Gen Z: Victims of a Digital Age or Architects of a Chaotic Society?

Every generation has, at some point, been accused of changing society for the worse. Yet, the concerns surrounding Generation Z — broadly those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s — appear far deeper than a routine generation gap. Across many democratic societies, questions are increasingly being asked: Is Gen Z being misled by the digital world? Is poor upbringing, inadequate nourishment of values, or unchecked social media exposure contributing to a more chaotic society?

The issue deserves a serious debate, not condemnation.

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up entirely in the era of smartphones, social media and instant gratification. Information is available at their fingertips, but so is misinformation. The same technology that democratized access to knowledge has also amplified anger, outrage and divisive narratives.

Studies across the world have repeatedly shown that excessive social media consumption is associated with declining attention spans, anxiety, depression and growing social polarisation. Algorithms are designed to reward sensationalism, not wisdom. In such an environment, the loudest voices often overshadow the wisest ones.

Democratic societies appear particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon. Freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democracy, has sometimes been mistaken for freedom from responsibility. The boundaries between constructive criticism and outright disrespect are increasingly becoming blurred.

The rise of viral culture and certain forms of stand-up comedy reflect this changing social landscape. Humour has always played an important role in questioning authority and exposing hypocrisy. However, concern arises when entertainment begins to normalise the mocking of parents, family relationships, faith or cultural values in the name of creativity and intelligence.

The concern is not about humour itself, but about the erosion of social boundaries.

At the same time, it would be unfair to place the entire burden on Gen Z. They are products of the world created by preceding generations. If values are weakening, responsibility must also be shared by parents, educators, policymakers, technology companies and society at large.

The modern family structure itself has undergone a profound transformation. Urbanisation, migration, nuclear families, dual-income households and reduced parental supervision have altered the social fabric that once nurtured strong value systems.

Perhaps the greatest challenge of our times is that technology has advanced far faster than society’s ability to regulate it.

In contrast, countries such as China and Russia operate under far stricter information ecosystems. China, in particular, has imposed extensive controls over digital platforms and blocked several Western social media applications, replacing them with domestic alternatives. Critics argue that such restrictions suppress individual freedoms, while supporters contend that they preserve social order and national cohesion.

History offers a stark reminder in the form of the Tiananmen Square incident of 1989, when student-led protests were brutally crushed by state forces. No democracy would advocate such measures, but the episode underlines the vastly different approaches nations adopt while dealing with social unrest.

The challenge before democracies, including Bharat, is to strike a delicate balance between freedom and responsibility.

Bharat’s civilisational ethos, rooted in Sanatana traditions, has for centuries emphasised respect for parents, teachers, nature and society. The philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — teaches coexistence and harmony. Rivers, mountains, forests and all forms of life are accorded reverence, reflecting a worldview that extends far beyond human-centric existence.

Globalisation and modernisation have inevitably altered these social structures. Yet, preserving cultural roots while embracing progress remains essential for any civilisation seeking long-term stability.

Recent events in neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal demonstrate how digitally mobilised youth movements can dramatically influence political landscapes, sometimes toppling governments or creating prolonged instability. While many of these protests emerged from genuine economic grievances, they also revealed the immense power social media now wields over public opinion.

Interestingly, societies with strong religious or cultural moorings often appear more resilient in preserving social discipline, even while facing different challenges posed by modern technology.

The question, therefore, is not whether Gen Z itself is a threat, but whether societies are adequately preparing them to become responsible custodians of the future.

Before blaming Gen Z alone, society must introspect. A generation that spends six to eight hours daily on smartphones did not create the digital ecosystem; adults did. A generation that struggles with emotional resilience did not design the education system; adults did. A generation vulnerable to misinformation did not create algorithms; technology companies did.

Yet, Gen Z cannot be absolved of responsibility either. Rights and freedoms must always walk alongside duties and accountability.

Bharat today stands at a critical crossroads. It must successfully harmonise technological advancement with timeless civilisational values. Failure to do so risks creating a generation disconnected from its roots, uncertain of its identity and vulnerable to external influences.

Freedom without responsibility can descend into chaos. Tradition without adaptation can descend into stagnation. The answer lies somewhere in between.

This debate is no longer optional; it has become a national necessity.

Therefore, this e-paper invites readers to participate in a healthy and constructive national conversation. Is social media empowering or misleading our youth? Are families, schools and governments doing enough? Is Bharat witnessing a crisis of values, or merely a difficult transition into a new age?

Readers are invited to submit opinion articles of around 600 words, supported by facts and written with utmost restraint and civility, along with a personal photograph. Selected entries will be published to foster a meaningful debate on one of the defining challenges of our times.

Articles may be mailed to: orangenews9@gmail.com or orangemultimedianetwork@gmail.com

After all, the future of any civilisation will ultimately depend not on the technology it invents, but on the values it passes on to its next generation.