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Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine Hidden Challenges of the Most Anxious Population
This generation of students who have grown up in the 21st century are the most social, the most empowered, and also the most anxious youth population in human history. If you are struggling to connect with and lead them, you are not alone.
The latest research presented in this audiobook, however, illuminates a surprising The success of the next generation doesn’t depend entirely on them. Their best chance of success starts when adults choose to believe in them, challenge them, and walk with them through the nine greatest challenges today’s youth will face.
For their sake, and for the future success of our world, it’s time we started seeing generation Z - unfiltered.
The latest research presented in this audiobook, however, illuminates a surprising The success of the next generation doesn’t depend entirely on them. Their best chance of success starts when adults choose to believe in them, challenge them, and walk with them through the nine greatest challenges today’s youth will face.
For their sake, and for the future success of our world, it’s time we started seeing generation Z - unfiltered.
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Published November 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 16, 2019
My new favorite book of the year.
I had never heard of Tim Elmore until I heard him speak two weeks ago at the Catalyst Leaders Conference in Atlanta. For the duration of Tim's talk I sat mesmerized at every word he spoke as he taught about the anxieties, pitfalls, struggles, and potential of this unique generation.
I've often thought how difficult it must be for today's students to try to grow up in a culture where everything is instantaneous and within reach. Inevitably they feel entitled to everything. Yet within a culture of so many technological advantages this generation is more stressed out than any previous generations - privy to panic attacks and nervous breakdowns, and never able to shut off. Where my generation was able to escape the pressures of school, peer pressure, and bullying when we went home at night, this generation cannot escape it - social media is always with them. They always have to be on. Their world can crumble at any moment.
As a pastor and a father of two teenagers this book really spoke to me, and encouraged me. It's time to stop pampering this generation and expect much of them. Establish boundaries, create vision and goals, and let them know their identity is not wrapped up in the amount of likes they get on Instagram. This is an absolute MUST read for parents, teachers, youth pastors, lead pastors, coaches, etc. I will be requiring this of all my student ministries team members.
I had never heard of Tim Elmore until I heard him speak two weeks ago at the Catalyst Leaders Conference in Atlanta. For the duration of Tim's talk I sat mesmerized at every word he spoke as he taught about the anxieties, pitfalls, struggles, and potential of this unique generation.
I've often thought how difficult it must be for today's students to try to grow up in a culture where everything is instantaneous and within reach. Inevitably they feel entitled to everything. Yet within a culture of so many technological advantages this generation is more stressed out than any previous generations - privy to panic attacks and nervous breakdowns, and never able to shut off. Where my generation was able to escape the pressures of school, peer pressure, and bullying when we went home at night, this generation cannot escape it - social media is always with them. They always have to be on. Their world can crumble at any moment.
As a pastor and a father of two teenagers this book really spoke to me, and encouraged me. It's time to stop pampering this generation and expect much of them. Establish boundaries, create vision and goals, and let them know their identity is not wrapped up in the amount of likes they get on Instagram. This is an absolute MUST read for parents, teachers, youth pastors, lead pastors, coaches, etc. I will be requiring this of all my student ministries team members.
March 17, 2021
I am very skeptical of books that start with the premise that this generation's problems are unique and that there is some massive change in how kids are growing up. I read this in a book club and one of the parents mentioned that kids today just want to live in their parents' basement and smoke pot. My reply to that was that I have an uncle that did just that almost 50 years ago! Social media creates a different environment for kids (and adults too), but the basic challenges of growing up haven't changed. Breaking free from childish activities, finding friends (a tribe), accepting responsibility, figuring out what they want to put effort into - these were challenges when I was growing up, when my parents grew up, and will be when my grandkids grow up.
There's a lot of anecdata, using a single story to show a trend, and quotes used without context. There is also some interesting advice. "Here are some ideas for how to do this with your kids. Paint and redecorate their rooms to a more adult look. Buy new clothes and change their hairstyle. Have them get rid of old toys and stuffed animals." I'm a #GirlDad, so the idea of my decorating my daughters' rooms and choosing their clothes or hairstyles seems like an awful idea to me. Ironically, my daughters did this on their own, before I had started reading the book! One of our Covid projects was redecorating their rooms! I had my older daughter (age 13) do a design for her new room, she ordered furniture from Ikea, and even assembled her bed herself! We also painted her room together, which was a magical moment for me as I got to choose our music. Kids do need to shift into tween/teenhood, but I advise letting your kids decide when and how - give them more responsibility and ownership, not less!
I also chuckled inside when 'design-thinking' was presented as a novel concept. Identify a problem, brainstorm, prototype, test hypothesis (idea), evaluate. It sounds exactly like the Scientific Method which scientists and engineers, along with STEM students, have been following for a very long time. I am all for more students utilizing the scientific method to improve critical thinking, but the author should call it what it is, and give credit to the long history of critically thinking mathematicians, scientists and engineers.
