By By Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD
Generation Z, commonly called Gen Z, is opined to include people born between 1997 and 2012. As of 2026, the age bracket of Gen Zs is 14 to 29 years old. There may be slight differences among researchers and institutions, but the 1997–2012 range is the most widely accepted in literature.
The debate about Generation Z has become one of the most recurring conversations in contemporary society. In homes, schools, religious centres and workplaces, there are endless arguments about whether the younger generation is redefining excellence or gradually dismantling long-held values. While some critics accuse Gen Z of being excessively digital, impatient and unconventional, others celebrate them as bold, innovative and socially conscious. However, beyond the unnecessary tension between generations lies a simple truth: society does not progress by choosing between the old and the new. Progress occurs when the strengths of different generations are carefully woven together. It should therefore be “this and that” rather than “this or that.”
Generation Z has emerged in an age shaped by smartphones, artificial intelligence, social media and instant communication. Unlike earlier generations that depended heavily on physical interactions and traditional learning patterns, Gen Z grew up in a world where information travels within seconds. This exposure has made many of them technologically savvy, outspoken and highly aware of global issues. They are often more comfortable challenging authority, questioning traditions and advocating social inclusion. Their entrepreneurial mindset and digital adaptability have also transformed the nature of work, business and communication.
Yet, despite these admirable qualities, there are concerns about some aspects of the Gen Z lifestyle. Critics argue that many young people now prioritise speed over depth, visibility over substance and convenience over patience. The culture of instant gratification promoted by social media has reduced attention spans and weakened the appetite for rigorous intellectual engagement in some cases. Respect for institutional structures and older cultural values also appears to be declining among certain youths. Unfortunately, these criticisms sometimes create the false impression that earlier generations possessed all the virtues while Gen Z embodies all the flaws. Such a conclusion is simplistic and unfair.
The generations before Gen Z possess values that remain essential for societal stability and progress. Older generations were shaped by perseverance, delayed gratification, resilience and stronger communal relationships. Many learnt to endure hardship without immediate reward. They valued discipline, patience and commitment to long-term goals. Educational pursuits were often approached with seriousness and concentration because distractions were fewer. Human interactions were deeper and less mediated by screens. These ideals contributed immensely to the development of strong institutions, enduring relationships and sustainable careers.
However, earlier generations also had limitations that Gen Z is helping society to confront. Traditional systems sometimes suppressed creativity, discouraged questioning and silenced younger voices. Mental health conversations were often ignored. Many workplaces operated rigid hierarchies that left little room for innovation. In some societies, excessive conformity prevented social progress. Gen Z’s insistence on inclusion, work-life balance, technological advancement and mental wellness is therefore not entirely misguided. In fact, many organisations today are becoming more flexible and innovative because of the influence of younger generations.
The solution, therefore, is not generational hostility but generational harmony. Society must avoid presenting the conversation as a battle between old values and new realities. The ideal approach is the careful weaving together of both worlds. The discipline and resilience of earlier generations should coexist with the creativity and technological awareness of Gen Z. Patience should meet innovation. Tradition should interact with transformation. Respect for elders should blend with freedom of expression. Academic rigour should combine with digital adaptability.
Educational institutions, especially in Nigeria, have a major role to play in achieving this balance. Rather than condemning young people for their digital habits, schools should channel technological exposure towards productive learning. Students should be taught how to use social media and digital tools responsibly while still cultivating critical thinking, deep reading and intellectual discipline. Teachers and parents must also understand that moral instruction delivered through constant criticism rarely succeeds. Constructive engagement and mentorship are more effective than generational ridicule. Teachers and academics must understand that learning in this age has to be co-constructed and that an instructor cannot be an omniscient narrator in the 21st century classroom.
Families equally have a responsibility to bridge the widening gap between generations. Older people should avoid dismissing every modern trend as moral decline, while younger people must realise that not every tradition is oppression. Mutual listening is necessary. Wisdom does not belong exclusively to age, just as innovation does not belong exclusively to youth. Intergenerational conversations can produce healthier societies when approached with humility and openness.
The workplace is another environment where this weaving of ideals is urgently needed. Many organisations now consist of employees from different generations with varying values and communication styles. Instead of allowing these differences to create tension, institutions should encourage mentorship and collaboration. Older employees can share experience and institutional memory, while younger workers contribute fresh ideas and digital competence. Such cooperation strengthens productivity and organisational growth.
Social and educational organisations and NGOs must also play their role in mediating the needless controversies around the generational supremacy. They can intervene through seminars and symposia geared towards strengthening intergenerational understanding and collaboration. An Oxford-style debate organised by the Education Reform and Innovation Team (ERIT) foundation on the topic “Gen Z, Intelligence and Rigour: Decline, Shift or Misdiagnosis” on May 16, 2026 was a commendable effort in this regard.
Ultimately, every generation inherits society and also reshapes it. Gen Z is not entirely abandoning old ideals, neither should earlier generations completely resist new realities. The future belongs neither to blind traditionalism nor reckless modernity. It belongs to a thoughtful synthesis of wisdom and innovation. The goal should not be “this or that,” where one generation defeats another, but “this and that,” where the best qualities of all generations are woven together for collective advancement. A society that successfully combines the resilience of the past with the creativity of the present will be better prepared for the challenges of the future.
(c) 2026 Ganiu Bamgbose writes from Lagos.
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose, PhD
Department of English,
Lagos State University, Ojo
[email protected]
08093695359, 07084956118
