By Rita Thompson
The idea of self-quarantine is extremely scary for some. Especially those who are unaccustomed to couch surfing, working online, and video chatting.
Generation Z, however, has been grooming for this situation for most of their lives.
Ahead of the Curve at Work
According to a recent survey from the performance management platform, Reflektive, Gen Zers are far less touchy-feely than millennials at work. While high-fives and handshakes are ok; they are less comfortable with physical contact. Of all the generations surveyed, Gen Z and boomers are the least likely to give kisses on the cheek or hug at work.
via Reflektive.com
CEO of Reflektive, Greg Brown, explains the impact of these generations’ attitudes to Theladders.com. “Our research suggests that while millennials and Gen X enjoy a more casual work environment, Gen Z may be influential in returning a greater sense of professionalism to work.”
The large portion of Gen Zers who work aren’t as affected by social distancing measures, says Nicole Zabasajja, college student. “A lot of Gen Zers don’t even have to leave their homes to go to work because they are social media influencers. They’re already accustomed to not having to interact in person and can make a living off of it.”
Thus, Gen Z may already be ahead of the curve in terms of limited physical interactions.
Inherently Introverted, but Social
The idea of keeping in contact through virtual means can seem like the end of the world for many. For a generation that has grown up with social media, however, it’s less of a hassle.
Social distancing is a weak opponent to applications like Instagram and Facebook, which have allowed Gen Z the ability to socialize from their couches for years. According to a recent study from Adobe, nearly three-quarters (73%) of Gen Z adults (ages 18-23) actively use Instagram, followed by 63% on Snapchat.
Tech savvy-ness aside, some Gen Zers are feeling the wrath of quarantine just as harshly as the rest of us.
Aaron Thompson, 22, has mixed feelings about the inability to socialize face-to-face. “Yes, we do a lot of virtual socialization already. But there is a definite difference between sharing a moment with your friends in person, and texting. You lose out on the experience.”
#Coronatime?
The newly popular app, TikTok, is particularly bringing people together with videos about coping with quarantine. Videos with the #coronavirus are up to 5.5 billion views. Some are pretty emotional, but most are keeping with the app’s fun nature.
@oscarmanskyCORONAVIRUS MUST BE STOPPED ##coronavirus ##corona ##suspense ##drama ##foryou ##fyp ##movie ##diyproject♬ Suspense – Dreamtime
@thezoefortunaSummer 2020 is gonna be LIT 🔥 vid with @paulbutcher ##Coronavirus ##corona ##coronaviruschallenge ##summer2020 ##coronatime ##itscoronatime♬ Its Corona time – playboierik21
@clubpenguin33##fyp ##foryou ##educationconnection ##normalpeople♬ original sound – stinkyrattictok
For those who are unsatisfied with scrolling through on Instagram and TikTok, check out the Emerald‘s Guide to Keeping Spirits High While Staying Inside.
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