The author also fails to recognize how much more competitive college has become. The admission standards for the flagship university of my state (University of Florida) hav become considerably stricter. Many of the students who went with my in-laws wouldn't have gained admission, and many of the students that went with my wife and I wouldn't either now. He also doesn't mention the incredible upheaval of the global financial crisis on increased stress levels on teens and adults.
There is some good advice in the book, and it does highlight some of the negative aspects of today's parents. However, I imagine there are better options out there.
There's a lot of anecdata, using a single story to show a trend, and quotes used without context. There is also some interesting advice. "Here are some ideas for how to do this with your kids. Paint and redecorate their rooms to a more adult look. Buy new clothes and change their hairstyle. Have them get rid of old toys and stuffed animals." I'm a #GirlDad, so the idea of my decorating my daughters' rooms and choosing their clothes or hairstyles seems like an awful idea to me. Ironically, my daughters did this on their own, before I had started reading the book! One of our Covid projects was redecorating their rooms! I had my older daughter (age 13) do a design for her new room, she ordered furniture from Ikea, and even assembled her bed herself! We also painted her room together, which was a magical moment for me as I got to choose our music. Kids do need to shift into tween/teenhood, but I advise letting your kids decide when and how - give them more responsibility and ownership, not less!
I also chuckled inside when 'design-thinking' was presented as a novel concept. Identify a problem, brainstorm, prototype, test hypothesis (idea), evaluate. It sounds exactly like the Scientific Method which scientists and engineers, along with STEM students, have been following for a very long time. I am all for more students utilizing the scientific method to improve critical thinking, but the author should call it what it is, and give credit to the long history of critically thinking mathematicians, scientists and engineers.
The author also fails to recognize how much more competitive college has become. The admission standards for the flagship university of my state (University of Florida) hav become considerably stricter. Many of the students who went with my in-laws wouldn't have gained admission, and many of the students that went with my wife and I wouldn't either now. He also doesn't mention the incredible upheaval of the global financial crisis on increased stress levels on teens and adults.
There is some good advice in the book, and it does highlight some of the negative aspects of today's parents. However, I imagine there are better options out there.
January 22, 2021
A common-sense approach to mentoring Gen-Z. The descriptive sections were stronger than the prescriptive. Overall it was a helpful read.
January 26, 2021
This book highlights a variety of challenges that we all face in our current culture, not just Gen Z. The difference, however, is that they are growing up in that climate and need adults who can guide them through it. I see many adults who don’t deal with these challenges well themselves! This book has some good thoughts on how to lead kids through those challenges to become healthy, strong adults who can change the world.
January 1, 2024
Been reading this book for a minute for work! Really insightful and honestly so excited to implement what I learned into my job! Sorry if you work with me cause you’re gonna be hearing a lot about this!
March 31, 2025
This book was so insightful! I loved how it communicated the importance of holding students to higher standards and keeping them accountable. The book provides great tangible applications to help with these practices!
Read
March 17, 2025Skimmed
April 5, 2023
This book was not what I expected. It was a lot of facts about how generations have changed, but this didn't give me concrete things I can do (or it had things I already do). This book may benefit those that are not open-minded or work with Gen-Z beyond grade school.
October 6, 2024
Very helpful book! Will be using the information for work and home contexts.
September 27, 2020
Great read for those working with and wanting to understand what I think could be the next great generation of our time.
December 12, 2023
Although it was riddled with conventional mistakes, it was a VERY thought-provoking, informational, and inspiring read!
January 1, 2024
I’ve had the great pleasure of studying with Dr Elmore as part of the Teachers as Leaders program in Gwinnett County and his books has really helped to change the way I view and interact with my students. This book is no different. So often, especially in educational dialogues, we bemoan some of the obvious frustrations that come with this generation of students. However, Dr. Elmore provides a clear, hopeful, and practical guide to motivating and supporting generation Z. Harnessing the power of appropriate risk taking and curbing cultural anxieties are just two of the many topics that he covers that greatly impact my classroom culture.
April 9, 2024
Wow!! This provided sooo much insight on those around me & those I get to lead. I would recommend this for anyone in Gen Z and older!!
June 3, 2022
An excellent summary about the attributes - good and bad - of Gen Z. It fits well with my favorite book about Gen Z - iGen by Jean Twenge (and Dr. Elmore quotes Dr. Twenge a lot). This book is very readable and doesn't hesitate to call out Gen Zers or their parents when there are problems. As in Dr. Twenge's book, cell phones and social media are noted as huge negatives for this generation.
