Generation Z: Making a Difference Their Way | Corey Seemiller | TEDxDayton

As a college professor, Corey noticed a change in her newest college students--Generation Z. Her research has led her to uncover how this generation challenges the norms of our current society, and what promises that might hold for the future.
Corey Seemiller is an educator, researcher and author on issues related to leadership and civic engagement. Corey received
her Ph.D. in higher education and serves as a faculty member in the Department of Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations at Wright State University. She has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, fueling her passion for developing the leadership capacity of college students. Corey is the author of The Student Leadership Competencies Guidebook, which helps educators develop intentional leadership curricula, and Generation Z Goes to College, which prepares educators to best serve and develop Generation Z students. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mayahernandez2005]

One thing that I hate the most is when gen z is criticized about how we are so addicted to social media and it’s making us dumber, yet I’m more informed about real world issues then my parents.

[@infiniteideassquared9102]

Right?! And they act like we're the ones who invented smart-technology, when really it was the generations before Z that made the technology to allow it to be invented. Sometimes I wanna scream "don't blamenus when you're the ones who invented it!"

[@mirab9261]

Shawty1111 Yikes Exactly!! We are just using the resources we are given/grew up with

[@florentinaw1707]

Oh ....... please don’t listen. I am a gen X . I am lucky that I got both before and after the Internet , but Internet is better . And you guys are amazing because you have the strength to tell things as they are and you also know to say NO . Also you are very curious , honest and you like to learn from history .

[@sibby4754]

aNd tHaTS a fAcT

[@holly_4436]

Right!! I knew more about the Hong Kong riots and politics than a person who lives in China and I live in the states. And it was all because I looked it up on my phone

[@ohheyfullmetal]

Who else is a Gen Z kid watching videos on their own generation just because

[@heehoo8868]

Next time, just @ me.

[@athenastrickland8523]

Me

[@abvvi3319]

I need some sense of approval from older generations and not just “GET OFF YOUR PHONE, lazy children!” It’s nice hearing good things.

[@Cocomungus368]

Yes. Me

[@ashestodust9483]

Me

[@CeramicGod]

"Maybe generation Z can do it better" *slams hands on desk* DAMN STRAIGHT WE CAN

[@stinkbug5310]

hehe straight cuz a lot of us aren't straight ok ill go back to the rainbow corner Wait no Closet hehe

[@just-some-juicy-rice3371]

@@stinkbug5310 I'll join you in the rainbow corner

[@strangeworm4562]

@@just-some-juicy-rice3371 yaaayy rainbows (/;-;)/

[@naolucille1579]

@@stinkbug5310 I join the corner :3

[@promethanol4162]

*flips desk*

[@gegethedog]

Let's be honest, if older generations had Generation Z's technology, they'd be using it too.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

gege. They are using it right now. There is no if. We can see it right now with our own eyes.

[@warheadssociety8177]

Ayyy brother from another mother that I’ve seen on Atleast 6 other Generation Videos,

[@angiebear8727]

gege. I know I would’ve. I was constantly reading encyclopedias and going to the library. I’m gen x raising two gen z teens. These kids have all the tools at there fingertips. I’m so impressed with what they are doing with the tools. Gen Z seriously you all give me hope for the future✌️❤️

[@rino2451]

boomers mad cause they’re jealous

[@uwugamer69]

they're the ones that invented it but blame us for actually using it

[@ashleyko9068]

older gens: stop texting and being on your phones all day gen z. tune into the news and the world. *gen z starts having opinions in important social, political, and economic issues rising* older gens: since when did you guys have an opinion? just be quiet and let the adults talk. we will change the future, we are the future

[@daboss8590]

Ashley Ko ikr. My parents are always like "your on youtube whenever you have free time, get off of it" but whenever they have free time they would be on facebook like literally all day. Also we live in the middle of nowhere (not really but its rural) so im like "what do you want me to do? Go outside when i use my phone?"

[@shylady8711]

You've got your hands full with the gen alpha. Those types arent born with ears plus they are very insecure. They'll get your heads scratching

[@j0e3o77]

All of past generations regularly underestimate us. Whether they like it or not, we are the best chance this planet has as the future and we're going to do it together.

[@ayehqo09]

Ashley Ko I love the spirit! ♥️👏🏻

[@kimberlyaung6428]

Soda in a Plastic Bottle its a trend damn not all of us follow it

[@t87871]

Who else here is a Gen Z kid.

[@allaboutjazz5467]

I'm Gen Z, 19 years old.

[@dollymenezes2468]

Taylor Lipson me☺

[@rileygraham8952]

yes my friend

[@ludjay4654]

Me

[@coows]

More like ima gen z baby. Not 19. Not 13. And not a 9 yr old.

[@JesusChrist-fd4si]

I like how the older generations tell us to get off our phones, and learn about the real world. But as soon as we have an opinion on our conservative politicians, social prejudice, and the falling economy, it doesn't matter because we're "young."

[@bezlichnyy7675]

You're right some elders are closed minded. Anyways, I'm curious. In the future, do you see yourself using any of the cryptocurrencies?

[@galaxi6585]

Parents: GET OFF THAT PHONE AND TALK TO PEOPLE. Me: lol ok *yeets phone away* Parents: *talking about a thing in the news* Me: Oh that I heard about it- Parents: Shut up Me: ???

[@tuele4302]

That's because you are supposed to learn before you think. Perhaps they view your opinions as too naive.

[@tuele4302]

@Brethor Perhaps you do but not other people. Did you learn enough? Also keep in mind that just because you can find it on the Internet does not mean it's true. Libraries can be extremely informative, too.

[@tuele4302]

@Wolfasaurus Rex If it is a book from a public or university library, chances are, it is carefully selected. Moreover, one does not simply publish a book. Check out how many people reviewed and gave feedback for your textbooks. And that's in addition to the publishers deciding what to publish. Have you ever been to a university library? They tend to be quite large. Of course, you yourself have to decide whether or not it contains what you need and if it is reliable. On the Internet, anybody can post pretty much anything. There is little oversight. However, if you are accessing the online databases available via a university library, you will be able to find peer-reviewed and otherwise trustworthy material. (You can access these yourself but that would be rather expensive.)

[@cutelilly1000vedios]

GenZ In a nutshell: “I’m sad and kinda wish I weren’t here, but while we’re here let’s try and actually do stuff eh?”

