Not only Generation Z, but every generation, irrespective of age and gender, had another a social media another option to consume news or ongoing developments on social media. But Gen Z are ahead of all generations, relying on social media as a source of information and entertainment. Social media became attractive as it is convenient to access and retrieve a lot of sources for political campaigns to share their messaging or meet their agenda. In recent years, political campaigns have also incorporated social media into their communication strategy for reaching voters. While TV remains the overall go-to source for election coverage, the study found that social media has become the more powerful force for Gen Z and Millennials in terms of influencing voting decisions and how they perceive political candidates. The Q3 2026 Pulse Survey Analysis revealed that close to half of Gen Z respondents had their voting choice shifted by something they saw in a single social media post.<h3>Social media shapes more than half of Gen Z voters in US</h3>The influence runs even deeper when it comes to opinion formation more broadly: more than half of all US voters, and a striking 79 per cent of Gen Z voters, said social media content has shaped or altered their views on candidates. With the November midterms drawing closer, the report also found that one in five Gen Z and Millennial users intend to turn to social platforms as their main way of tracking election developments. The report also indicates that nearly half of Gen Z say a single social media post has changed their opinion on who to vote for. Talking about TikTok, it has emerged as the unlikely newsroom for this generation in the US. Among young Americans, 44 per cent access news daily via social media, and a quarter name TikTok as their primary news platform, ahead of dedicated news apps. Instagram isn't far behind, functioning as a hybrid space for political content and social connection. Trust is notably high too: 53 per cent find social media news trustworthy, with only 16 per cent expressing active distrust.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-100-000-h-1b-fee-why-neither-republicans-nor-democrats-want-to-make-it-a-2026-us-midterm-issue-1791971903938">Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee: Why neither Republicans nor Democrats want to make it a 2026 US Midterm issue</a> Gen Z is nearly twice as likely as the general population to lean on creators and influencers they follow for election information, and roughly 70 per cent of Gen Z follow at least one politician directly on social media, collapsing the distance between voters and candidates that once ran through press conferences and campaign ads. Surprisingly, one in five Gen Z and Millennial users decide to use social media specifically for election news as polling dates approach, making their feeds a running ballot briefing rather than a passive scroll, and making them more likely to be controlled by the algorithm. &nbsp;Yet this digital-first approach comes with caveats. Algorithmic feeds risk narrowing exposure to confirming viewpoints, and misinformation spreads as quickly as genuine civic content. Still, for a generation that treats TikTok and Instagram as search engines, news desks, and town halls rolled into one, the ballot box is increasingly being shaped scroll by scroll, making digital fluency as decisive to this election cycle as any traditional campaign strategy.

TikTok has emerged as the unlikely newsroom for this generation in the US. Among young Americans, 44 per cent access news daily via social media, and a quarter name TikTok as their primary news platform, ahead of dedicated news apps. 

Not only Generation Z, but every generation, irrespective of age and gender, had another a social media another option to consume news or ongoing developments on social media. But Gen Z are ahead of all generations, relying on social media as a source of information and entertainment. Social media became attractive as it is convenient to access and retrieve a lot of sources for political campaigns to share their messaging or meet their agenda. In recent years, political campaigns have also incorporated social media into their communication strategy for reaching voters. While TV remains the overall go-to source for election coverage, the study found that social media has become the more powerful force for Gen Z and Millennials in terms of influencing voting decisions and how they perceive political candidates. The Q3 2026 Pulse Survey Analysis revealed that close to half of Gen Z respondents had their voting choice shifted by something they saw in a single social media post. Social media shapes more than half of Gen Z voters in US The influence runs even deeper when it comes to opinion formation more broadly: more than half of all US voters, and a striking 79 per cent of Gen Z voters, said social media content has shaped or altered their views on candidates. With the November midterms drawing closer, the report also found that one in five Gen Z and Millennial users intend to turn to social platforms as their main way of tracking election developments. The report also indicates that nearly half of Gen Z say a single social media post has changed their opinion on who to vote for. Talking about TikTok, it has emerged as the unlikely newsroom for this generation in the US. Among young Americans, 44 per cent access news daily via social media, and a quarter name TikTok as their primary news platform, ahead of dedicated news apps. Instagram isn't far behind, functioning as a hybrid space for political content and social connection. Trust is notably high too: 53 per cent find social media news trustworthy, with only 16 per cent expressing active distrust. Also read: Trump's $100,000 H-1B fee: Why neither Republicans nor Democrats want to make it a 2026 US Midterm issue Gen Z is nearly twice as likely as the general population to lean on creators and influencers they follow for election information, and roughly 70 per cent of Gen Z follow at least one politician directly on social media, collapsing the distance between voters and candidates that once ran through press conferences and campaign ads. Surprisingly, one in five Gen Z and Millennial users decide to use social media specifically for election news as polling dates approach, making their feeds a running ballot briefing rather than a passive scroll, and making them more likely to be controlled by the algorithm. Yet this digital-first approach comes with caveats. Algorithmic feeds risk narrowing exposure to confirming viewpoints, and misinformation spreads as quickly as genuine civic content. Still, for a generation that treats TikTok and Instagram as search engines, news desks, and town halls rolled into one, the ballot box is increasingly being shaped scroll by scroll, making digital fluency as decisive to this election cycle as any traditional campaign strategy.

