Generation Z: the university students of the bicentennial

Abstract

This article aims at reviewing generational changes as processes inherent to the evolution of human beings, according to which each generation focuses on its own way of seeing and doing things in various vital domains. It describes the main characteristics that make “different” today’s generation Z teens (those born around the turn of the millennium), and the implications of such characteristics on learning; for example, their preference for self-directed learning based on observation and practice, their close relationship with technology, their extremely low attention level, and their permanent need for instant gratification. An approach to understand said characteristics in students belonging to this age group was made through a brief qualitative survey in which their experiences and normative needs were collected. Even though changes are a source of stress for everyone, it is a fact that technology is changing our brains and skills. Considering this situation, it is necessary to realize that changes and everything new for us are not negative things, just different ones.