Generation Z: A Formal Analysis of Characteristics, Values, and Challenges

Introduction Generation Z (Gen Z), born approximately between 1997 and 2012, represents the first true generation of digital natives. As the successors of Millennials and the predecessors of Generation Alpha, they have grown up in a world marked by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and increasing social and environmental awareness. Gen Z has been shaped by distinctive events such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the acceleration of climate change debates, social justice movements, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have contributed to their identity as a generation that is both socially conscious and technologically fluent. This paper explores the characteristics, values, challenges, and potential contributions of Generation Z, supported by scholarly references and real-world examples.