[@galaxi6585]

yep. none of us want to be here but since we are we might as well use it

[@redacted5078]

Like, I want to die but I want to save as many as possible before I do. And I think thats beautiful

[@naolucillerandom5280]

Well, that is surprisingly accurate to how most of my classmates feel.

[@swimmybearc4247]

Exactly.

[@uatoto7783]

this is it. this is literally us in a nutshell.

[@cadenses9670]

just wait until generation z kids are able to run for president...then you all will be in for a big shock

[@galaxi6585]

@Bianca Witermark "yeet your debt away"

[@kairuku6552]

Bianca Witermark What a steal! You’re taking my vote!

[@suzu8006]

@@kairuku6552 hahahah, amazing.

[@brandonwallace2497]

@@galaxi6585 bruh lmao

[@silrana7166]

bianca w finally going to fix world issues instead of gossiping about irrelevant things in politics. YES.

[@isabellar6217]

“Why didn’t Gen z vote” uhhh... because they’re not 18???

[@allaboutjazz5467]

It said of those eligible to vote in November 2016, so it's saying 40% of those born January 1995 to October 1998 voted during that election.

[@ohheyfullmetal]

I still can’t vote

[@elenagibbons4719]

NCP #2542345555 it wasn’t measuring that though. It was measuring how many people that were able to vote did vote.

[@homestar9]

Half of Gen Z is 18 it starts 1995-2010

[@adriantorain7418]

but I've read that generation z people right now are in their early 20's right now

[@rileygraham8952]

i think its fair to say that Gen Z is full of very Opinionated, mentally stimulated and Nihilistic people. Lots of Memes, Irony and mockery, Lots of mental illness problems, and lots of people willing to go online and educate themselves by using the internet, and eagerness to change the world. Anything im missing?

[@rileygraham8952]

Soda in a Plastic Bottle yes true that. Social media causes so much social stimulation and people need to feel validation all the time.

[@erikat.6683]

Pretty accurate

[@LucasFernandez-fk8se]

Riley Graham that's the Millennials nice try though. The ones who do that in gen z are just acting like the Millennials granted gen z mocks the Millennials but the Millennials think there are indignant genders and that socialism works they need to be mocked by uppity teenagers

[@stinkbug5310]

@@LucasFernandez-fk8se I can't figure out what you are trying to say...

[@squeaky2384]

*WE’RE ALSO PRETTY DAMN HUNGRY*

[@hannahrebecca7649]

Little disclaimer: They pretty much all wanna die too

[@Galimeer5]

Joking about wanting to die and actually wanting to die are two very different things. My Gen Z side has a bit of both.

[@ERROXIS07]

@@Galimeer5 I feel like Gen Z actually does want to die, but that's because we've got so many problems that we have to deal with. Trust me, it would be so much easier to just yeet ourselves into the sun, but we've got bigger things to deal with than our own passive depression and existentialism. Or its probably just me😅😅

[@redshift197]

Crippling depression is fun

[@colebecker7832]

dying is overrated

[@laughitout6901]

@@redshift197 Yes it is 🙂

[@venusphantomhive7285]

Most generations would look up at older generations and aspire to be like them. My generation has the internet where people tell you that you can be anything as long as it doesn't harm anyone. We look at older generations and see the flaws in our society.

[@silrana7166]

This is so true

[@alicato7083]

So true

[@slight1699]

Every generation challenges the prior one.

[@pinkdahlia4102]

I'm 14 and I just want to live a good life in a world that is not dying and leaders that thrive off of my suffering. I'm always imagining a better world, and I want to work for if.

[@fandomgodmother4903]

Pïnk Dãhlîa I’m 15 and same. I think we can do it, I’m from California and there’s this new school system that got built just a year ago but it focuses on nurturing the passions of students so we’ll have more time and recourses to find creative ways to make change. I’m gonna go there next year, and while we’re waiting there’s always the Internet to help teach us anything we need to know

[@almightytallest9812]

I’m 14 and I agree with everything you said.

[@soniasilva9637]

In that case look for those Gen X's as allies. I understand that from your pov, " all old people are the same". But they're not. Boomers and Millenials are cut from the same cloth, self-centered, overly emotional . Gen X are doers. Like Z's they're Individualists, and are loyal to people, not Institutions or Corporations. The thing is, we X's are vastly outnumbered. You guys are the Cavalry.

[@lmao.3661]

sónia Silva “All old people are the same” is pretty much the same mindset of “millennial bad gen z bad”

[@silrana7166]

Pïnk Dãhlîa Great minds think alike ☺️👌 - 17 yrs

[@itswindyyoutube]

Growing up in a world of fear, misfortune, and poverty, prompted Generation Z to find permanent solutions.

[@no-nt7wo]

Wind Trainer this is so true

[@naolucillerandom5280]

Of course

[@arnavgautam319]

Modern problems require modern solutions given by modern generations.

[@nadeeya2064]

Tbh I almost cried hearing this. Everything she said is accurate. I hate it the most when my parents called me lazy and spoiled just because I spent too much online. Sadly, they don't know that most of the time Im on the internet is because Im reading the global issues. I also had done some research on what kind of business I can do so I can support organizations that is trying to protect the world. I don't care how much finance I would get from that business. As long as I am able to feed myself and helps other people and the mothernature, I don't mind not able to drive expensive cars at all. -16 years old

[@vision8641]

Me too that's crazy maybe our generation really is alike all around

[@nathanielthrush5581]

me too

[@dollymenezes2468]

Me too.

[@esaualfaro3447]

I was mostly playing games and communicating with distant friends but also some of the time I spent learning things that I considered important for the future.

[@theelderkingstation3502]

Bro same -17 year old

[@chazchavara3192]

As a Millennial, I have much respect for Gen-Z. Compared to my generation, they seem to be less apathetic, less emotional, more logical, and more responsible.

[@managersejinstan1523]

Whizper2me Millenials didn't raise Gen Z... Millenials were raised by the Boomers and Gen Z were raised by Gen X.

[@adriangutz]

Whizper2me No, unless my 51 year old mother is a millennial

[@Sakura-co2wd]

Being emotional is not a bad thing

[@Mandyn8868]

Whizper2me most were raised by gen x, the ones at the end where born to gen y and the ones in the beginning were born to boomers

[@piolio7086]

Sakura11 too emotional is.

