Intergenerational differences deeply affect how individuals perceive the world, build relationships, and solve problems. The generation born between 1997 and 2012, known as Generation Z, has grown up as children of the digital age; shaped by technology, speed, and individuality. These characteristics have significantly altered Generation Z adolescents’ communication patterns within the family compared to previous generations, giving new meaning to the concept of generational conflict. This article explores the relationship between the unique features of Generation Z adolescence and family conflicts.
Basic Characteristics of Generation Z
Generation Z individuals have grown up surrounded by the internet, smart devices, and social media, accessing information instantly, thinking quickly, and preferring visuals over text (Dimock, 2019). This generation tends to show less respect for authority and values individual freedom and instant gratification more (Prensky, 2001). Their tendency to prefer digital communication tools over face-to-face interactions can weaken family bonds. Generation Z parents, on the other hand, are often individuals who experienced childhood in times when even remote-controlled colour TVs were considered futuristic. As a result, communication dynamics and even the language used have undergone significant transformation. This brings young people who can access any information with a few taps face to face with parents who lived in the age of postal letters.
Adolescence and Generation Z
Adolescence is a period of intense identity development, gaining autonomy, and emotional fluctuations (Erikson, 1968). For Generation Z adolescents, this process becomes more complex due to their integration with social media for self-presentation, digital addiction, and a high need for peer approval. Traditional family structures struggle to understand the distinctiveness of this generation, triggering conflicts (Twenge, 2017). Families accustomed to organic communication often find it difficult even to talk with youth immersed in digital friendships. The situation can become almost comically tragic when second-generation parents like grandparents are also involved.
Dynamics of Family Conflicts
Conflicts between Generation Z adolescents and their parents generally revolve around the following themes:
- Digital Parenting and Setting Boundaries
- Value Differences
- Communication Styles
- Academic and Future Anxiety
Coping with Conflicts and Solution Suggestions
To establish healthy communication and minimise conflicts with Generation Z, families are recommended to adopt the following strategies:
- Develop digital literacy
- Create an environment of open communication
- Establish shared values
- Set flexible boundaries
- Make efforts to find common ground
How can this be achieved? Primarily, both sides should learn to listen and express thoughts without judgement or criticism. Rather than imposing strict rules, a more flexible action plan should be considered. Communication should be established with consideration for the needs of both sides.
Conclusion
Generation Z’s adolescence proceeds quite differently from previous generations due to rapidly changing social and technological dynamics. These differences can make relationships with parents more complex and conflict-prone. However, efforts to understand generational differences, empathy, open communication, and flexibility can be effective in preventing family conflicts.
A final suggestion for young people: Never forget that your families always want the best for you.
References
Dimock, M. (2019). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: Norton.
Livingstone, S., & Helsper, E. J. (2008). Parental mediation of children’s internet use. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 52(4), 581–599.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–6.
Twenge, J. M. (2017). iGen: Why today’s super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy—and completely unprepared for adulthood. Atria Books.