TikTok has emerged as the unlikely newsroom for this generation in the US. Among young Americans, 44 per cent access news daily via social media, and a quarter name TikTok as their primary news platform, ahead of dedicated news apps.&nbsp;

US midterm elections 2026: How Gen Z voters consume elections on Social Media and are poised to vote - EXPLAINED

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday emphasised the unpredictability and uncertainty of future threats, remarking that even US President Donald Trump might not know what he will do tomorrow. Dwivedi's remarks came while addressing a gathering of students at the TRS College in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday.&nbsp;“Coming to what lies ahead, what the future holds and the challenges it will bring — in Hindi, we often describe this as asthirta (instability), anischitata (uncertainty), jatilta (complexity), and aspashtata (ambiguity). These four elements sum up what we can expect. Chaar kuch aisi cheez hain agar aapko simple words mein bolun toh aage aane wale din kaise honge yeh na aapko pata hai na mujhe. Kal kya hone wala hai, yeh bhi kisi ko nahi pata. Trump ji aaj kya kar rahe hain, mere khayal se Trump ji ko bhi nahi pata hoga kal kya karne ja rahe hain. (To put it simply, we don’t really know what the future will look like — what we should do, or what might happen tomorrow. Even Mr (Donald) Trump probably doesn’t know what he’s going to do tomorrow,” General Dwivedi said, the Indian Express reported.<h3>Challenges that armed forces face</h3>General Dwivedi pointed out that apart from border challenges, the armed forces also face evolving threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, cyber warfare, and the new frontiers, which involve satellite warfare and chemical, biological, and radiological threats.&nbsp;“Then there’s information warfare… For instance, during Operation Sindoor, there were rumours that Karachi had been attacked. We, too, heard such reports and wondered where they came from and who started them. That’s how fast and confusing things can get,” he said.&nbsp;Sharing the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said, “First, Operation Sindoor wasn’t only about defeating the enemy — it was also about restoring sovereignty, integrity, and peace. When the Prime Minister told me that the operation would be named Sindoor, it reminded me how, during the Kargil war, the Army called its mission Operation Vijay, and the Air Force named its own Operation Safed Sagar. This time, the Prime Minister himself chose the name Operation Sindoor. And what was the biggest benefit of that? The entire nation united under a single name — Sindoor. It resonated emotionally across the country.”&nbsp;Appealing to “Generation Z,” he said that with discipline and the right digital guidance, India has the potential to leap several generations ahead in progress. He also added that this generation will drive India forward in the coming days.&nbsp;“Generation Z is digitally fluent, technologically advanced, socially aware, and globally connected. They have access to information from all over the world. If such a powerful generation receives discipline and proper guidance, India could advance by several generations in just a moment, leap ahead by many ages. So, it means that in the coming days, Generation Z will be the fuel that drives India forward,” he said.

Appealing to “Generation Z,” he said that with discipline and the right digital guidance, India has the potential to leap several generations ahead in progress. He also added that this generation will drive India forward in the coming days.

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday emphasised the unpredictability and uncertainty of future threats, remarking that even US President Donald Trump might not know what he will do tomorrow. Dwivedi's remarks came while addressing a gathering of students at the TRS College in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday. “Coming to what lies ahead, what the future holds and the challenges it will bring — in Hindi, we often describe this as asthirta (instability), anischitata (uncertainty), jatilta (complexity), and aspashtata (ambiguity). These four elements sum up what we can expect. Chaar kuch aisi cheez hain agar aapko simple words mein bolun toh aage aane wale din kaise honge yeh na aapko pata hai na mujhe. Kal kya hone wala hai, yeh bhi kisi ko nahi pata. Trump ji aaj kya kar rahe hain, mere khayal se Trump ji ko bhi nahi pata hoga kal kya karne ja rahe hain. (To put it simply, we don’t really know what the future will look like — what we should do, or what might happen tomorrow. Even Mr (Donald) Trump probably doesn’t know what he’s going to do tomorrow,” General Dwivedi said, the Indian Express reported. Challenges that armed forces face General Dwivedi pointed out that apart from border challenges, the armed forces also face evolving threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, cyber warfare, and the new frontiers, which involve satellite warfare and chemical, biological, and radiological threats. “Then there’s information warfare… For instance, during Operation Sindoor, there were rumours that Karachi had been attacked. We, too, heard such reports and wondered where they came from and who started them. That’s how fast and confusing things can get,” he said. Sharing the lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi said, “First, Operation Sindoor wasn’t only about defeating the enemy — it was also about restoring sovereignty, integrity, and peace. When the Prime Minister told me that the operation would be named Sindoor, it reminded me how, during the Kargil war, the Army called its mission Operation Vijay, and the Air Force named its own Operation Safed Sagar. This time, the Prime Minister himself chose the name Operation Sindoor. And what was the biggest benefit of that? The entire nation united under a single name — Sindoor. It resonated emotionally across the country.” Appealing to “Generation Z,” he said that with discipline and the right digital guidance, India has the potential to leap several generations ahead in progress. He also added that this generation will drive India forward in the coming days. “Generation Z is digitally fluent, technologically advanced, socially aware, and globally connected. They have access to information from all over the world. If such a powerful generation receives discipline and proper guidance, India could advance by several generations in just a moment, leap ahead by many ages. So, it means that in the coming days, Generation Z will be the fuel that drives India forward,” he said.