This book has abundant practical advice and steps to reach Gen Z effectively. I plan to implement some of these things in my college classes this fall.
This book has abundant practical advice and steps to reach Gen Z effectively. I plan to implement some of these things in my college classes this fall.
October 29, 2022
A fantastic read that helped me understand the generation I interact with as co-workers in the work place as well as patients I encounter. Helpful suggestions to combat the challenges addressed. Would recommend for anyone who parents, teaches, coaches, or works with Gen Z.
February 22, 2020
I started reading this book upon my husband’s recommendation after he returned from the Catalyst conference where he heard Tim Elmore speak. As both a parent and an educator this book is a fantastic resource for understanding the challenges of today’s generation as well as practical ways to shift your own mindset regarding this generation. This is a practical book that is well researched. Every parent, teacher, counselor, business leader, pastor, etc. should read this book. Excellent.
November 1, 2020
Generation Z: Unfiltered is designed for teachers and leaders who want to gain a better understanding of Generation Z and seek effective ways to connect with them. Although the definition can vary slightly depending on the source, this book defines Gen Z as those born since the year 2000. The oldest of them have just begun to enter adulthood and the workforce.
Generation Z: Unfiltered is extraordinarily readable, and for the most part it accomplishes what it set out to do. Authors Tim Elmore and Andrew McPeak have put together a carefully worded work which walks a fine line between providing solutions and throwing stones. It avoids the pitfall of tossing Gen Z under the bus and taking the condescending tone which is often adopted toward Millennials; the book instead lays out the different ways in which this generation can be reached out to and cultivated for positions of leadership. Their creativity and desire to create societal change for the better are heralded, and positive characteristics are not overlooked in a rush to point out the negative. The authors deserve credit for the successful execution of this strategy.
The work delves into topics such as empowerment without wisdom, stimulation without ownership (an argument for unstructured discovery time which does not involve hovering parents), opportunity without resilience, and consumption without reflection.
One primary conclusion is that many students in Generation Z have developed an external locus of control due to the world they have grown up in. The constant assault from social media and cell phones as well as the results produced by bulldozer parents solving problems for them have caused many students to feel that the world is beyond their control, conjuring up more anxiety and depression than their cohorts in past generations experienced. This external, as opposed to internal (where students feel they are the one primarily in control of their destiny) locus of control is painted as unhealthy for both mental and emotional health.
Tying into whether or not students feel in control of their destiny, both authors attach to unplugging from cell phones and the online world. The damage done to mindfulness and a calm state of being by constant technological connectedness underlines much of Generation Z: Unfiltered’s critique of what the twenty-first century lifestyle has done to young adult and teenage minds. The negative effect of cell phones and social media is an inescapable conclusion of reading this book.
While avoiding constant bashing of them, the book does not shy away from pointing out the self-focused nature and short attention spans possessed by many Gen Z members. The authors express their concern that parents of Gen Z have often not let them take enough risks but instead have over protected them from the time they were young. Correlated with this, it is also pointed out that parents have been too quick to rescue them, reward them, and rave about them. This has robbed many of the sort of adversity needed to develop grip and determination in the face of difficulties. The situational ethics many have been brought up to practice are also analyzed, but all of this is done in a tone which seeks to help, and not relentlessly belittle, those in Generation Z.
These criticisms are often done within the context of critiquing the parenting of their parents. For example, the over prescriptiveness of having constantly scheduled activities is held up as something done to aid, but which instead ends up harming, young adults.Boredom-something this generation rarely experiences thanks to constant technological stimulation-is shown to actually be a good thing, as it is in these reflective moments that great personal breakthroughs can often occur.
This book is great for anyone who works with those college-aged and younger. It lays out ways to motivate Gen Z and channel their desire to improve their world and break free from past ways of doing things into positive outcomes. Readers will take away valuable insights and come away feeling that they learned relevant strategies for connecting with the wonderful members of Generation Z.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
Generation Z: Unfiltered is extraordinarily readable, and for the most part it accomplishes what it set out to do. Authors Tim Elmore and Andrew McPeak have put together a carefully worded work which walks a fine line between providing solutions and throwing stones. It avoids the pitfall of tossing Gen Z under the bus and taking the condescending tone which is often adopted toward Millennials; the book instead lays out the different ways in which this generation can be reached out to and cultivated for positions of leadership. Their creativity and desire to create societal change for the better are heralded, and positive characteristics are not overlooked in a rush to point out the negative. The authors deserve credit for the successful execution of this strategy.
The work delves into topics such as empowerment without wisdom, stimulation without ownership (an argument for unstructured discovery time which does not involve hovering parents), opportunity without resilience, and consumption without reflection.
