Axios reports that the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic "may be a defining experience for Generation Z that shapes its outlook for decades to come — disrupting its entry to adulthood and altering its earning potential, trust in institutions and views on family and sex."
Some examples cited in the story:
• "The coronavirus could change the youngest generation's perceptions of safe social distances and what high school and college are about. Some will lose grandparents, parents, siblings and friends."
• "College students are losing internships, summer work and first jobs vital to build networks and careers. In a College Reaction survey, 91% cited concerns about the economy and job market, and more than half worried about their finances."
• "The virus may shape Gen Z's views on the government's role in protecting public health and the economy. They or their parents could lose employer-provided health insurance in the middle of a pandemic.
"That could fuel their already strong support for progressive, social safety net policies such as universal basic income and Medicare for All. They'll have experienced the impacts of biggest government bailout in history — and 70% already think government should do more to solve problems."
The pandemic, some say, is likely to be seen as "the 9/11 of the Gen Z generation."
- KC's View:
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It isn't just Generation Z - we're all being taught lessons by the pandemic.
Some of us more than others, though.
For young people, some of them are tough lessons. What Robert B. Parker called "early autumn," a time when you have to grow up more quickly than anticipated.
The thing to remember is, we're still the adults. We have to educate them. Hire them. Train them. Lead them. Manage them. Even nurture and understand them. Which is a pretty big responsibility. Not that we have any choice.
