Top 10: Gen Z explains what makes them so unique, from Rickrolling to vibe checks
Readers say the age group stands out for their communication style, appreciation for K-pop and mastery of social media
Gen Z reveals the unique experiences and challenges they face in the digital age. Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: If you could chat with a fossilised tree, what would you ask about its journey through time? (This question is sponsored by Chinachem Group)
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 12pm on September 18. Tell us your name, age and school.
Iris Chan Cho-ki, 13, Christ College: When it comes to clothing, I want to wear more trendy outfits. However, my mum prefers that I wear more traditional clothes, like an oversized T-shirt and long trousers. When I go out to play, I always want to wear a hat, but my mum often says, “It’s hot today! Why are you wearing a hat?” I am also interested in cosplay, but my mother does not support that either. She thinks wearing costumes is weird, which makes it hard for me to enjoy playing with my friends in that way.
Anson Ng Wai-yan, 13, St Mary’s Canossian College: Covering our eyes when we take photos. As digital natives, we understand how quickly a single image can spread on social media and how it can impact our reputation. This act serves as a way to set boundaries, especially when parents sometimes share pictures without considering how our friends might perceive them.
For Gen Z, it is about maintaining control over our image and ensuring that others don’t dictate how we appear online. We recognise that what gets posted can come back to haunt us, so we are careful and deliberate about what we share. This level of awareness reflects how much we value our privacy and the importance of preserving our identity in a world where images can go viral.
Top 10: Gen Z debunks some common health myths
He Mujia, 11, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: The ability to dodge every obstacle on the street while keeping their eyes glued to their screens. This generation was born into an era of rapid technological advancement, where devices play a crucial role in their daily lives. Some researchers refer to Gen Z as “the anxious generation” because they often feel unsettled and distressed without the constant presence of their electronic devices. However, I believe that a smartphone can only satisfy their short-term craving for entertainment. Ultimately, it does not provide long-term benefits for their lives.
Vienna Chiu Yee-nga, 12, Pui Kiu College: As the internet and social media usage surges, so does the prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly among teenagers. With many Gen Z teens spending up to six hours daily online, the impact of cyberbullying on their lives is not just significant but severe. Unfortunately, older generations often underestimate the actual harm that cyberbullying can inflict.
Nicole Wong Kam-yan , 17, Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary: Last week, I sent “lol” to my father on WhatsApp, but he had no idea what I meant and thought it stood for “one-zero-one.” I spent 30 minutes trying to explain the meaning of acronyms to him. The trend of using acronyms is a unique phenomenon that only Gen Z can fully understand. While many people know what “lol,” “idk”, and “btw” mean, terms like “JOMO” and “GOAT” might be a bit harder to guess. “JOMO” stands for “Joy Of Missing Out,” and “GOAT” means “Greatest Of All Time.” Beyond these are hundreds of other acronyms, making this one of the most popular ways for Gen Z to communicate with their friends.
Ethan Cheuk Yi, 12, Pui Kiu College: Have you ever wondered what studying during an infectious disease outbreak was like? As a member of Gen Z, I believe that one experience unique to our generation is navigating education during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of my wishes is to convince other generations that Gen Z is not lazy or unintelligent. Many people think this way because we often appear disengaged. However, the truth is that we have experienced a significant loss of education – about two to three years – compared to previous generations.
Ryan Lee Pak-yu, 14, Hong Kong Tang King Po College: One phenomenon that only Gen Z can genuinely understand is “vibe checks.” This term refers to assessing a situation or group’s ambience or emotional state. Gen Z uses it both humorously and sincerely, often gauging whether a person or environment aligns with their energetic or emotional expectations. This shows their intense awareness of social situations and personal connections.
Arshad Bismah, 18, Lions College: We navigate a world dominated by technology and social media, which shapes our distinct cultural identity. We effortlessly participate in TikTok challenges and grasp the latest viral memes that often escape older generations. Mental health awareness is second nature to us, and open discussions about therapy and self-care are commonplace. We prioritise sustainability, often choosing thrifting over fast fashion. Our slang, like “bet” and “slay,” reflects our unique communication style. And despite the generational gap, many of us are well-informed and recognise that much of what is considered “new” has roots in the past.
Rachel Lau Tsz-ying, 13, Christ College: Some members of older generations may feel that K-pop moves too quickly and can be exhausting to keep up with. They might also find it difficult to follow the songs or the intricate dance routines. In contrast, Gen Z finds K-pop to be a fun and engaging medium of entertainment.
Similarly, many older individuals don’t understand why Gen Z enjoys playing video games like Identity V. They may think that this game is frightening, especially for children. However, Gen Z views it as an entertaining experience and does not find it scary.
Cecilia Tai Sze-ching, 13, Kowloon True Light School: I think something that only Gen Z would understand would be rickrolling. It is a 2016 meme that involves Rick Astley’s song “Never Gonna Give You Up”. When you rickroll someone, it means to trick them into hearing the song or seeing a lyric from it.