One primary conclusion is that many students in Generation Z have developed an external locus of control due to the world they have grown up in. The constant assault from social media and cell phones as well as the results produced by bulldozer parents solving problems for them have caused many students to feel that the world is beyond their control, conjuring up more anxiety and depression than their cohorts in past generations experienced. This external, as opposed to internal (where students feel they are the one primarily in control of their destiny) locus of control is painted as unhealthy for both mental and emotional health.
Tying into whether or not students feel in control of their destiny, both authors attach to unplugging from cell phones and the online world. The damage done to mindfulness and a calm state of being by constant technological connectedness underlines much of Generation Z: Unfiltered’s critique of what the twenty-first century lifestyle has done to young adult and teenage minds. The negative effect of cell phones and social media is an inescapable conclusion of reading this book.
While avoiding constant bashing of them, the book does not shy away from pointing out the self-focused nature and short attention spans possessed by many Gen Z members. The authors express their concern that parents of Gen Z have often not let them take enough risks but instead have over protected them from the time they were young. Correlated with this, it is also pointed out that parents have been too quick to rescue them, reward them, and rave about them. This has robbed many of the sort of adversity needed to develop grip and determination in the face of difficulties. The situational ethics many have been brought up to practice are also analyzed, but all of this is done in a tone which seeks to help, and not relentlessly belittle, those in Generation Z.
These criticisms are often done within the context of critiquing the parenting of their parents. For example, the over prescriptiveness of having constantly scheduled activities is held up as something done to aid, but which instead ends up harming, young adults.Boredom-something this generation rarely experiences thanks to constant technological stimulation-is shown to actually be a good thing, as it is in these reflective moments that great personal breakthroughs can often occur.
This book is great for anyone who works with those college-aged and younger. It lays out ways to motivate Gen Z and channel their desire to improve their world and break free from past ways of doing things into positive outcomes. Readers will take away valuable insights and come away feeling that they learned relevant strategies for connecting with the wonderful members of Generation Z.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
May 23, 2024
I read this for a book club at work, and of the five of us in the book club, we all pretty much agreed this book is garbage. In fact, a few chapters from the end, we abandoned it. I went ahead and skimmed the final bit just so I could "officially" get credit for finishing it.
Aside from some insightful advice about relating to young people and technology in general, this book has little to offer. It really reeks of a "get off my lawn" mentality, and engages in some incredibly bad science. For instance, it cites a study that claims you can adjust your IQ by up to 30 points based on whether or not you're distracted while taking cognitive tests, and that...is just impossible. No one's IQ varies by 30 points, particularly not from day to day like this study claims (I'm a psychologist). That's just not how IQ measurement works. With this kind of shoddy reporting, it's no wonder the rest of the book comes off like a litany of complaints about a generation the authors don't understand.
I am unconvinced the problems the authors outline are unique to this generation, and they will often use one extraordinary example to be representative of the entire cohort. They make some pretty dubious leaps too, like claiming that delaying marriage or being unsure of what career you want at the beginning of your life both lead to malignant narcissism (but they also complain this generation is at once too empathetic and kind, which makes them soft, but also too self-centered and uncaring, because...I don't know, they don't have corporate jobs at age 20 or something, and they don't hate trans people - yes, the authors even get a little jab at gender diverse identities in there as an example of how dumb this generation is). I could literally go on and on and on about this tripe. Don't fall for it. This is a cheap marketing grab from a pretty conservative perspective. I'll also just be petty and say there are a ton of grammatical errors (it's where it should be its, and using apostrophes on pluralized words are two of the biggest offenders throughout). That could just be lazy editing, but that again indicates the quality of the content, IMO.
There are a few decent parts, like the aforementioned effects of technology on young brains, and helping kids manage anxiety, and fear and disappointment. I thought those chapters were okay, and they also offer some helpful tips on helping to foster a growth mindset among young people. But again, that has nothing in particular to do with "Gen Z," that's just being a good adult and helping foster growth in young brains. There are probably much better books to get this same kind of information from, though.
So save your money, your time, and your brain cells. This book belongs in the garbage.
Aside from some insightful advice about relating to young people and technology in general, this book has little to offer. It really reeks of a "get off my lawn" mentality, and engages in some incredibly bad science. For instance, it cites a study that claims you can adjust your IQ by up to 30 points based on whether or not you're distracted while taking cognitive tests, and that...is just impossible. No one's IQ varies by 30 points, particularly not from day to day like this study claims (I'm a psychologist). That's just not how IQ measurement works. With this kind of shoddy reporting, it's no wonder the rest of the book comes off like a litany of complaints about a generation the authors don't understand.