Appealing to “Generation Z,” he said that with discipline and the right digital guidance, India has the potential to leap several generations ahead in progress. He also added that this generation will drive India forward in the coming days.

'Even Trump doesn’t know what he’ll do tomorrow': Army Chief Dwivedi’s candid take on rising security threats

A Stanford Report published in 2022 claimed that Gen Z are misunderstood. “Contrary to stereotypes of being ‘lazy’ or ‘coddled’, Gen Z is entrepreneurial and adaptive”, said the study.

A Stanford Report published in 2022 claimed that Gen Z are misunderstood. “Contrary to stereotypes of being ‘lazy’ or ‘coddled’, Gen Z is entrepreneurial and adaptive”, said the study.

'Not gonna lie': Why Gen Z is nothing like millennials and what generation Alpha will do next

When Britney Spears released 'Criminal' in 2011, she probably had no clue that her song would become an anthem by Generation Z to glamourise a murder suspect.&nbsp;It was December 4. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in broad daylight in Manhattan. Police found a few bullets at the crime scene. The casings of the bullets had carved "deny,&nbsp;delay, depose" on them. What does that mean? Well so far, it's been suspected that the murderer was utterly displeased by the insurance companies of the United States. The "deny, delay" is allegedly an approach followed by people working in the medical insurance industry when an insured&nbsp;makes&nbsp;a claim.&nbsp;After a series of searching clues and following CCTVs, police arrested a man named Luigi Mangione on December 9 from a McDonald's outlet in Pennsylvania. The 26-year-old had fake IDs and a gun similar to the one used to shoot Thompson. The authorities labelled him a "person of interest" in the case.&nbsp;Watch |&nbsp;Top Russian General Killed In Moscow Blast&nbsp;Well, it looked like he indeed became a "person of interest" for the people on the internet. Within hours of arrest, his Instagram and &nbsp;X accounts were discovered. As soon as people found his photographs on them, some brooding, others shirtless, he started being called "too handsome to be guilty". His followers flew from a few hundred to tens of thousands and by the day passed, #LuigiMangioneFanClub and #FreeLuigi started trending.&nbsp;<h2>Internet's Misunderstood Hero</h2>The Gen Z influencers on Instagram started posting reels and edits with dramatic slow-motion effects and with Britney's iconic song 'Criminal'. Their captions were somewhat like, "How can someone this fine do anything wrong?" Some of the internet creators even posted reels of "outfits inspired by Luigi Mangione" and "What would I wear if I go on a date with Luigi Mangione". Yes, you read it right. They are talking about a suspect in the murder of a father of two and a husband.&nbsp;This forces us to think, what's wrong with this generation? Are we really glamourising and fantasising about a suspected criminal?&nbsp;<h2>The 'Pretty Privilege'?&nbsp;</h2>Mangione's meteoric rise can be considered a real example of "pretty privilege". People who fall under the beauty standards of society and are easy on the eyes, often get spared criticism. Mangione's attractiveness overshadowed the allegations against him.&nbsp;<h2>Where's the line between content and ethics?</h2>What does this also show about today's era of the internet? The internet and Gen Z hold the power to even turn a criminal into a celebrity. This means if you are good-looking enough, people might forget that you may "possibly be connected to a murder".&nbsp;This isn't new. 'Bad boys', gangsters and morally grey men have often been fantasised and romanticised in Hollywood and modern cinema. And the internet has now turned this into an art. These social media platforms prioritise engagement over ethics. This generation loves a scandal wrapped in six-packs.&nbsp;<h2>The modern Robin Hood?</h2>Another aspect that Mangione is being termed as a "hero" and, in a bizarre saga, modern-day Robin Hood, is that his alleged act was prompted by the flawed government system. He was allegedly fed up with the healthcare and insurance companies. Hence, he is even being called "Healthcare’s Avenger” on the internet.&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangiones-doppelganger-skater-guy-goes-viral-says-its-kinda-funny-784628">Luigi Mangione's doppelganger skater guy goes viral, says it's 'kinda funny'</a>But let's be clear, Mangione has not been charged yet. However, police have found his fingerprints at the site of the crime and even some notes in his bag that revealed he initially considered bombing to kill Thompson. But he dropped the idea to "save the innocent people around" and opted for the gun. This is also an aspect that impressed Gen Z over the internet.&nbsp;<h2>Pause and think</h2>The whole internet thing could be laughed at for being fantasising but it's also disturbing. It's dangerous how the internet holds the power to rewrite the narrative. How Gen Z can turn a serious matter into entertainment.&nbsp;This is&nbsp;high time to ask ourselves, are we consuming the content or the content is consuming us? Because in a generation where looks can overshadow grave allegations, the line couldn't be thinner.Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

People who fall under the beauty standards of society and are easy on the eyes, often get spared criticism. Mangione's attractiveness overshadowed the allegations against him. 

