Gen Z Tech Trends: What You Should Know About Your Gen Z Employee
Back in the day, super slow internet, giant cell phones, and those clunky pagers that kept buzzing with urgent messages were the most incredible things around.
But for Gen Z, the generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, technology is like breathing — it’s simply there, an extension of their lives.
So, what are they passionate about regarding tech, and what are the tips for managing a team with Gen Z members?
Let’s explore 5 tech trends Gen Z can’t live without.
1. Bite-Sized Content
Gen Z has all the information they ever wanted at their fingertips. Because of this, they tend to get bored quickly and prefer short and to the point. Long videos are a struggle for them to watch all the way through.
So why are short-form videos so popular among Gen Z? They’re quick easy to understand, and you can easily share them with friends. Some apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are all filled with these “snackable” videos.
These videos can be anything from how-to tutorials to book summaries, movie clips, and product reviews.
In fact, over half of Gen Z learns about products through short videos, making them a powerful marketing tool.
Here’s a tip: If you want to grab Gen Z’s attention, try to act like them. Break down information into small, easy-to-understand pieces, use pictures and videos to keep things interesting, and let them talk back.
They like to know exactly what’s expected of them and want to hear back quickly — forget long reports. Short check-ins are the way to go.
2. Privacy Matters
Gen Z is different from older generations when it comes to sharing online. They are happy to give out personal information, but only if it improves their social media experience. They might post a lot, but they also care about privacy. This is because they grew up hearing about data breaches and problems on social media.
For Millennials, Facebook was a big deal. However, Gen Z uses different messaging apps that focus more on privacy, like Discord and Signal. They want to connect with others and share things online, but they want to be in control of their information.
Here is a tip: Be transparent with data, give them control, and prioritize security. This shows respect for privacy and makes your company more attractive.
3. Gaming as a Part of Gen Z’s lives
For Gen Z, gaming isn’t just a way to pass the time. It’s a big part of their world. Platforms like Twitch, with live streaming and esports (competitive gaming), have turned gaming into something you can even make a career out of.
There are tournaments with million-dollar prizes, and famous gamers have fan bases as big as sports stars! Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Among Us are super popular, and virtual reality (VR) is making gaming even more exciting and immersive.
Here is a tip: Gamers have honed problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills through gaming. Make work more like a game with points, badges, or leaderboards.
4. Tech for Good
Gen Z isn’t just glued to screens for entertainment. They are using technology to change the world for the better. Social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube aren’t just for fun anymore. Gen Z is using them to spread awareness about important social issues and fight for what they believe in.
They’re creating online communities based on shared values and using tech to give a voice to those who might not otherwise be heard.
Here’s a tip: Gen Z grew up with technology and might have innovative solutions. Be open to their suggestions. Let them use their tech skills on social responsibility projects (e.g., building a non-profit website) and give them the freedom to make a real impact.
5. Gen Z Technologies: The Future is Now
Augmented reality (AR) might sound like science fiction, but it’s the next big thing for Gen Z. Forget bulky VR headsets; AR overlays digital information in the real world, from educational experiences to interactive shopping. Imagine trying on clothes virtually or getting step-by-step cooking instructions projected onto your kitchen counter. Gen Z is eager to explore these new frontiers.
Here is a tip: If you have Gen Z on your team, consider ways to incorporate AR into your work. Maybe it’s creating AR training manuals or using AR prototypes to brainstorm new ideas. They’ll love playing with this cutting-edge tech, which could lead to some seriously innovative solutions.
Gen Z isn’t just using the latest tech. They’re redefining how technology fits into our lives. It’s about values, priorities, and creating a positive digital world.
At Unitedcode, we share that vision. That’s why we connect businesses with the best Gen Z developers — the minds shaping the future of tech.
Collaborative. Transparent. Guaranteed. UNITEDCODE
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