I am unconvinced the problems the authors outline are unique to this generation, and they will often use one extraordinary example to be representative of the entire cohort. They make some pretty dubious leaps too, like claiming that delaying marriage or being unsure of what career you want at the beginning of your life both lead to malignant narcissism (but they also complain this generation is at once too empathetic and kind, which makes them soft, but also too self-centered and uncaring, because...I don't know, they don't have corporate jobs at age 20 or something, and they don't hate trans people - yes, the authors even get a little jab at gender diverse identities in there as an example of how dumb this generation is). I could literally go on and on and on about this tripe. Don't fall for it. This is a cheap marketing grab from a pretty conservative perspective. I'll also just be petty and say there are a ton of grammatical errors (it's where it should be its, and using apostrophes on pluralized words are two of the biggest offenders throughout). That could just be lazy editing, but that again indicates the quality of the content, IMO.
There are a few decent parts, like the aforementioned effects of technology on young brains, and helping kids manage anxiety, and fear and disappointment. I thought those chapters were okay, and they also offer some helpful tips on helping to foster a growth mindset among young people. But again, that has nothing in particular to do with "Gen Z," that's just being a good adult and helping foster growth in young brains. There are probably much better books to get this same kind of information from, though.
So save your money, your time, and your brain cells. This book belongs in the garbage.
July 6, 2021
This was required reading for my job. I work as administrative staff in higher education. I supervise a group of college-aged students who provide research and resource support to the campus.
In my experience, Elmore is right regarding the anxiety of Generation Z. They feel as if they can never do or be enough because of the constant 24/7 news cycle and social media breathing down their necks alongside normal coming-of-age, career-pursuing woes. I've helped teach and build curriculum for several lower-level classes and I have experienced first-hand how students rise to the occasion of any responsive and interactive lesson. Elmore shares many thoughtful tips regarding pedagogy styles fit for this generation that could easily be transferred to a parenting or mentorship relationship.
However, Elmore writes from an objectively privileged place in the world, and so many of the lessons he's learned as a parent and mentor to Gen Z kids really misses the mark for the average reader. Most of us do not have the tools to connect our kids or our students to prominent leaders, and the average student isn't worried about choosing between his parents paying for his private school tuition or learning to save money by spending the first two years of his college experience in a community college. In my experience, my own included, students are more concerned with overcoming financial and emotional adversity that the generation before us has also been given little to no tools to address, leaving Gen Z to figure out how to kick-start generational wealth and mental health care with very little realistic help from parents or teachers who grew up in an entirely different economic and political sphere.
All in all, I don't believe Gen Z kids are anxious and challenging for previous generations to lead entirely because of social media or their short attention spans. Gen Z kids are anxious and overwhelmed because there are few leading them into the "real" world who truly grasp their adversities and experiences as holistically challenging. It's not about them just not having the care to focus in on building a 401-k. These kids are concerned about how to be a healthier adult than their parents were while their parents and their peers refuse to address they have a problem to begin in, opting instead to blame it on Gen Z's "snowflaky-ness" and "phone addiction". Each generation has faced a similar problem with the last, but chronological snobbery and sheer pride unfortunately keeps many parents and teachers of Gen Z from grasping this fact.
In my experience, Elmore is right regarding the anxiety of Generation Z. They feel as if they can never do or be enough because of the constant 24/7 news cycle and social media breathing down their necks alongside normal coming-of-age, career-pursuing woes. I've helped teach and build curriculum for several lower-level classes and I have experienced first-hand how students rise to the occasion of any responsive and interactive lesson. Elmore shares many thoughtful tips regarding pedagogy styles fit for this generation that could easily be transferred to a parenting or mentorship relationship.
However, Elmore writes from an objectively privileged place in the world, and so many of the lessons he's learned as a parent and mentor to Gen Z kids really misses the mark for the average reader. Most of us do not have the tools to connect our kids or our students to prominent leaders, and the average student isn't worried about choosing between his parents paying for his private school tuition or learning to save money by spending the first two years of his college experience in a community college. In my experience, my own included, students are more concerned with overcoming financial and emotional adversity that the generation before us has also been given little to no tools to address, leaving Gen Z to figure out how to kick-start generational wealth and mental health care with very little realistic help from parents or teachers who grew up in an entirely different economic and political sphere.
All in all, I don't believe Gen Z kids are anxious and challenging for previous generations to lead entirely because of social media or their short attention spans. Gen Z kids are anxious and overwhelmed because there are few leading them into the "real" world who truly grasp their adversities and experiences as holistically challenging. It's not about them just not having the care to focus in on building a 401-k. These kids are concerned about how to be a healthier adult than their parents were while their parents and their peers refuse to address they have a problem to begin in, opting instead to blame it on Gen Z's "snowflaky-ness" and "phone addiction". Each generation has faced a similar problem with the last, but chronological snobbery and sheer pride unfortunately keeps many parents and teachers of Gen Z from grasping this fact.
