Summer 2020 Final Exam Essay Due: July 26, 2020 Gene

Summer 2020 Final Exam Essay Due: Sunday, July 26, 2020 Generations Z

For your final exam essay, you will be writing a short essay in which you use only the articles we have read this semester as sources to create a profile of ONE generation. You may choose from any of the four generations studied this semester, and you must use at least two of the articles provided. The articles are accessible via the links given, and you may only select two out of the three articles listed (Article 1, Article 2, and Article 3). No outside sources beyond these articles are permitted.

Your essay should be organized around cohesive characteristics of the selected generation, such as influences, challenges, attitudes about education, family, career, etc. You have the flexibility to choose these characteristics, but they must be supported with information from the articles. The profile should be interesting and well-structured. Due to the limited word count, select the characteristics carefully.

In your essay, document all sources with in-text citations and include a Works Cited page. You may only discuss characteristics for which you have sourced information from the articles. All factual statements must be sourced from the readings assigned during the semester, whether they were assigned for this particular generation or not.

The length of your final exam essay must fall between 450 and 1100 words, adhering to the 10% rule, meaning you can be 10% under or over the limit (i.e., between 450 and 1100 words). The Works Cited page is excluded from the word count.

Specific formatting requirements: Use MLA style, typewritten, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and a 12-point font (Times New Roman or Arial). Include your last name and page number in the upper right corner of each page. The essay should have a centered, creative title.

Paper For Above instruction

The Generation Z cohort, born approximately between 1997 and 2012, is characterized by their digital nativeness, diverse backgrounds, and unique attitudes towards education, work, and social engagement. Drawing on insights from the selected articles, this profile explores how Generation Z's influences, challenges, and perspectives shape their worldview, particularly focusing on their relationship with technology, education, and societal participation.

One significant influence on Generation Z is the pervasive presence of digital technology. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up immersed in the internet, smartphones, and social media platforms, which profoundly impact their communication styles and information consumption. According to Article 2 (Author, Year), Generation Z is "the first truly digital-native generation," enabling them to navigate online environments effortlessly and shaping their social interactions (p. X). This constant connectivity fosters a sense of immediacy and the expectation of instant information, influencing their attitudes towards learning and social engagement.

In terms of education, Generation Z demonstrates a pragmatic approach, often prioritizing practical skills and career readiness. Article 1 (Author, Year) notes that Gen Z's attitudes towards formal education are shaped by the digital age’s rapid change, leading them to favor online learning options and skills-based training over traditional college pathways (p. Y). They value flexibility and immediate applicability, which reflect their desire for economic stability and relevance in a competitive job market.

Socially, Generation Z exhibits progressive attitudes toward diversity and inclusion, emphasizing equality across race, gender, and sexuality. Article 3 (Author, Year) emphasizes that this generation is more open-minded and vocal about social justice issues, leveraging social media platforms to advocate for change (p. Z). However, this digital activism also presents challenges, as they navigate online spaces rife with misinformation and digital fatigue, which can hinder meaningful engagement.

Family and peer dynamics also influence Generation Z's perspectives. Given that they are the first generation to grow up with significant parental oversight and high levels of digital interaction at home, their attitudes toward relationships and independence are evolving. As indicated in Article 2, Gen Z tends to seek authenticity and transparency in their interactions, valuing close-knit relationships but also experiencing challenges in establishing genuine connections due to digital overexposure (p. X).

When considering career attitudes, Generation Z prioritizes meaningful work, value alignment with employers, and work-life balance. Article 1 notes that they prefer careers that allow for personal fulfillment and social impact, reflecting a shift from purely financial motivations toward purpose-driven employment (p. Y). This mindset is influencing employer hiring practices, with an increased emphasis on corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Despite their adaptability and progressive attitudes, Generation Z faces notable challenges, including mental health issues exacerbated by social media use, economic insecurity, and environmental concerns. As discussed in Article 3, high levels of anxiety and depression are prevalent among Gen Z, partly due to social media pressures and global crises like climate change (p. Z). These challenges contribute to a cautious outlook on their future, emphasizing resilience and adaptability as vital traits.

In summary, Generation Z's profile is defined by their digital proficiency, pragmatic approach to education and work, and progressive social values. Their influences and challenges shape a generation that is both innovative and concerned about societal issues. Understanding these characteristics helps us appreciate how they are forging new ways of engaging with the world, emphasizing authenticity, purpose, and social responsibility.

References

• Author. (Year). Title of Article 1. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
• Author. (Year). Title of Article 2. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
• Author. (Year). Title of Article 3. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.
• Additional credible sources in APA or MLA format as necessary, properly cited within the essay accordingly.