[@mysteriouslykind955]

George Washington warned political parties would divide the nation

[@graup1309]

night lights he sort of came from a time when political parties were generally seen as something that completely runs against the idea of democracy though. I wouldn't say that it's in the nature of political parties to divide countries, though a political system that favours a small (2-3) amount of parties, for example through election by majority vote, tends to divide and make people think in the patterns of "us" and "the others". Voting party representatives by overall percentages, or a mix of both systems usually eradicates this problem. The US never made this step though and their political system is probably the one that has seen the least change in the past 200 years out of all the countries there are.

[@queenaunt4531]

Preach!

[@salvadorgalvan6976]

Washignton's farewell address

[@classicme3496]

Mysteriously kind someone just finished up their unit on early America and Washington’s fair well address

[@defaultmesh]

George Bush did steel beams can't melt jet fuel

[@JesusLovessYou.]

This is why we, gen Z, sometimes feel so misunderstood

[@soniasilva9637]

Gen X : "Welcome to the party, bruh ! "

[@jasonrask4085]

Shut up

[@icecookie2953]

a lot of gen z can't vote yet thats why this few have voted

[@jonathanchase3676]

Ice Cookie The poll is based on those of age to vote.

[@cooolrea8]

Gen z are from mid 1990 around 1996 to 2010

[@finncena5972]

It said 'of those eligible to vote'

[@thundercloud2982]

*2000 - 2015

[@thundercloud2982]

@Jayus 2000 - 2015

[@robertdelgadillo2829]

Literally the oldest voters of my generation are barely getting to voting age. Like 2020 is the first presidential election I'll get to vote in. And let me tell ya, yall old folks are in for a surprise when we get there 😎 2020 update: voted for Biden 💙

[@OlafLesniak]

KANYE WEST 2020!!! jk

[@drewstathakis2984]

Robert Delgadillo I have to wait till 2024

[@goblincringe9791]

Alexander Hamilton for president 2020!!

[@whobutwbmarci5200]

I have to wait until 2024 but I have been politcally active since I was 11, so I'm still trying to make a difference.

[@WAncouvOR]

Robert Delgadillo 2020 for me! I turn 18 in Jan 2020!

[@Foolscard]

"Many tend to be pragmatic and inventive filled with a great sense of responsibility and compassion..." I'm going to add on to this (For reference I'm gen-z and born in 97') Most of us have money issues, either we're hoarding it as frugally as possible because we don't know if the future will threaten our income, (be it economic collapse or not being able to get a job, or not having money left over after school/rent/groceries ect) ,or, we spend it all as happily as we please because no matter what we do we're going to be in debt in the end, might as well enjoy life in the moment ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ This is also the generation where the majority of everyone can't envision themselves over the age 30. We all think we're going to be dead and screwed over. We can't imagine ourselves in stable housing, stable job, or maybe ww3 will start and we'll all die. So many of us are depressed and anxious and want the future to be different, because why in the HECK do we have to live this way? Perhaps it's because of this viewpoint that we are so compassionate. We grew up/are growing up in a world where there is constant conflict and collapse around us, but also we live in a time where the internet can connect us with anyone we want. We have a grand sense of connection and 'togetherness' with the world, which is why we feel it's our duty to do something to change it. We all KNOW things can't keep going as they are and so we have strong opinions and morals that drive us to change. We don't calculate the world like past generations do, we take what we have and roll with it and are trying to clean up and fix what was done in the past to ensure a better future. A lot of us are going to be upset and mad because NO ONE IS LISTENING TO US AND VALUING OUR OPINION. We're incredibly defensive because of this. We know our value and will not allow it to be swept under a rug

[@androkguz]

I'm a millenial and that whole description actually felt very close to me. But then again, I've never completely identify with my gen

[@goblincringe9791]

THANK YOU. I've always felt that I've been talked down to because I'm "Just a kid" and this perfectly describes how I feel.

[@elenagibbons4719]

Just because we’re younger doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have an opinion. Why can’t we have a say in things, why do we sit back and let the “more experienced” and “more knowledgeable” adults dictate things that will affect US now and in the future. They give us problems that will take decades to fix while they are in nursing homes. They are ruining OUR world, not theirs. Just because we aren’t 18 doesn’t mean we are clueless, don’t know about the world, don’t care about the world, or only care about fortnite. Just because I’m not out of high school doesn’t mean I don’t want to have a deep political conversation, doesn’t mean that I don’t want to HAVE SOME SAY IN WHAT I AM LEARNING. They stick us in school for the first 20 or so years of our lives, and when we try to say something we are shushed with “this is independent work, stop talking” or “do your work” or “this due date and that due date and this due date and that due date”. We learn the same things over and over again, we learn useless things over and over again, and yet the whole time we are ignored. They say we are their future, they say they need to do things to better our world. Then they better start doing it.

[@antoinec1097]

@@elenagibbons4719 I couldn't agree more, our generation does have a word to say, and the older generations need to hear it. I'm 23 (so one of the older of Gen Z), so it's a little easier for me to be heard, but still, sometimes I feel like talking to a wall. When a talk to 40+ years old people, they can't really keep the conversation going more than a few minutes. It's always ending with some idea everyone says like some sort of citation, and they seems to be unable to be logic. Like Corey Seemiller said, why would we wan't to do charity like giving food if we can create solutions to solve the source of the problem ? That is just logic thinking. I just think that their brains are somehow different, we don't think the same way, no idea why. In the end, as you said, they expect us to solve all the problems of the world (racism, wars, homophobia, global warming...), problems they tried to solve their way for decades, without success. Maybe we'll be that generation "who save them all", maybe not, but they can at least let us try before it's too late. And as for things like racism or homophobia, this will end with our generation or the late millenials. We were born in this diversity, so we don't see these differences as something problematic.

[@gretakch2540]

I´m legitimately crying ur so right

[@ajhail3488]

Gen Z will most likey be the most libertarian generation, and find a balance between the practicalities of conservative economics and the social liberties of liberalism.

[@chrisnavarro7488]

Guy Wit a goat in a perfect world

[@unicorn1655]

Thank God.

