Yeah, I think my wife would definitely agree with you there!

> I get this, but from what I have seen, there isn't the same depth of relationships as in the past outside of work either [...]

When it comes to the depth of relationships, it's true that socialization patterns are changing. But I think Generation Z tends to favor quality relationships over quantity. This search for meaningful connections is not just limited to face-to-face interactions. Digital interactions, while different, are not necessarily superficial. Above all, they offer new ways of forging bonds, often based on shared interests and values, like every generation, but online. Loneliness and isolation are not inevitable; they are a concern for all generations, and our approach to socialization can evolve over time.

I have friends who live on the other side of the planet. Although we've only seen each other twice at events, our friendship runs no less deep. We communicate very often, sharing experiences and projects, and supporting each other. And it's been going on for years! These long-distance interactions are rich and meaningful. They show that geographical distance is no longer an insurmountable obstacle to deep relationships. We shouldn't make generalizations, but I think only generation Z is capable of this. We've grown up in a digital world, so it's only natural that it should be 100% natural for us, whereas for other generations it may seem superficial. 

> Ever questioned why there is job insecurity for the young [...]

You're right about many young people facing challenges in the job market. It worries my parents a lot, because I trained as a developer and they wrongly think that the profession is being "replaced" by AI. That said, it's important to understand the underlying reasons.

Globalization and automation have transformed the labor landscape, making certain jobs obsolete and creating enormous competition. In fact, now that work is predominantly digital, everything moves much faster. This is less true for manual labor. In France, at least, young people who opt for a career in manual labor have no problem getting hired. There's even a lot of advertising on the radio and on social networks to promote this market, because we're so short of young workers (we're an ageing population).

Secondly, today's young people are often looking for jobs that offer not only financial security, but also personal meaning and satisfaction. This second point is the most important. Companies are changing to meet these new demands. Once again, I'm basing myself on France, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were the same elsewhere.

From what I regularly read around me, there are economic recessions, like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. These have had a disproportionate impact on young workers, who are often the first to be laid off because of their lesser seniority. I've seen this a lot among friends. But most of them have had no trouble finding work, often where they feel better and are better paid. Perhaps we can see here proof of companies adapting quickly to the new generations and those that don't. But that would be the analysis of a company. But that would be surface analysis.

Above all, today's young workers are often more open to non-linear careers, which can be misperceived as a lack of commitment or stability. Above all, young people tend to create work that didn't exist 5 years ago, and which might therefore be considered unstable. In particular, all the jobs that come out of the Web3.

> I am yet to see much empathy [...]

Once again, I'll speak for France. I sorely lack judgment for what is done outside, but it's already long enough to research one's own country. 😉

The Fondation de France supports projects like "Ambassadeur en Santé Mentale" (Mental Health Ambassador), where young volunteers are trained to raise awareness among their peers about mental health, recognize symptoms of psychological disorders, and guide towards professional help: https://www.ambassadeurs-santementale.fr/devenir-ambassadeurs/

It was especially the COVID-19 pandemic that brought to light severe mental health issues among the youth. For example, Santé publique France launched awareness campaigns to improve young people's mental health, emphasizing the importance of taking care of their psychological well-being. These efforts demonstrate an awareness and a willingness to act on these issues through concrete actions, and not just posts on social media.

Most of these actions are led by young people, in real life (IRL) as well as online.

I understand that you might think online life is not "real life." I don't know how old you are, but you probably experienced your adolescence before all the social networks. Exactly where the body is built and consciousness evolves. Therefore, it's normal that your reference of real life is not the same as ours.

But what needs to be understood (this is not proven and it's my judgment), is that I think Generation Z grew up in a world where information and personal narratives are more accessible than ever (thanks to social networks and the Internet). This exposure allowed us to develop a sensitivity and a deeper understanding of social and personal issues, at a time when we are in full development. This, in turn, generates greater empathy. That's why we are usually the first to defend causes such as equal rights, mental health, and climate change. This, I believe, shows our concern for collective and individual well-being.

One last thing for this part, but I think it's important to highlight. We have been faced with challenges that you did not have when you were at your "development" stage (the climate crisis, economic uncertainty, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our education and social life). For most of us, we have forged a keen awareness of global issues and the need to take care of ourselves. When I talk to my grandmother about "mental load" or "burnout," she doesn't know what it is. Yet, it's in your generation that burnout appeared. In ours, we live with it and it's even tending to disappear.

I talk a lot about the stage of "development," but it's because it's at this time that a generation is formed. At some point, we will stop evolving and looking for new trends, the future generation will do it and we will probably criticize it haha.

> Yes. But, innovation takes creativity, it takes a willingness to work [...]

To answer that, I did a little research anyway. I came across this article which is interesting, although I don't know what it's worth, so it's to be taken with a pinch of salt. 

https://www.deskbird.com/blog/gen-z-work-ethics-values 

Generation Z is pragmatic and independent, with 76% of young people believing that their career path is their own responsibility. It's a generation willing to work hard to progress in their careers, and doesn't hesitate to take the plunge if they can't find companies aligned with their values. 

We've grown up in a world where at school, on social networks, etc. there's a lot of diversity. It's not all rosy, there's a lot of harassment (here's another problem my grandmother thinks is a "waste of time on reflections"). Diversity is also a watchword for Generation Z, with a particular emphasis on questions of identity and orientation, in addition to race and gender. 

And it's from this huge diversity that GenZ derives much of its creativity. I'm not saying it didn't exist before. But it's accentuated now. So what I'm getting at is that GenZ has unique qualities that prepare it to meet future challenges. I'm short of examples, but we'll see in a few years. 

Getting harder to find that, for sure.

I heard a plausible thought these days. It was about lacking unifying visions that a nation's people or the global people would get behind. Perhaps fragments of societies do have their own now... subcultural visions... like the decentralized future through crypto industry, etc. But too fragmented, mostly.

Yeah, that is true. I'm not saying it is right, but in this difficult economy they are more incentivized to do so. In the Philippines, fresh graduate salary is rather low. If they stay in the same company, they can maybe get 1-5 percent increase every year, which is really low especially with the small initial value. With 1-2 years of experience, they can get almost 50 percent increase in salary in a new company.

Unfortunately 😁.

I will tell you one day when I see you. Maybe HiveFest will be in Finland 🙂