Understanding Generation Z

• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

SIR: Generation Z, also known as the iGen or the post-Millennials, is the demographic cohort born between 1996 and 2010. These young adults are the first generation to grow up in a completely digital world, and their language use reflects this. They are known for their heavy use of internet slang, emojis, and abbreviations in their communication. However, as Generation Z becomes increasingly reliant on technology and social media, there are concerns that their language use may be negatively impacting their psychological well-being.

One of the most striking features of Generation Z's language use is their heavy reliance on internet slang and abbreviations. Words like 'lit', 'on fleek', and 'bae' are common in their vocabulary, and they often use shorthand like 'u' for ''you' or 'tho' for 'though''. This type of language use can create barriers for older generations who may not understand the meaning of these words and phrases. It can also lead to misunderstanding and confusion in face-to-face communication, as these words and phrases are often specific to online communication.

Another notable aspect of Generation Z's language-use is their heavy use of emojis. These small digital images are used to express emotions and ideas visually. Generation Z use emojis to communicate everything from love and happiness to sarcasm and anger. While emojis can be a fun and creative way to express oneself, they can also lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Without the context of tone and body language, it can be difficult to understand the intended meaning behind an emoji. The heavy...