[@LucasFernandez-fk8se]

Guy Wit a goat that's the future of the Republican Party

[@arielc7078]

supreme bopreme I definitely don’t think that. Many gen z are more accepting to sexuality’s and genders. I think they’ll end up more liberal. (I’m a Gen Z)

[@polin1710]

@@FALLEN021 I am gen z and we are very liberal because we want better gun control laws, health insurance and we don't discriminate against people for being born the way they are born like conservatives.

[@teungamed1495]

Thank you. Now I feel good about myself even though I have achieved nothing in my life so far.

[@erikat.6683]

Hahaha

[@buttons6816]

Same

[@MynnieMonster]

Relatable on so many levels

[@ga75]

LoL tru

[@conner3626]

ah yea thats why i come to this channel

[@redstar4720]

I think that because of the way Generation Z was raised, specifically being raised by Gen X. This will lead to a renaissance of art similar to the alternative rock/grunge movement. Personally, being 14, I am sick and tired of being force-fed mainstream music. People my age are starting to prefer retailers through retailers, which I think was created through the sense of community. This, again, was due to terrorism, bigotry, and political division. I think with this current administration, it will be similar to Reagan's presidency in terms of cultural influence.

[@allaboutjazz5467]

This is already happening with the emo hip hop movement with guys like XXXTentacion, who is actually a member of Gen Z himself.

[@redstar4720]

Well, currently the process is just beginning. The end result will most likely be a garage rock revival or rap rock revival.

[@helenpetersen447]

Dude! I hate mainstream pop music!! Like the 90's music was 🔥. I mostly listen to indie, alternative (like Coldplay and Train) and sometimes Panic! At The Disco.

[@lastofkin7134]

lots of our generation is hooked on the alt rock side (myself included) not only because of the music itself but because of counter culture generally members of alt rock bands have a more progressive point of view and will start/ donate to charities, support animal rights etc

[@montanac533]

@jaan Khan so should you

[@lastofkin7134]

i cant wait until we can start running for office if a gen z kid gets elected- one'll have to one day- so many things'll get done

[@almightytallest9812]

James Reyes things will finally get done and hopefully they will improve the world

[@ibrokemyownheart4953]

Whenever the time comes. It will be a happy time to know that our president would have known the most dankest memes.

[@AC_tually]

Roughly 10 more years until Gen Z can run...many millenials are already old enough to, and they will also make sure some sort of change happens

[@kimbrown3333]

I certainly hope so.

[@drewstathakis2984]

Gen Ys and higher act like you have to reach some age to have complex and well thought out opinions and emotions, so most Gen zs can’t apparently have opinions and emotions. It gets troubling when people think Gen zs can’t have complex mental problems like depression

[@greggpincher9687]

Ironic, isn't it? In the process of dismissing and even discriminating based on age, the real problems are dismissed, or worse, missed. Great comment, Drew.

[@kateriver1441]

Love TED talks!! Just wanted to point out that since most of Generation Z are under the age of 18, less people would have been able to vote than other generations :)

[@b.b7016]

I'm 18, a part of gen-z, and everything she said is true. I consider myself socially liberal, but financially i am probably more conservative. I am also skeptical about volunteering, in my opinion it provides mostly superficial help and doesn't take care of the problem's root.

[@thankunext1625]

this is me too.

[@unicorn1655]

Same over here.

[@SeventhShadow27]

I'm also gen z, 16. I don't completely agree, not all of us are about starting our own business or having some great invention. But for the most part I guess

[@RubenFreitasSantos]

ever considered libertarianism?

[@rushopolis]

Gen Z needs to boycott university because it's too expensive and we don't wanna end up like millennials. There are many sources online that are better and cheaper(or free) to teach high demand skills. There's also trade school which many millennials were told not to go to because it's not college. Universities let in anybody who can get a loan. And we need to put an end to it!

[@OlafLesniak]

We should.I don't wanna go to a colllegue for those reasons, but my family is kind of bent on it.

[@whobutwbmarci5200]

Yeah, I'm actually going to a technical vocational high school to study Information Technology, with a hope to get into cybersecurity, which will require me to get a degree, but I'm looking around at schools that I can afford so I won't have to go into loans.

[@kionameade3057]

Graduated with an engineering degree, which I do use and has landed me in a good company with some great experience in my 5 years so far! Paid off student loans (~20K) in less than 4 years and don't regret going to college one bit. Trade schools are great if that's what you want to do...but bashing on college solely because it costs money isn't helpful. Colleges are raking in way more money than they should - most definitely. However, universities don't 'let anybody in' from my experience and if they want you to be there, they'll give you a scholarship - even a small one is better than nothing. The bigger issue is people going to schools that they cannot afford for degrees which will pay them peanuts afterwards - in this case, yes, college is a waste of your money.

[@elkoku2002]

You need to look out of the usa. Countries that promote free college education have better life style but the average income decrease for workers with a degree. Look at Norway Sweden or even Cuba are that way. Sorry for my bad english.

[@LucasFernandez-fk8se]

rushopolis you can but I need college for a stem degree so I have to go.

[@giananasarias]

honestly, accurate, I'm actually only learning about finances and businesses just so I could start my own business in order to support the issues I'm passionate about

[@1ong1ashes]

Yeah, this pretty much describes me, although I’m not terribly financially conservative. I definitely want America to stand on its own two feet and hopefully get rid of the national debt, but at the same time, I don’t trust the companies at all. I think high taxes are necessary to produce a strong government that can reign the companies in. Also, hopefully a good bit of those tax dollars to toward paying the debt off.

[@jam5533]

I want to become a entrepreneur in the future for subjects that I'm fascinated and interested in.

[@fandomgodmother4903]

Gian Anasarias just out of curiosity what would you have a business in?

[@lilybolanos9301]

Spongebob bird meme "Why didn't gen z vote?" BECAUSE WE WE CHILDREN> . LIKE 5 PEOPLE WERE OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE

[@Fuar11]

I'll vote as long as there's a candidate that represents the people.