When Britney Spears released 'Criminal' in 2011, she probably had no clue that her song would become an anthem by Generation Z to glamourise a murder suspect. It was December 4. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in broad daylight in Manhattan. Police found a few bullets at the crime scene. The casings of the bullets had carved "deny, delay, depose" on them. What does that mean? Well so far, it's been suspected that the murderer was utterly displeased by the insurance companies of the United States. The "deny, delay" is allegedly an approach followed by people working in the medical insurance industry when an insured makes a claim. After a series of searching clues and following CCTVs, police arrested a man named Luigi Mangione on December 9 from a McDonald's outlet in Pennsylvania. The 26-year-old had fake IDs and a gun similar to the one used to shoot Thompson. The authorities labelled him a "person of interest" in the case. Watch | Top Russian General Killed In Moscow Blast Well, it looked like he indeed became a "person of interest" for the people on the internet. Within hours of arrest, his Instagram and X accounts were discovered. As soon as people found his photographs on them, some brooding, others shirtless, he started being called "too handsome to be guilty". His followers flew from a few hundred to tens of thousands and by the day passed, #LuigiMangioneFanClub and #FreeLuigi started trending. Internet's Misunderstood Hero The Gen Z influencers on Instagram started posting reels and edits with dramatic slow-motion effects and with Britney's iconic song 'Criminal'. Their captions were somewhat like, "How can someone this fine do anything wrong?" Some of the internet creators even posted reels of "outfits inspired by Luigi Mangione" and "What would I wear if I go on a date with Luigi Mangione". Yes, you read it right. They are talking about a suspect in the murder of a father of two and a husband. This forces us to think, what's wrong with this generation? Are we really glamourising and fantasising about a suspected criminal? The 'Pretty Privilege'? Mangione's meteoric rise can be considered a real example of "pretty privilege". People who fall under the beauty standards of society and are easy on the eyes, often get spared criticism. Mangione's attractiveness overshadowed the allegations against him. Where's the line between content and ethics? What does this also show about today's era of the internet? The internet and Gen Z hold the power to even turn a criminal into a celebrity. This means if you are good-looking enough, people might forget that you may "possibly be connected to a murder". This isn't new. 'Bad boys', gangsters and morally grey men have often been fantasised and romanticised in Hollywood and modern cinema. And the internet has now turned this into an art. These social media platforms prioritise engagement over ethics. This generation loves a scandal wrapped in six-packs. The modern Robin Hood? Another aspect that Mangione is being termed as a "hero" and, in a bizarre saga, modern-day Robin Hood, is that his alleged act was prompted by the flawed government system. He was allegedly fed up with the healthcare and insurance companies. Hence, he is even being called "Healthcare’s Avenger” on the internet. Also read | Luigi Mangione's doppelganger skater guy goes viral, says it's 'kinda funny' But let's be clear, Mangione has not been charged yet. However, police have found his fingerprints at the site of the crime and even some notes in his bag that revealed he initially considered bombing to kill Thompson. But he dropped the idea to "save the innocent people around" and opted for the gun. This is also an aspect that impressed Gen Z over the internet. Pause and think The whole internet thing could be laughed at for being fantasising but it's also disturbing. It's dangerous how the internet holds the power to rewrite the narrative. How Gen Z can turn a serious matter into entertainment. This is high time to ask ourselves, are we consuming the content or the content is consuming us? Because in a generation where looks can overshadow grave allegations, the line couldn't be thinner. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

People who fall under the beauty standards of society and are easy on the eyes, often get spared criticism. Mangione's attractiveness overshadowed the allegations against him.&nbsp;

Luigi Mangione: A murder suspect 'too hot to be guilty' for Gen Z

When Britney Spears released 'Criminal' in 2011, she probably had no clue that her song would become an anthem by Generation Z to glamourise a murder suspect.

It was December 4. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead in broad daylight in Manhattan. Police found a few bullets at the crime scene. The casings of the bullets had carved "deny,&nbsp;delay, depose" on them. What does that mean? Well so far, it's been suspected that the murderer was utterly displeased by the insurance companies of the United States. The "deny, delay" is allegedly an approach followed by people working in the medical insurance industry when an insured&nbsp;makes&nbsp;a claim.&nbsp;

After a series of searching clues and following CCTVs, police arrested a man named Luigi Mangione on December 9 from a McDonald's outlet in Pennsylvania. The 26-year-old had fake IDs and a gun similar to the one used to shoot Thompson. The authorities labelled him a "person of interest" in the case.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Top Russian General Killed In Moscow Blast

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-top-russian-general-killed-in-moscow-blast-784634/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Well, it looked like he indeed became a "person of interest" for the people on the internet. Within hours of arrest, his Instagram and &nbsp;X accounts were discovered. As soon as people found his photographs on them, some brooding, others shirtless, he started being called "too handsome to be guilty". His followers flew from a few hundred to tens of thousands and by the day passed, #LuigiMangioneFanClub and #FreeLuigi started trending.&nbsp;

