likely to be vocal in demanding societal and environmental reforms.
In summary, Generation Z and Alpha bring immense potential to shape the future with their tech-savviness, creativity, and social consciousness. However, managing the challenges of mental health, overexposure to technology, and societal pressures will be critical for realizing their full potential.
Defining steps forward.
This is a question yet to be answered. There seems to be discourse, and little consensus, between the past and the present on where we go next. It seems previous generations are not wanting to let go, have a longing to return to the ways of the past and are struggling with current conditions and new thinking.
Previous generations have all made their Growth Ring contributions based on their life experiences and what they believed to be true at the time. The fact is the next emerging Growth Ring in the evolution of human beings belongs to Generation Z and Alpha. Perhaps the biggest challenge Z and Alpha face is in compelling previous generations to let go of control, embrace and make operational new thinking and solutions to previous decisions and conditions.
Generations Z and Alpha is our future. As such, how do previous generations create conditions that prepare and empower Generation Z and Alpha for their future, not our past or present?
