Generation Z: A Generation of Creatives
Generation Create: that is the nickname that digital creative software company Adobe gave Gen Z after a joint survey conducted by Adobe and Harris. Rather than being content to consume content, these 13-23-year-old members of Generation Z are on the frontlines of content creation and expressing their artistry and individuality.
What exactly makes these young people so creative? Here are five reasons why Gen Z is a Generation of Creatives:
Social Media Encourages Creation
In the above-referenced Harris Poll, 47% of those in Gen Z surveyed say that checking social media actually makes them more creative, compared to only 30% of people ages 24 and older. Social media communities like TikTok and YouTube are built around user-generated content. In other words, content creation is placed into the hands of ordinary people and creativity is widely encouraged. Some of the most viral videos aren’t overly produced and created by professional videographers; instead, they are done by self-taught amateurs and everyday users like these young members of Generation Z.
Inspiration from Around the World
Being more globally connected than other generations, Generation Z can find sources of inspiration from literally anywhere on the planet. Their creativity can be sparked by K-Pop music from Korea, Bollywood dance moves from India, high fashion from the runways of Paris, or modern architecture in Dubai. Their imaginations are not limited by their physical locations or geographic contexts, and neither is their creativity.
Not Limiting Definitions of Creativity
While others may try to strictly limit what art or creative expression looks or feel like, Generation Z refuses to be defined. For them, creativity can mean creating a funny dance on TikTok, live streaming their gaming session on Twitch, or recording a podcast on an issue that matters to them. To Generation Z, creativity can include traditional forms of art such as music, paint, photography, poetry, or drawing; but creativity can also include digital art, design, dance, spoken word, fashion design, rap, and a myriad of other expressions.
New Skills at the Click of a Button
Gen Z has lived their whole lives being able to discover how to create and learn through the internet. With enough ingenuity and perseverance, you can discover how to do nearly anything online. Do you want to learn how to cook your favorite East Asian food recipe at home? Simply Google “chicken biryani” and “homemade naan” and you are well on your way. Are you curious about watercolors or illustrating? YouTube experts offer tutorials on nearly any artistic medium you can imagine, from digital design to traditional oil painting. Interested in learning the guitar chords to your favorite band’s songs? Those too are just a few clicks of the keys away, and Generation Z knows how to learn new skills intuitively.
Creativity Sparked by Social Activism
Generation Z’s passion for social justice, human rights, and social activism has led to a desire for creativity. In order to get their message out, they have come up with new and creative ways to be heard. This drive for justice has sparked ingenuity and resourcefulness. Additionally, according to the Harris/Adobe survey, 50% of Gen Zers survey feel more creative when they’re engaging in social impact or charity work.
How can you put the creativity of Gen Zers to use in your church? Share with us on Twitter, @thinkburlap.