<h2>Internet's Misunderstood Hero</h2>

The Gen Z influencers on Instagram started posting reels and edits with dramatic slow-motion effects and with Britney's iconic song 'Criminal'. Their captions were somewhat like, "How can someone this fine do anything wrong?" Some of the internet creators even posted reels of "outfits inspired by Luigi Mangione" and "What would I wear if I go on a date with Luigi Mangione". Yes, you read it right. They are talking about a suspect in the murder of a father of two and a husband.&nbsp;

This forces us to think, what's wrong with this generation? Are we really glamourising and fantasising about a suspected criminal?&nbsp;

<h2>The 'Pretty Privilege'?&nbsp;</h2>

Mangione's meteoric rise can be considered a real example of "pretty privilege". &nbsp;People who fall under the beauty standards of society and are easy on the eyes, often get spared criticism. Mangione's attractiveness overshadowed the allegations against him.&nbsp;

<h2>Where's the line between content and ethics?</h2>

What does this also show about today's era of the internet? The internet and Gen Z hold the power to even turn a criminal into a celebrity. This means if you are good-looking enough, people might forget that you may "possibly be connected to a murder".&nbsp;

This isn't new. 'Bad boys', gangsters and morally grey men have often been fantasised and romanticised in Hollywood and modern cinema. And the internet has now turned this into an art. These social media platforms prioritise engagement over ethics. This generation loves a scandal wrapped in six-packs.&nbsp;

<h2>The modern Robin Hood?</h2>

Another aspect that Mangione is being termed as a "hero" and, in a bizarre saga, modern-day Robin Hood, is that his alleged act was prompted by the flawed government system. He was allegedly fed up with the healthcare and insurance companies. Hence, he is even being called "Healthcare’s Avenger” on the internet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangiones-doppelganger-skater-guy-goes-viral-says-its-kinda-funny-784628">Luigi Mangione's doppelganger skater guy goes viral, says it's 'kinda funny'</a>

But let's be clear, Mangione has not been charged yet. However, police have found his fingerprints at the site of the crime and even some notes in his bag that revealed he initially considered bombing to kill Thompson. But he dropped the idea to "save the innocent people around" and opted for the gun. This is also an aspect that impressed Gen Z over the internet.&nbsp;

<h2>Pause and think</h2>

The whole internet thing could be laughed at for being fantasising but it's also disturbing. It's dangerous how the internet holds the power to rewrite the narrative. How Gen Z can turn a serious matter into entertainment.&nbsp;

This is&nbsp;high time to ask ourselves, are we consuming the content or the content is consuming us? Because in a generation where looks can overshadow grave allegations, the line couldn't be thinner.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

When Britney Spears released 'Criminal' in 2011, she probably had no clue that her song would become an anthem by Generation Z to glamourise a murder suspect. It was December 4.

The digital world is constantly overflowing with information. This leaves Generation Z, or Gen Z, exposed to misinformation &amp; clickbait at an alarming level. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is forging a new path to consuming information. Their method relies on 'communities' rather than 'institutions'.

Gen Z &amp; information sensibility

Information dissemination in previous generations was different. It was mostly gossip that happened within communities. To filter that, people relied on 'information literacy', which is the ability to critically evaluate sources and then make an informed decision.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, information in today's digital world is multi-faceted. It's across spectrums, ranging from Instagram reels to WhatsApp statuses to Twitter threads. This has led to a gradual decline in the influence of traditional media like newspapers. News is right in front of you before you can open a newspaper. This has also led to 'online gossip' in groups with like-minded people. Researchers at Jigsaw, a Google subsidiary, found that Gen Z relies on 'information sensibility', which means prioritising social circles for information and less reliance on traditional fact-checking.

Gen Z hates clickbait

Studies have shown that Gen Z distrusts clickbait and news sources with ads or paywalls.

Instead, they find a social media influencer who speaks their language and curates information with a specific angle they wish to seek. Social media comments are another trusted source, especially when it comes to catching the general 'vibe' regarding a particular incident. This helps people get the gravity of a situation and accordingly comment. It is also a great source for identifying like-minded people.

These generational shifts have caused a change in news consumption habits. A recent Pew Research Centre study shows how Gen Z primarily get their news from social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This potentially restricts the scope of reading as the reliance has now shifted to 'summaries' rather than in-depth fact-checking.

Gen Z and the 'misinformation pandemic'

News was restricted when the sources were limited. Now, every channel is a news channel, and every platform is a way for you to connect with the world. This leads to an overflow of news beyond what's even needed. Concerns are ripe on how this Gen Z approach can make them susceptible to misinformation.

However, research by Microsoft suggests intentional misinformation primarily targets specific-already radicalised groups and not the usual Gen Z users.&nbsp;

A Gen Z social media user is typically exposed to extreme opinions, and the one he clicks on more times becomes his social media feed till the time he becomes interested in another trend or an ideology. In many ways, social media has become a marketplace for ideologies to pick customers for their 'cult'.

One thing in favour of Gen Z is that they rely on personal experiences and close friends over statistics, especially in areas like Health and Wellness.

The focus, overall, has to be on creating a safe social media space for our future generations and not treating them like commodities for profits. This is why Big Tech firms like Meta and Google are facing lawsuits worldwide. Their sophisticated algorithms are being trained by the personal data of billions of people across the world, which makes them equally responsible for ensuring the mental safety of the younger generations, the ones reading this article on their phones right now.