August 20, 2024
Overexposure to Technology: Constant connectivity through digital devices leads to information overload and social comparison, contributing to mental health issues. Elmore notes the paradox of hyper-connectivity and loneliness.
Social Media Influence: The curated and idealized images on social media platforms can distort reality and foster feelings of inadequacy. Gen Z is particularly susceptible to the pressures of maintaining a perfect online persona.
Economic Uncertainty: Economic challenges, including high student loan debt and a competitive job market, create financial anxiety. Elmore discusses how economic pressures impact their mental well-being and career aspirations.
Political and Social Instability: Growing up amid political polarization and social unrest can contribute to a sense of instability and fear. Gen Z is deeply affected by current events and societal issues, which can lead to feelings of helplessness.
Lack of Life Skills: Many Gen Z individuals lack essential life skills due to over-reliance on technology and inadequate real-world experiences. This can lead to difficulties in problem- solving, critical thinking, and personal responsibility.
Educational Pressures: The emphasis on academic achievement and the pressure to excel can be overwhelming. Elmore explores how the intense focus on grades and college admissions impacts Gen Z's mental health.
Mental Health Stigma: Despite increased awareness, there is still stigma around mental health issues: Gen Z may struggle with seeking help due to societal attitudes or fear of judgment.
Identity and Self-Concept: Navigating identity formation in a digital age where self-concept is often influenced by external validation can be challenging. Elmore examines how Gen Z struggles with self-esteem and personal identity.
Call to action:
Encourage Real Connections: Promote face-to-face interactions and meaningful relationships to combat loneliness and social media's negative effects.
Foster Resilience: Help Gen Z develop coping skills and resilience through problem-solving and critical thinking exercises.
Promote Financial Literacy: Equip Gen Z with financial education to help them manage economic pressures and make informed decisions.
Balance Technology Use: Advocate for healthy technology habits and set boundaries to prevent overexposure.
Social Media Influence: The curated and idealized images on social media platforms can distort reality and foster feelings of inadequacy. Gen Z is particularly susceptible to the pressures of maintaining a perfect online persona.
Economic Uncertainty: Economic challenges, including high student loan debt and a competitive job market, create financial anxiety. Elmore discusses how economic pressures impact their mental well-being and career aspirations.
Political and Social Instability: Growing up amid political polarization and social unrest can contribute to a sense of instability and fear. Gen Z is deeply affected by current events and societal issues, which can lead to feelings of helplessness.
Lack of Life Skills: Many Gen Z individuals lack essential life skills due to over-reliance on technology and inadequate real-world experiences. This can lead to difficulties in problem- solving, critical thinking, and personal responsibility.
Educational Pressures: The emphasis on academic achievement and the pressure to excel can be overwhelming. Elmore explores how the intense focus on grades and college admissions impacts Gen Z's mental health.
Mental Health Stigma: Despite increased awareness, there is still stigma around mental health issues: Gen Z may struggle with seeking help due to societal attitudes or fear of judgment.
Identity and Self-Concept: Navigating identity formation in a digital age where self-concept is often influenced by external validation can be challenging. Elmore examines how Gen Z struggles with self-esteem and personal identity.
Call to action:
Encourage Real Connections: Promote face-to-face interactions and meaningful relationships to combat loneliness and social media's negative effects.
Foster Resilience: Help Gen Z develop coping skills and resilience through problem-solving and critical thinking exercises.
Promote Financial Literacy: Equip Gen Z with financial education to help them manage economic pressures and make informed decisions.
Balance Technology Use: Advocate for healthy technology habits and set boundaries to prevent overexposure.
December 18, 2024
Ultimately, a thoughtful but mildly flawed treatise on one Boomer's take on "what's wrong with kids these days?" I take the Generation Wars with many grains of salt, because it's human nature to decry the moral degradation of "kids these days" - Socrates famously wrote about the moral decline of kids he worked with. Additionally, these books often spin away from sociological analysis into the whinging of Boomers about how life has changed beyond their own childhood and That's Bad.
This book is a decent framework breaking down some contradictions and mental challenges that Gen Z uniquely encounters, but I also think he fails to point out that many of the failings of Gen Z are also failings of the society at large, influenced by technology making us more self-centered by virtue of smartphones building reality bubbles around us, and by late-stage capitalism teaching us that the only valuable things are productivity, external achievement and consumption. If Gen Z suffers from these things, it's because the people who "remember a time before" have forgotten to relay that experience forward and check their own tendencies when teaching their kids.
