Imagine being the generation that just does not care. Stress, economic downfall, and the judgment of society and past generations have laid down a path destined for a downfall. The Generation Z is known for its simple existentialism and nihilism. For them, the future holds great issues but with them, it holds opportunities.

Some say that this generation will ruin America, past its general state of disarray. Others mention the fact that this generation’s change of attitude will benefit America; perhaps the attitude provided by Gen Z will take off the pressure of expectations that no one wishes to follow.

Generation Z is the generation that came after the Millennial Generation, which in turn came after the Baby Boomers or Generation X. The Millennials, who came home to dial up phones and playing solitaire with traditional cards have not lived their entire lives with the open internet and available technology that Gen Z have lived their entire lives with.

Gen Z-ers are growing up in a changing generation. Technology has become so much more sophisticated in such a short amount of time that the differences between each generation are becoming greater and greater, leaving more room for disagreement and blame. Each generation is growing farther apart.

The definition of nihilism is as follows: “the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless,” and Gen Z is known for the embracement of it. Put simply, societal principles have lost their meaning and the facade of harmony and order has been broken. The realism of life is the base of the young generation of today.

There is a cycle of each generation and how it passes into the next. The pattern of conformity, and breaking free from the previous set standards is depicted in this cycle. Perhaps this cycle is the cause of the judgment between each generation.

In the 1950’s, conformity was a cultural necessity. This norm aroused the need for clean-cut living. Buying a house, having children, and working a steady job was the key to fulfillment. The generation after was not as conservative with their actions. Music got louder, shorts got shorter, and they evolved past their parents’ generation.

The government sanctions this previous conformity. This is obvious because of the way our government offers tax reforms as incentives for holding up previous traditionalism.

Gen Z does not care for traditionalism. People will always be motivated by personal gain because humans are inherently selfish, but Gen Z has other desires to undertake in their pursuit of happiness.  It is the generation that is throwing away the ‘rule book’ so to speak. Their nihilism shows through in the way they think about life, as less of a game sequence, where each accomplishment allows again, but where life itself is a labyrinth where one can choose their own path.

Through all the judgment and unnecessary pressure put on the younger generations, there is a likely possibility that this will be the generation that genuinely changes society and America as a whole.