[@icecookie2953]

In the future I want to create something in the form of art, like a story, that changes peoples mind about differences in people, which are worth the same as everyone else or maybe something to help some cope with, say depression or addiction Because I believe that if I help people, they might help others who need it with abilities I dont have Instead of spreading hate or drown in their own issues

[@infiniteideassquared9102]

Do it. The world genuinely needs more people like you who are willing to help spread positive change without hate. You are fueled by reason and being able to see things from others perspectives, and those are qualities that make a movement happen. Do it. I promise you won't regret it, and I promise that there are a lot people who need the effects of your perseverence right now, and in the future it will be that much more rewarding. There's no time like the present. Don't think some day, every day this day forward is today. Don't think someday. Just do.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

I am planning to write a book about a family who has goodness in their lives and spreads that goodness to those around them. I plan to have it into a tv show as well.

[@greenchilestudios3758]

I cant even vote yet

[@cindy3340]

ikr

[@icecookie2953]

I love this talk, wish more people would watch it

[@NhungNguyen-jm7rs]

same

[@taekiotan9158]

am i the only person in gen Z that doesn't feel like starting their own business and that is not making any difference because I don't feel like I can change anything if others smarter and older than me couldn't

[@uniquecopy3338]

Fire Magic I don’t think so, but I want to make a name for my self in this world. I hope you find ambition soon.

[@taekiotan9158]

Whizper2me nope i was born 2001

[@thisperson3787]

Accomplish your own goals. Personal achievement is just as important, but just don’t let everything get to your head. You’re like what? 16? That’s fine. You have to get yourself up before you can do the same to others.

[@victoriahaskins8576]

It's because we grew up with the idea that there is something deeply wrong with the world. You're not the only one. I want to do all these things and I want to change the world, but we're realists. we know nothing Is working, and hasn't been working.

[@itsmaryana27]

My teacher described us as nihilistic, as in we are realistic because the finish line is being put farther and farther away and as realistic as we are we just think that why should we try if those goals are unattainable. However, i do believe that regardless of that, we do have our own way of working things and we are often misunderstood. I want to change the world, leave my mark. I want this to be a better place but there are so many set backs that it makes it hard for me to believe that i can. But i certainly will try.

[@shortysuza]

I very much appreciate this video... It seems as though many of the older generations are beginning to give up on us and underestimate our abilities as a generation. Partially because we are the beginning of the "digital natives". The truth of the matter is that things are changing, quickly. We as a generation are striving with motivation to surpass the ones before us. We intend to create, motivate, create, persevere, and much more. We will use the power of the internet in order to make a difference and make the world better than it was.

[@sorenmundfrom4643]

im 20 years old, getting married im august and have been working as an electrician for a couple months now. compared to my older sister (26) still wandering in life with no goals and painfully addicted to alcohol

[@infiniteideassquared9102]

Can you give this to your sister to read- it's a long shot, and maybe there's no way to coherently think about this or ask someone to read it, but if you receive this, please try... I can't pretend to understand what you're going through, and I can't expect you to take this to heart, but in the slim chance you'll read this, I'm going to attempt to console you and offer you advice, and from here it's up to you. I'm going to ask you some questions that you can answer yourself, and do your best to reflect honestly and ask why you think so and why you know so for each. Remember: consider all factors. First things first- are you happy with your life? And are you okay *now?* Not later like "I'll be fine," I mean *now,* as in at this moment in time. Are you okay? We're you okay in the past? Are you the same as you were back then? Is this a good or bad thing, or a bit if both? If you are content with your life, don't let anyone stop you from living it. If you are not content or remotely satisfied with your life and choices, do what you can to change them but don't feel like you have to do it alone. Ask for help whenever you need it and put in the work and effort to change your life for the better because, let's be honest, it would probably be goid to spoil yourself (or do a thing called self-care) once in a while. Secondly- and this is probably the most difficult question, what factors pushed you to drink? It is not to patronize you, or mock your pain or any of that, it is to help find root issues for this and to gain a better understanding as to why or how this all started, and for some people this can be very painful to think about, but try. Because, regardless, *it is not your fault.* Perhaps it started out that way, I don't know, but what I do know is that it is not your fault anymore because you are a victim to it now. It does not define you, you don't "deserve" it, it isn't a thing people normally bring upon themselves, and certainly it is nothing to be happy about, so don't for a second think that it is your responsibility to endure this because I will guarentee you that it isn't. Alcoholism is misunderstood in media and society and is kind of a touchy issue, when it really shouldn't be. All it is is your body becoming dependant or feeling like it depends on a substance that alters your body's chemistry, and in excess amounts introduced to your body through constant consumption it can affect it one's body as a whole in negative ways over a period of time. I'm almost certain that you heard about that before, and while it's nothing to feel guilty about, any kind of addiction or struggle is a cause for concern and it is appreciated that you brought it up because that means you seek to change it or to bring it to others' awareness. Remember: regardless of how it started *it is not something you should blame yourself for* and you should seek help in getting treated and recovering from this because *you deserve all the best and this is not something anyone would wish for so there is no reason as to why you should have to endure it.* People have different reasons and different ways of entering this complicated and difficult battle- some for coping with something that has happened or is happening, for some it's a way to process issues that don't involve them, for some it's a deadly habit that they can't quit no matter how hard they fight it if they have tried to fight it, and more. And everyone's reasons are just as significant and valid as the others'. So, all I guess I can tell you, if this reaches you, is to start to be open to and to try to heal in any way(s) that you can- take up meditation, go to therapy, join religion (if you want to) or get a hobby, find aspects of your life to fuel this positive change because those chemical alterations in your brain due introduced through addictive substances can be fought back by the dopamine release (a thing in the human brain that normally occurs when one is satisfied or happy) and can at least help teach your brain that you don't need chemical toxins to feel happy and it doesn't need to depend on them. N the end, this comment is supposed to be a friendly pudh to you improving your life, but the rest is up to you. I'm going to be honest with you: it's not easy to fight something that has altered your life so drastically, but if you get professional help and keep in mind that at least one person (me), if not many more people, believe in you, you'll get to the road to recovery. Don't lose hope yet. You deserve all the best, and the best of luck. Now go make waves.

[@TxRxAxP]

@@infiniteideassquared9102 You're a real one for that.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

Soren Mundfrom i am sorry to hear that. Please, get her a job and try to make her stay away from alcohol. The alcohol is the reason why she isnt able to concentrate.