I scanned most of the first half, and then quit around Chapter 16 when the discussion started veering toward "Kids these days lack moral compasses and think ethics is subjective." Bro, ethics ARE subjective, and Gen Z is allowed to contribute their own attitudes toward what that subjectively ethical world looks like.
tldr: Don't blame the kids, blame the parents and society. Kids just reflect what you feed them.
This book is a decent framework breaking down some contradictions and mental challenges that Gen Z uniquely encounters, but I also think he fails to point out that many of the failings of Gen Z are also failings of the society at large, influenced by technology making us more self-centered by virtue of smartphones building reality bubbles around us, and by late-stage capitalism teaching us that the only valuable things are productivity, external achievement and consumption. If Gen Z suffers from these things, it's because the people who "remember a time before" have forgotten to relay that experience forward and check their own tendencies when teaching their kids.
I scanned most of the first half, and then quit around Chapter 16 when the discussion started veering toward "Kids these days lack moral compasses and think ethics is subjective." Bro, ethics ARE subjective, and Gen Z is allowed to contribute their own attitudes toward what that subjectively ethical world looks like.
tldr: Don't blame the kids, blame the parents and society. Kids just reflect what you feed them.
August 18, 2022
This book is targeted at people who work with teenagers in how to help them overcome the nine challenges that will harm their character, well-being and performance. The advice it gives are solid, but they are hard for me to actually implement because they are pretty general. The author did try to give many concrete examples, but perhaps because my circumstances are different from the examples he gives, I don't find the examples very helpful.
Here are some advice I find inspiring and perhaps doable:
-- " For Every Right your child wants, whether autonomy, information privacy or an iPhone, they need to go through a rite that teaches them both the value and the potential dangers of that right. We should never hand out rights to our children without accompanying conversations and experiences that teach them to value the power of their newfound freedoms."
-- Ask yourself:
" 1. How could you enable your students to do something scary?
2. How could you introduce your students to someone significant?
3. Where could you take students that would be different from their norms?
4. How could you empower students to chase a big goal they desire?
5. How could you position students to work and wait for what they want?
6. How could you enable students to start a new habit and make a trade-off? "
-- As youth workers, offer experiences rather than lots of explanations.
Here are some advice I find inspiring and perhaps doable:
-- " For Every Right your child wants, whether autonomy, information privacy or an iPhone, they need to go through a rite that teaches them both the value and the potential dangers of that right. We should never hand out rights to our children without accompanying conversations and experiences that teach them to value the power of their newfound freedoms."
-- Ask yourself:
" 1. How could you enable your students to do something scary?
2. How could you introduce your students to someone significant?
3. Where could you take students that would be different from their norms?
4. How could you empower students to chase a big goal they desire?
5. How could you position students to work and wait for what they want?
6. How could you enable students to start a new habit and make a trade-off? "
-- As youth workers, offer experiences rather than lots of explanations.
December 6, 2022
Meh. Maybe it’s just because I’m a member of Gen Z (barely based on the author’s definition since I’m 22), but I didn’t love the book. I didn’t feel like it had much of an empirical basis and it seems to be pretty much exclusively based in the author’s personal experience. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with that, but if that’s the case it shouldn’t really be presented as fact. I did like the concluding points about having respect for the personal experience of the people you lead and not assuming you have the solution for them without first listening, but I barely made it to the end. By that point, the author had just said the same thing over and over and talked so much about what a great job he and his wife did with their own kids I was pretty much over it. There was also minimal if any discussion of structural barriers and inequities with the focus being mostly on the middle to upper class.
If you’re in education or another sort of mentorship role over a lot of young people and not necessarily looking for a book that is heavily academic you might be able to take some helpful ideas away from this.
Overall not the worst thing I’ve ever read, but not great.
If you’re in education or another sort of mentorship role over a lot of young people and not necessarily looking for a book that is heavily academic you might be able to take some helpful ideas away from this.
Overall not the worst thing I’ve ever read, but not great.
January 22, 2023
This book felt drenched in horror and hope, but the latter wins the day. While I don’t agree with everything said, the thought provocation and call to a new approach was challenging and inspiring.
The truth of how our culture is changing was evident in every page. Why are we invested in seeing change as bad?
One of the most hopeful elements for me, aside from knowing that Yahweh is at work in the world, is my school’s current trajectory to use the Teaching for Transformation framework. This framework provides a competing and compelling story for apathy and concrete steps we can take in transforming education to become real work, meeting really needs, for real people. This will equip our students to become leaders and impact their world and culture for God’s glory.
I have recommended this book to my Baylor Square Squad, and I think it might make a great educational book discussion at school.
The truth of how our culture is changing was evident in every page. Why are we invested in seeing change as bad?