The digital world is constantly overflowing with information. This leaves Generation Z, or Gen Z, exposed to misinformation & clickbait at an alarming level. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is forging a new path to consuming information.

The digital world is constantly overflowing with information. This leaves Generation Z, or Gen Z, exposed to misinformation & clickbait at an alarming level. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is forging a new path to consuming information. Their method relies on 'communities' rather than 'institutions'. Gen Z & information sensibility Information dissemination in previous generations was different. It was mostly gossip that happened within communities. To filter that, people relied on 'information literacy', which is the ability to critically evaluate sources and then make an informed decision. Meanwhile, information in today's digital world is multi-faceted. It's across spectrums, ranging from Instagram reels to WhatsApp statuses to Twitter threads. This has led to a gradual decline in the influence of traditional media like newspapers. News is right in front of you before you can open a newspaper. This has also led to 'online gossip' in groups with like-minded people. Researchers at Jigsaw, a Google subsidiary, found that Gen Z relies on 'information sensibility', which means prioritising social circles for information and less reliance on traditional fact-checking. Gen Z hates clickbait Studies have shown that Gen Z distrusts clickbait and news sources with ads or paywalls. Instead, they find a social media influencer who speaks their language and curates information with a specific angle they wish to seek. Social media comments are another trusted source, especially when it comes to catching the general 'vibe' regarding a particular incident. This helps people get the gravity of a situation and accordingly comment. It is also a great source for identifying like-minded people. These generational shifts have caused a change in news consumption habits. A recent Pew Research Centre study shows how Gen Z primarily get their news from social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This potentially restricts the scope of reading as the reliance has now shifted to 'summaries' rather than in-depth fact-checking. Gen Z and the 'misinformation pandemic' News was restricted when the sources were limited. Now, every channel is a news channel, and every platform is a way for you to connect with the world. This leads to an overflow of news beyond what's even needed. Concerns are ripe on how this Gen Z approach can make them susceptible to misinformation. However, research by Microsoft suggests intentional misinformation primarily targets specific-already radicalised groups and not the usual Gen Z users. A Gen Z social media user is typically exposed to extreme opinions, and the one he clicks on more times becomes his social media feed till the time he becomes interested in another trend or an ideology. In many ways, social media has become a marketplace for ideologies to pick customers for their 'cult'. One thing in favour of Gen Z is that they rely on personal experiences and close friends over statistics, especially in areas like Health and Wellness. The focus, overall, has to be on creating a safe social media space for our future generations and not treating them like commodities for profits. This is why Big Tech firms like Meta and Google are facing lawsuits worldwide. Their sophisticated algorithms are being trained by the personal data of billions of people across the world, which makes them equally responsible for ensuring the mental safety of the younger generations, the ones reading this article on their phones right now.

Gen Z Trends: How does Gen Z navigate news overflow

Only generation Z has witnessed the fastest technological development that has ever happened in human history. They are known to machines that talk, robots that cook, and cars that run without fuel. However, for aesthetic images, the woke and extra 'Gen Z' has adapted cameras that go way back!

Known for their unexpected trends, Gen Z has started owning cameras that belong to their childhood. Millennials and generation X, the camera owners in a real sense, find them mundane and boring. But young people love to share blurry and overlit pictures on their social media accounts, pretending they live in a vintage era.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/photos/ever-imagined-snowy-delhi-and-kolkata-see-stunning-pictures-as-ai-makes-the-magic-happen-550561">Ever imagined snowy Delhi and Kolkata? See stunning pictures as AI makes the magic happen!</a>

Many new-age influencers like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid have also started following the trend. But instead of the paparazzi, social media celebs have started uploading these 'fun' images.&nbsp;

Smartphones and generation Z have evolved hand in hand, replacing the need for isolated gadgets like calculators and cameras. But it looks like they will take a break from their smartphones as they have rediscovered 'point and shoot' cameras in old drawers of their house. Camera strings like the Canon Powershot and Kodak EasyShare often pop up at parties and other social events.

Watch|&nbsp;Double agent Ana Montes who spied for Cuba freed from U.S. jail after 20 years

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Nostalgia for the Y2K era has caught Gen Z. It has spread across social media platforms alongside low-rise pants, velour tracksuits and dresses over denim. Many brands like Abercombie &amp; Fitch and Juicy Couture have benefitted from the trends. So now, the picture quality is poor on purpose.&nbsp;

Modern-day point-and-shoot cameras come with trendy flashiness. But due to their shortage in the market, Gen Z has shifted to thrift stores and e-commerce sites. The search for NIKON COOLPIX has increased by 90 per cent, as per an eBay official.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Only generation Z has witnessed the fastest technological development that has ever happened in human history. They are known to machines that talk, robots that cook, and cars that run without fuel.