[@greggpincher9687]

Sorry to hear about your sister, but good to hear about how you are rising above all that

[@kimberlyaung6428]

we have been silenced because other generations think we wouldn’t understand much or know what to do in our society’s problems today but it’s the opposite we can’t let them silence us they are the ones who don’t understand the problems we face every day. think about this our generation will always remember a time of a school shooting while growing up when the other generations wont. we need to make the change not them

[@greggpincher9687]

You've zeroed in a solution, and decided that its better to work towards the solution than complain about the situation. Great comment Kimberly

[@kimberlyaung6428]

our generation is very passionate about what we believe we accomplish

[@galaxi6585]

yeah, passionate... most people i know are passionate... about anime. like, too passionate. weebs, weebs everywhere

[@maia3420]

Gen Z, the next great generation. Feels good about myself. Hears they are 7-22 year olds. Remembers I am 23. 😢

[@LondonsPointOfView1]

I'm 21 so I feel good lol.

[@MasterKnutA]

Hi, I'm 26 and I identify more with Gen Z then the milennials. I think most 90's are Gen Z, that's why so many businesses are failing with trends.

[@thundercloud2982]

*2000 - 2015

[@maia3420]

Thunder Cloud More people will say 96-2010. Remember Some of Gen Z is actually already grown. By those numbers only those born in the last 39 days or so would be grown.

[@thundercloud2982]

@Mai Just because more people will say x doesn't make it right. That's based on who you view as Gen Z. Yes, that's correct. They would only now be turning into adults.

[@victoriahaskins8576]

She says many Gen Z identify as socially liberal and financially moderate to conservative, and then says there's no third party candidates that line up with that. Isn't that literally what the Libertarian Party is? Socially liberal, but they want to cut down on gov, like conservatives say they want to

[@piolio7086]

Victoria Haskins But their candidates aren't good enough....and porcupine? Seriously?

[@ChipNoir]

Libertarianism by it's own definitions is extremely isolationist. "You got yours, i get mine, we leave each other alone". Reductionist, and not something I completely understand, but that's the jist of it from what I've gathered. Because of that, it is virtually impossible to have political leadership and cohesion under such ideology. If you're too busy worrying about near total autonomy, you don't have the time or the interest to communicate with others to accomplish greater things.

[@klauretti6684]

I am looking for a party similar to Generation Z as a Generation Xer. I guess no wonder my Generation Z kids have similar goals. Libertarian is pragmatic but too isolationist and too liberal on policies of the environment. We are looking for a party that works to solve human, environmental, and economic needs.

[@giselaponce8820]

I came to the comments to say this very same thing. Still, I’d like to add one thing: I believe libertarians are a bit too socially liberal for the younger Gen Zers who seem to have become more conservative due to strong ties to the internet and internet culture. Altho I personally believe the libertarians represent us better than any other party, it needs to be completely reformed from head to toe before any one of their candidates is ever elected.

[@feckingsweg9767]

Libertarians are basically modern day conservatives but with a different name and will never win an election.

[@givemeattention7354]

This comments sections has made me so proud of being a gen Z

[@thecatonacouch9371]

Give Me Attention I’m 12 am I gen z?

[@starstuff7027]

@@thecatonacouch9371 Yes, you are. Gen Z is the years of 1995-2010.

[@elyenidacevedo1995]

@@thecatonacouch9371 yeah

[@lindseyschiro6668]

As a member of gen z I couldn't have said it better myself

[@defaultmesh]

Gen Z: We can tackle the biggest problems our society faces if we care less about how people identify and move past problems like "Which bathroom should they use?" and instead focus on issues like "How can we conserve waer in said bathrooms?" also Gen Z: _o o f yeet_ *F* _smh_ 🅱️

[@MynnieMonster]

Scarily accurate oof

[@conner3626]

im sorry we have multiple personality traits we'll try harder next time

[@graham_lively1732]

What about whenever other generations encourage us to do our own research and then tell us that we can't trust everything we read online when it differs from what they know

[@mariealaba4160]

"Why did so few of Gen Z vote?" Most of us aren't even 18, don't know what you expected

[@luxiel9696]

I am beyond moved, and inspired. I have been wanting to make an imact in my community. But i see the lacl of enthusiasm among my peers for some reasons i cnnot understand. Maybe i just havent seen their perspective. But im very anxious to start now because by the time when we start to wake u and finally try to do something, our time would be over and its time we hand the reigns to gen alpha. Seeing so many of my peers making such a difference in the world right now just gave me more hope. Go gen z!!!

[@MR-tf8lh]

When she talked about how Gen Z'ers wanted to start their own business to be able to make a change, I was worried cause I wanted to be a theatrical actor and make songs, but then realized that I always wanted to be and do those just to make people smile, laugh, be happy and motivate them and give them hope.

[@floatii5169]

Well most don’t vote since we’re under 18

[@greggpincher9687]

You nailed it Floatii

[@ethanpetersen810]

4:44 It said "Eligible Voters"

[@bigpolitical8292]

Born in 1995, I’m glad to be a part of a new generation!

[@thundercloud2982]

You aren't.

[@bigpolitical8292]

+Thunder Cloud how do you know?

[@thundercloud2982]

Because it doesn't make logical sense to span one generation across two millenniums, and people from 1995 generally are not similar to those from 2000.

[@bigpolitical8292]

+Thunder Cloud well to each his own of course, but I personally fit the Gen-Z label to a T. I do think that a lot of the characteristics of Gen-Z are characteristics that I identify with. Besides if you go online a lot demographers, reporters, and journalists with put Generation-Z starting in the mid-1990s. So it is what it is.

[@jameswhitten7918]

Actually, you are.

[@st3llarfae]

I turned 18 five days before the 2016 election and went out and voted, along with most of the other people my age that I know. Yet none of us believe that simply voting will ever be enough to create the kinds of change we want to see.

[@AmericaFirstUnderGod]

Agree 100%, they are very efficient at using the resources they have, they are smart, empathetic, productive, honest, practical and like traditions. There is hope for the World! I love you my Gen Z daughter, you have taught me A LOT 🥰😍♥️

[@greggpincher9687]

We can't underestimate or worse, dismiss the ambitions of this generation, we need to encourage it

[@ppslayergod69xd96]

It's funny how people call us a "failed generation" Like, some of us are 10! Wtf do you even want from us? We aren't even old enough to be successful yet.

[@zero9623]

Ikr lmfao some of us literally can’t legally work.