One of the most hopeful elements for me, aside from knowing that Yahweh is at work in the world, is my school’s current trajectory to use the Teaching for Transformation framework. This framework provides a competing and compelling story for apathy and concrete steps we can take in transforming education to become real work, meeting really needs, for real people. This will equip our students to become leaders and impact their world and culture for God’s glory.
I have recommended this book to my Baylor Square Squad, and I think it might make a great educational book discussion at school.
March 8, 2024
What's the big idea and/or unique approach of this book?
Gen Z has it's own unique traits--and it's our fault! One of my favorite thoughts from this book is that kids haven't changed. They're born without trends like all kids are. The way they are parented and the world the are born into is what has changed.
Bottom line: they have more options and info than ever, but thanks to fearful parenting they have less control over their lives than ever. So they feel anxious more than any other generation.
How am I smarter, better, or wiser because of it?
I have 4 kids in this age range so it more confirmed what I know than surprised me. But there were some great nuggets in it.
Was I entertained/did it keep my attention?
Sort of. It was very well written in the moment, but there was A LOT of redundant content (the same story told 3-4 times in different chapters).
Would I recommend it to others?
If you are a parent of Gen Z or a professional working with Gen Z, then yes.
Gen Z has it's own unique traits--and it's our fault! One of my favorite thoughts from this book is that kids haven't changed. They're born without trends like all kids are. The way they are parented and the world the are born into is what has changed.
Bottom line: they have more options and info than ever, but thanks to fearful parenting they have less control over their lives than ever. So they feel anxious more than any other generation.
How am I smarter, better, or wiser because of it?
I have 4 kids in this age range so it more confirmed what I know than surprised me. But there were some great nuggets in it.
Was I entertained/did it keep my attention?
Sort of. It was very well written in the moment, but there was A LOT of redundant content (the same story told 3-4 times in different chapters).
Would I recommend it to others?
If you are a parent of Gen Z or a professional working with Gen Z, then yes.
November 26, 2023
I agree with Joye Baker "This is an extremely insightful book about the generation that is presently under 20 years old. They have their own unique characteristics that are different from the Millennials. It has been helpful to me as I engage with this younger generation. Certainly we want to stay away from stereotypes, but understanding these tendencies can help us as educators, parents, grandparents, employers, etc to be better prepared to engage young people and help them transition into successful, fulfilled, and contributing adults. I particularly think every parent of children should read it. The authors give some great suggestions to avoid being parents who are "snowplows" and "bulldozers". I have already sent this book to many people and highly recommend it."
January 18, 2024
This book has changed me as a parent. My children are 14, 12, and 10. I am so beyond thankful that I randomly bought this and read it while I still have time to change some things. This is now my 2nd favorite parenting book. (First will always be Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.) This book is so much more than I thought it would be. It's incredibly insightful and eye-opening. My husband and I are determined to raise capable kids who think critically and who are not slaves to their devices. Midway through this book, I took socials off my own phone for a much needed break. Thank you. Definitely an unexpected life changing book.
February 9, 2024
This book was really insightful if you are an adult parenting or teaching teens today. Our kids are growing up in a totally different environment than we were and our parents and so on. Because of this, we must parent/teach them different. Much of it was geared toward technology and how they are the most plugged in generation. So much good can come from it - these kids have an opportunity to make great advancements in this field in their futures! But yes, also the downside of it is how screen time, social media, etc is making them anxious and zoned out. Really good research and tips. This one took me awhile to get through but I will refer back to it for sure.
September 16, 2025
This book focuses on raising teens in this digital age. I think this book is mostly for parents, but also for those who are involved in different aspect of teens' lives.
The book talks a little bit about the difference from Millennials to Gen Z, though since the book is from 2019, it does mix them together sometimes. It focuses on nine challenges adults and teens face in this hyper digital world that we live in. The book encourages personal responsibility, challenging teens, believing in them, and managing digital exposure. I really liked the section on rites of passage and how that helps to encourage teens and draw lines of rights and responsibilities as they get older.
The book talks a little bit about the difference from Millennials to Gen Z, though since the book is from 2019, it does mix them together sometimes. It focuses on nine challenges adults and teens face in this hyper digital world that we live in. The book encourages personal responsibility, challenging teens, believing in them, and managing digital exposure. I really liked the section on rites of passage and how that helps to encourage teens and draw lines of rights and responsibilities as they get older.
July 20, 2024
As a seasoned millennial working with Gen Z and having a Gen Z son I had a strong believe that this book could assist me in understanding this generation better. Luckily…it contributed. No rocket science but interesting facts and explanations on why there are so profound differences between generations and how we can all learn from it. Also realizing that we (the generation(s) before) are partly to blame for potential negative aspects of this generation. Read the book and you will have a better understanding.
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