Only generation Z has witnessed the fastest technological development that has ever happened in human history. They are known to machines that talk, robots that cook, and cars that run without fuel. However, for aesthetic images, the woke and extra 'Gen Z' has adapted cameras that go way back! Known for their unexpected trends, Gen Z has started owning cameras that belong to their childhood. Millennials and generation X, the camera owners in a real sense, find them mundane and boring. But young people love to share blurry and overlit pictures on their social media accounts, pretending they live in a vintage era. Also Read| Ever imagined snowy Delhi and Kolkata? See stunning pictures as AI makes the magic happen! Many new-age influencers like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid have also started following the trend. But instead of the paparazzi, social media celebs have started uploading these 'fun' images. Smartphones and generation Z have evolved hand in hand, replacing the need for isolated gadgets like calculators and cameras. But it looks like they will take a break from their smartphones as they have rediscovered 'point and shoot' cameras in old drawers of their house. Camera strings like the Canon Powershot and Kodak EasyShare often pop up at parties and other social events. Watch| Double agent Ana Montes who spied for Cuba freed from U.S. jail after 20 years Nostalgia for the Y2K era has caught Gen Z. It has spread across social media platforms alongside low-rise pants, velour tracksuits and dresses over denim. Many brands like Abercombie & Fitch and Juicy Couture have benefitted from the trends. So now, the picture quality is poor on purpose. Modern-day point-and-shoot cameras come with trendy flashiness. But due to their shortage in the market, Gen Z has shifted to thrift stores and e-commerce sites. The search for NIKON COOLPIX has increased by 90 per cent, as per an eBay official. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Y2K era point-and-shoot camera trends again with Gen Z influencers

I may sound judgemental, but it is the attitude of Gen Z that gives me the confidence to say things about them. Generation Z refers to young people aged 15 to 21.The popular phenomenon must be a bit different. I will list a few traits which disturb me a lot about this generation.

1. Impatient to become extremely wealthy and enjoy all of the world's luxuries.

2. Take life too lightly. Least inclined towards abiding by the law. Security measures like wearing seat belts, helmets, etc. are seen as shackles or bonding. Traffic rules are violated at every available opportunity.

3. Family values are diminishing. It is rare to make an effort to spend time with family.

4. The general value system is absent. Values can be easily bent and discarded.This generation is very high on ego. The elderly are afraid to get into any confrontation with them.&nbsp;

The list will go on and on. But then it won't fetch any solution by pointing fingers.&nbsp;

It is imperative to find the reason behind this attitude.

We, as parents too, need to take up this blame in part. We somehow fall short of imbibing the values in them.

The digital era is playing a big part in moulding such an attitude in this generation. It could be unwarranted exposure to violence, porn, guns, drugs, or spying on the lives of the wealthy.

The clock needs to unwind and make it a bit slower. It's difficult to match up with the speed of technological advancement and at the same time build a personality.

Generations are built through individuals, and each individual requires appropriate time to nurture and propagate. To build a rock solid generation rich in values, society, administration, flag bearers, and others must work together. I wish to call them gentlemen and gentlewomen, which is not the scene these days. 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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I may sound judgemental, but it is the attitude of Gen Z that gives me the confidence to say things about them. Generation Z refers to young people aged 15 to 21.

I may sound judgemental, but it is the attitude of Gen Z that gives me the confidence to say things about them. Generation Z refers to young people aged 15 to 21.The popular phenomenon must be a bit different. I will list a few traits which disturb me a lot about this generation. 1. Impatient to become extremely wealthy and enjoy all of the world's luxuries. 2. Take life too lightly. Least inclined towards abiding by the law. Security measures like wearing seat belts, helmets, etc. are seen as shackles or bonding. Traffic rules are violated at every available opportunity. 3. Family values are diminishing. It is rare to make an effort to spend time with family. 4. The general value system is absent. Values can be easily bent and discarded.This generation is very high on ego. The elderly are afraid to get into any confrontation with them. The list will go on and on. But then it won't fetch any solution by pointing fingers. It is imperative to find the reason behind this attitude. We, as parents too, need to take up this blame in part. We somehow fall short of imbibing the values in them. The digital era is playing a big part in moulding such an attitude in this generation. It could be unwarranted exposure to violence, porn, guns, drugs, or spying on the lives of the wealthy. The clock needs to unwind and make it a bit slower. It's difficult to match up with the speed of technological advancement and at the same time build a personality. Generations are built through individuals, and each individual requires appropriate time to nurture and propagate. To build a rock solid generation rich in values, society, administration, flag bearers, and others must work together. I wish to call them gentlemen and gentlewomen, which is not the scene these days. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The impact of Generation Z's negative attributes

It sounds counterintuitive, but members of Generation Z will have to focus on human connections if they want to compete with robots for the jobs of the future.

Born after 1996 on the heels of the millennials,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-it-out-ep-26-e-parenting-for-the-gen-z-2790"> Gen Z</a> is just entering the workforce. Its members are the first true digital natives, and their ability to adapt to an automating workplace will likely determine their success.

While science and engineering degrees are on the rise, “soft” skills such as intellectual insight, flexibility, intuition, and creativity will be essential for workers competing with machines that are growing more technically proficient.

Here are the soft skills Gen Z members need to succeed:

Be an effective strategic communicator

Some employers fear that digital native workers might be too much like the robots they are competing with. What will make Gen Z workers stand out? Good communication skills.

Those in technology fields often work remotely or in relative isolation, so they do not always get enough time to sharpen their interpersonal skills, said Jason Wingard, dean, and professor of the school of professional studies at Columbia University.