[@marcusrandall5010]

It's because we are the spoiled generation

[@kazfreedman9964]

I am a gen z and I really want to change he world 🌍 even if it’s just a little bit around me which is what loads of adults don’t seem to get they just see me as spoiled and on my phone

[@Metruzanca]

5:30 when she said gen z isn't concerned about who uses what bathroom etc, I'm glad to see some people realize that we're not millennials. Thought sadly many children of millennials still act that way.

[@girlypop90]

Thank you!!! Growing up post 9-11 has really shaped my life

[@firesparkling9370]

Same. I hear all these stories about how horrible 9/11 was and how a lot of people died but I never knew the twin towers or the pentagon in the first place. The only person living remotely close to the attack was my aunt who I almost never see because she lives in Boston.

[@Toby-ef8kj]

Yh well I don't feel bad about myself considering I've done almost nothing with my life and that all I do all day is go on yt Insta and sc. I need to up my game oof

[@thisperson3787]

toba thene So, you could still do other things. Like, start with grades and go from there. Make every accomplishment worth your time.

[@princessmona1432]

*texted all their lives* Please notice that the first IPhone didn’t come out until 2007, only a few had money to such and IPhones didn’t blow up until 2009 and 2010. As someone born in 2004 I didn’t have a smartphone until I turned 10- and it wasn’t the best most expensive phone either- but a Samsung Galaxy Core Plus SM G350- Yeah it wasn’t the best and I certainly did not text most of the time-

[@deepseasqueeze9081]

Flip phones and Blackberries.

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

I didnt even have a normal phone until I was 12

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

My parents didnt even have normal cell phones until I was like 8. I didnt even see anyone have normal portable phones until I was like 8. Yeah, i first saw an iphone in 2009, and a samsung galaxy s in 2011. Smartphones became widespread from 2011-2012

[@ehmjey7567]

It‘s nice and kinda motivating to hear someone speak about my generation in a positive way

[@blahha4080]

I love how all the videos are about how elusive and strange we are

[@SliversRayleigh99]

Remeber guys …our Generation is a start of something big

[@alexosow]

I hope our generation will be great. I hear all these kids my age doing great things and I want to help out too. I feel like the internet is connecting us all in a good way, helping us to learn things way beyond what our previous generation would have learned our age. The ones who will really make a difference are the ones who will listen to the previous generations regrets and avoid those. Go for the things the previous generations said they wish they had done. I feel like our generation will be the one to help global warming and start a new age, of helping the world for the better.

[@kiwiyaya1556]

GUYS! WE’RE GEN Z!!!! WE’RE THE LAST LETTER OF THE ALPHABET BECAUSE WE ‘RE THE LAST HOPE!!!!!

[@violetsb7000]

you know all that time we spend on the internet? well, most of us are actually actively learning new things. the internet is such a wonderful source of information and we have it right at out fingertips, and i think once our generation matures more we'll be able to create wonderful things with it.

[@shirleannes.856]

Very enlightening! Thank you Corey!

[@Elizabeth-eh8fu]

Im a part of Gen Z, And i'm planning to have my own animation studio.

[@muhammadsaimali1066]

Go for it

[@conner3626]

i would say the same if i was anybody at anything artistic

[@reshikapartheeban6783]

ayo fellow animator

[@Italsik]

I just hope that we won't be full of ourselves when we grow up and think that we are the besy generation and instead think they can make this world a better place.

[@ohmy195]

as someone in the generation z, I relate to everything she says. I love how she talks about the more positive traits of our unique generation❤️

[@deen2027]

Thanks to her we now at least have someone who understands us. There are major setbacks to our generation because of the problems the ones before our created. Knowing myself i truly believe everything she said is true

[@detectiverick9934]

Yeah, I agree. I honestly think our generation will be known as the new greatest generation. We have grown up with so many problems in the world and we will be the ones who have to solve all of them

[@jjjaxon2878]

Honestly I was gonna cry during this becuz everything that this woman said was true. The last generation is always trying to take control in that is what is driving this planet downward. Stop being concerned about the freaking money and let us take the front seat.

[@harp3485]

Heeyy...... before we all get excited about Gen Z, let's just remember that we expected a lot out of millennials too. Now, I'm not saying that the generations are or aren't great, but humans are human and humans like to repeat history.

[@thisperson3787]

True. Our generation is the most depressed, but I think most of us want to get to the root of that depression, deal with it, then move on. Millennials just have depression and live with it.

[@LucasFernandez-fk8se]

Hongyu Guo no they didn't they constantly called the Millennials the me me me generation of whiners and had very low expectations for them. Granted they were told they could be anything they wanted growing up but the old people still hated them. I'm not feeling that kind of resentment towards gen z

[@caseywilde7931]

Humans like to repeat history since the ones who wanna do something different aren't heard. Any time someone in Gen Z has an idea to change the ways things are in order to make them better, they are shot down because older generations are scared of change.

[@diamondcole9502]

Generation z please come out and vote in 2020!!!!!! Our voices need to be heard more then ever

[@icecreamguru7584]

Diamond Cole yes!!! i can’t wait to vote!!

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

2020 is the first election gen z can vote in

[@kellievraja1559]

we are either gonna change the world or end it, there’s no in between we are definitely the most powerful generation there has been we are fearless and aren’t afraid to speak our mind.

[@tbagrivideos6656]

I am a Gen Zer and I can really connect with what she’s saying. She really has hit the nail on he head. I would love to start a farm to help reduce hunger, build an engine more powerful and less harmful actually beneficial to Mother Nature. I will be heading to university for engineering with hopes to create the engine.

[@thefatherrabbit]

Her talk was great. One thing, though, it’s actually 1998, not 1995.

[@TZB2011]

As a representative of Gen X, this talk has given me some new insights. Yes it is matter of understanding from both the ends. Blaming is not a solution for making this world a better place for All including the flora and fauna. Let me quote Simon Sinek "Pointing each other won't work...together we can succeed and create success!"

[@nerdbabe8781]

As a young, middle school aged gen Z kid coming from the middle of nowhere Alabama, I'm really hoping our generation can make a difference, and to be honest, I really think we can :)

[@taylorandgraphite4772]

I’m a gen z 14 year old and I have my own business in painting portraits

[@daredghoul1678]

That's awsome

[@conner3626]

I shall be very motivated by this comment and go do something. am i an npc?

