7 Gen Z Characteristics to Help You Understand Zoomers

Group of Gen Z friends — Baby Boomers took calls on *the* phone — the only one in the house. Gen Z FaceTimes from the store. EF Stock / Shutterstock

Gen Z characteristics are already reshaping how we think about work, communication, and identity in our everyday lives.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z grew up in the digital age with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. That early exposure has helped define them in ways that set them apart from previous generations.

Unlike previous generations, Zoomers are the first to fully experience the impact of the internet from early childhood. They’re also navigating a world shaped by climate change, economic pressures, and growing mental health issues — all of which have influenced their core values and habits.

1. True Digital Natives

Generation Z teenagers with phones — Some Zoomers don't even remember life before smartphones. CarlosBarquero / Shutterstock

Gen Zers have never known a world without the internet. From toddlerhood, they’ve used smartphones, social media platforms, and digital tools to connect, create, and learn.

Unlike older generations who adapted to digital life, Gen Z grew up immersed in it, shaping everything from how they make purchasing decisions to how they build relationships.

2. Diversity Is the Norm

This is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history. Nearly half of Gen Z Americans are part of a racial or ethnic minority group, and Gen Z reports higher rates of LGBTQ+ identification than any previous generation.

These young people are also more likely than older cohorts to challenge traditional gender norms, with a significantly larger share identifying as transgender or nonbinary.

Pew Research Center data indicate Gen Z’s diversity is reflected in their attitudes and behavior. For example, Gen Zers tend to be more progressive on social and political issues and are broadly supportive of the nation’s growing racial and ethnic diversity.

For Gen Z, inclusion isn’t a goal; it’s a baseline.

3. Mental Health Is Front and Center

Mental health isn’t a taboo topic for Gen Z. This age group is more open about anxiety, depression, and self care than any generation before them. This openness has helped reduce stigma around mental health, but it also comes at a time when youth mental health problems are on the rise.

For instance, Gen Z reports considerably higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to older generations, underscoring an ongoing mental health crisis even as talking about it becomes more accepted.

Social media and screen time play a double role for both Generation Z and Generation Alpha — enabling connection but also contributing to stress.

4. Independent and Entrepreneurial

Many Gen Zers have a pragmatic approach to life. They’re self-reliant, care deeply about financial security, and value meaningful work over flashy job titles.

A typical Gen Zer might juggle school with side projects, freelance gigs, or online businesses. They’re highly collaborative but not fans of rigid corporate hierarchies.

5. Passionate About Social Issues

Gen Z protesters — This isn't the first generation to show up for activism in a big way. Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

From climate change to racial justice, Gen Z cares deeply about the world around them. Young Europeans and Americans alike use powerful digital tools to mobilize, protest, and spread awareness.

Their personal values drive their activism, and unlike other generations, they expect brands and employers to reflect those values too.

6. Flexible With Media and Learning

Gen Z prefers fast, visual content and skips traditional media in favor of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. They consume information quickly and are more likely to learn new skills from online communities than formal classrooms.

For them, education isn’t about rote memorization; it’s about problem solving, collaboration, and relevance.

7. Focused on Balance and Well-being

Work-life balance isn’t negotiable for Gen Z. They value flexibility, self care, and personal time, and they’re not afraid to switch jobs or delay major life steps to protect their well being.

That doesn’t mean they’re lazy. It means they have different values compared to older generations who prized hustle over health.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.