There is a way for young people to train for that skill, though, added Vicki Walia, chief talent and capability officer at financial services giant Prudential.

"Gen Zs should not under-emphasize the importance of relationship building, listening, communicating, working collaboratively,” Walia said.

One way to do this is through mentorship. Young workers should work to form relationships with older colleagues or even engage in "reverse mentorships," helping an older worker learn a new technology skill.

Last year, Russell Bingham, a senior engineering major, participated in the clinic program at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, which partners student teams with companies. The interactions were “eye-opening,” Bingham said, making him find better ways to interact with colleagues.

Be a continuous learner

While most of Generation Z is still in school, they already need to think about how to continually adapt to a fast-changing world. Their advantage, said Walia, is that they are “digitally capable and multidimensional.”

To succeed, they must be pragmatic and realistic about their skills and how desired skillsets will change. For example, Walia said graduates might be trained in Microsoft Excel, but a job might require them to learn how to interpret that data.

"Storytelling skills are an important part of being able to help others interpret the data, and use it to tell a story through data visualization," Walia said.

More industry knowledge also equals more money up to $6,387 more a year in salary in a high-wage industry according to a study the MIT-IBM Watson AI lab did between 2010 and 2017.

Find work that gives you a sense of purpose

Nearly half of the Gen Zs said they had experienced job burnout in the past year, according to a survey by ServiceNow, a Santa Clara, California cloud computing company. Half said they were considering a job outside their current industry because of it.

Workers are at their best when doing something meaningful to them, said Obed Louissaint, vice president of talent at IBM.

To avoid burnout, young people should couple finding purpose with taking proper mental breaks and trying to build healthy habits, Louissaint added.

Harvey Mudd student Bingham, for instance, is looking for a job that lets him apply his science and engineering skills to projects with societal impact. He recently worked as part of the expedition team that located the HMS Urge submarine after it was lost at sea for 77 years.

"That experience has led me to strongly value the fact that my unique robotics skill set can be an asset to people and projects totally outside the direct development of robots," Bingham said.

It sounds counterintuitive, but members of Generation Z will have to focus on human connections if they want to compete with robots for the jobs of the future. Born after 1996 on the heels of the millennials, Gen Z is just entering the workforce.

It sounds counterintuitive, but members of Generation Z will have to focus on human connections if they want to compete with robots for the jobs of the future. Born after 1996 on the heels of the millennials, Gen Z is just entering the workforce. Its members are the first true digital natives, and their ability to adapt to an automating workplace will likely determine their success. While science and engineering degrees are on the rise, “soft” skills such as intellectual insight, flexibility, intuition, and creativity will be essential for workers competing with machines that are growing more technically proficient. Here are the soft skills Gen Z members need to succeed: Be an effective strategic communicator Some employers fear that digital native workers might be too much like the robots they are competing with. What will make Gen Z workers stand out? Good communication skills. Those in technology fields often work remotely or in relative isolation, so they do not always get enough time to sharpen their interpersonal skills, said Jason Wingard, dean, and professor of the school of professional studies at Columbia University. There is a way for young people to train for that skill, though, added Vicki Walia, chief talent and capability officer at financial services giant Prudential. "Gen Zs should not under-emphasize the importance of relationship building, listening, communicating, working collaboratively,” Walia said. One way to do this is through mentorship. Young workers should work to form relationships with older colleagues or even engage in "reverse mentorships," helping an older worker learn a new technology skill. Last year, Russell Bingham, a senior engineering major, participated in the clinic program at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California, which partners student teams with companies. The interactions were “eye-opening,” Bingham said, making him find better ways to interact with colleagues. Be a continuous learner While most of Generation Z is still in school, they already need to think about how to continually adapt to a fast-changing world. Their advantage, said Walia, is that they are “digitally capable and multidimensional.” To succeed, they must be pragmatic and realistic about their skills and how desired skillsets will change. For example, Walia said graduates might be trained in Microsoft Excel, but a job might require them to learn how to interpret that data. "Storytelling skills are an important part of being able to help others interpret the data, and use it to tell a story through data visualization," Walia said. More industry knowledge also equals more money up to $6,387 more a year in salary in a high-wage industry according to a study the MIT-IBM Watson AI lab did between 2010 and 2017. Find work that gives you a sense of purpose Nearly half of the Gen Zs said they had experienced job burnout in the past year, according to a survey by ServiceNow, a Santa Clara, California cloud computing company. Half said they were considering a job outside their current industry because of it. Workers are at their best when doing something meaningful to them, said Obed Louissaint, vice president of talent at IBM. To avoid burnout, young people should couple finding purpose with taking proper mental breaks and trying to build healthy habits, Louissaint added. Harvey Mudd student Bingham, for instance, is looking for a job that lets him apply his science and engineering skills to projects with societal impact. He recently worked as part of the expedition team that located the HMS Urge submarine after it was lost at sea for 77 years. "That experience has led me to strongly value the fact that my unique robotics skill set can be an asset to people and projects totally outside the direct development of robots," Bingham said.

How can Generation Z compete with robots? Focus on the human touch

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Y2K era point-and-shoot camera trends again with Gen Z influencers

The impact of Generation Z's negative attributes

How can Generation Z compete with robots? Focus on the human touch