[@user-rx2ur5el9p]

As a 19-year-old "Gen z'er", I despise the American status quo. I despise American politics as a whole. I don't hate one party or the other, I hate them all and I hate the system itself. I have no interest in voting, because I have no faith in any party to do anything that is not solely in their own best interest. I don't want to waste time participating in a system that is not for me. My way of doing things is to keep my head down, stay away from the government as much as possible, and do as much good for my community as I can, by myself, in my own way, on my own terms. I despise American capitalism, with its characteristic sociopathic exploitation and cruelty. I would love to have a small business of my own someday, but I have no intention of repeatedly stabbing my fellow citizens in the back in order to pleasure shareholders and fill my coffers with hoards of money, far more money than I could ever spend, far more than I even want. The key point above all else is that I hate the status quo. But, unlike Gen X, I have no interest in participating in or attempting to reform the current system. No, I want to avoid and ignore the status quo entirely. I want to avoid and ignore politicians, I want to avoid and ignore CEOs. I want them to just stay out of my way, interact with them as little as possible, and do things by myself, my way. I of course don't speak for everyone, but I think that this lack of trust and faith in current institutions, coupled with an extreme sense of individualism, is what characterizes "Gen Z" above all else, and is what older generations of marketers and pundits fail to understand when they try to stereotype and characterize us.

[@erikat.6683]

Well said

[@nylarasul7037]

Honestly I’m glad to be a part of Gen Z

[@zombified_bee]

Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to understand me. To understand us.

[@trulysid9457]

Damn its weird hearing someone actually talk good about us Huh

[@conner3626]

saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaam3e

[@anaunaga5471]

when she talks about "that rare generation that we need the most" it reminds me of the renaissance

[@jonathankenger8190]

Nailed it! Great TED Talk and it gives me dozens of talking points to share with the team members and managers at work.

[@albinofury0552]

She gets us. She really gets us. I wasn't expecting to cry today.

[@monicaandrade5279]

My older sister 1990 Me 1993 My little brother 1997 My other little brother early 2000 My little sister late 2001 My baby sister 2008 We all grew up watching and listening to the same stuff except my baby sister who was born 2008

[@Sunny-rc5ch]

Right now most of the Gen z kids are still in grade school, that’s why they can’t vote. I’m just starting high school. After the Florida shooting and the march for our lives thing I remember in almost every class that there was a debate going on. The teachers didn’t want us to be talking about it and I get that it’s because we were in a professional environment and needed to get our work done. But there were lots of talking and opinions and whenever we asked a superior for their opinion they didn’t really seem to be wanting to talk to us about it. Again it’s probably because we were in a work environment but some teachers seemed to not want to talk to us about it because we were younger and still naive. Gen Zers are constantly wary about how messed up our government is and how the earth is dying everyday and how people are out there with no food, home, or happiness. We grew up in a world that had terrorists, hate, and social injustice. And with technology that just meant us knowing everything that’s happening right when it happens. I remember one day during my 2nd period language arts class, my teacher’s phone went off. She looked at it and said that there was another school shooting in Maryland. I hear people sigh, groan, and I even caught myself say “again?” We grew up with this being the norm and when we want to talk about it most adults tell us to sit down and be quiet because we’re just kids. We don’t know what we’re talking about and leave everything political to the older generations. But we need to know these things too, this is our future and honestly you’re not going to be around for much longer. We’re trying to fix what we had broken and with everything being at the touch of a button, no wonder we’re trying to fix it at our young ages. “Students are 20% of our population, but 100% of our future.” ~Prince Ea

[@serenadrobnack3617]

Super Sam I love prince ea!

[@stinkbug5310]

It was percentages of those who could vote

[@greggpincher9687]

So very articulate, Super Sam. Great comment.

[@arrtemissisme]

I think that us from gen z are going to change the world. we are more informed than every and we have already created our own opinions. we're taking more action than any other generation.

[@esperanzahopejaduri678]

I actually cried. Thanks for this.

[@chiki_fai2299]

I mean I see what she means but I​ rarely see this kind of behavior in at least my peers in school

[@conner3626]

well..... bad batch

[@ladyserenegrace18]

I think I’m a millennial but a gen z at heart

[@violet6507]

I totally agree!

[@sportjunkie92]

I love this woman I’d really just like to give you a hug

[@elizabethbarker6692]

This was really amazing to hear as a gen zer :)

[@maxhydekyle2425]

Gen Z are going to be the hippies of the early 2000s.

[@Hit_or_Miss76]

kyle magaro nah. I'd say they're more like punks back in the 70s.

[@maxhydekyle2425]

Lori Possibly, I just don't see them accomplishing much, but apparently in some definitions I'm gen z cause i was born in 95 which is the oldest time frame put to gen z. I definitely feel more like a millennial though because it seems like millennial have the work ethic of baby boomers, the politics of the generation before millennials, but the economy of the greatest generation as kids in the 30s.

[@10hawell]

more like a silent generation.

[@LucasFernandez-fk8se]

kyle magaro that's the Millennials

[@samlund8543]

You’re thinking of millennials

[@AnushaChoudhary]

AS A GEN Z-ER I STRONGLY IDENTIFY WITH THIS TALK AND WE NEED MORE TEACHERS LIKE COREY SEEMILLER WHO SEE PAST AGE GAPS AND DIFFERENCES AND REALLY TRY TO UNDERSTAND OUR MINDSET AND WHERE WE COME FROM. GEN Z HAS MADE THE INTERNET A BEAUTIFUL POWERFUL PLACE THAT IS CAPABLE OF EQUIPPING ANYONE AND EVERYONE TO BRING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE. WE'RE A GENERATION OF KIDS WHO THINK WE DON'T FIT IN BUT GUESS WHAT; WE ARE ALL VERY ALIKE AND SHARE THE BEST COMMON QUALITIES

[@moommooo]

Thank you for bringing this up. I have been struggling to explain to people around me why getting married and being a full time house wife isn't the lifestyle for me. To me, what my country needs is not more babies. But more people with brilliant minds and big hearts to move the people in every aspect. Economy, business, the arts, etc.

[@docphilip6902]

marshaangel333 we need many more children, we need another baby boom

[@juggalaud6989]

@@docphilip6902 no we really don't