The Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, has grown up in an environment marked by constant digitalization. Although they are highly skilled at handling electronic devices, some experts point out that they are losing fundamental skills that previous generations mastered.
Experts agree that some of the skills that Generation Z is losing are handwriting, critical thinking, and social skills.
Generation Z and handwriting
One of the most concerning skills that is disappearing in the Generation Z is handwriting. According to a study conducted by the University of Stavanger in Norway (source), approximately 40% of young people from Generation Z are losing mastery of handwriting.
The constant use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers for taking notes or communicating has replaced traditional writing.
Christian Jiménez, a journalist from El País, pointed out that handwriting, a fundamental skill that has existed for over 5,500 years, is becoming relegated to a few sectors. Young people, accustomed to the speed of instant messaging, feel "bewildered" when faced with the need to write by hand.
Social skills reduction
Another concerning aspect is the decrease in social skills. The dependence on digital communication has reduced face-to-face interactions.
Psychologist Jean Twenge, author of iGen, explained that digital platforms allow for quicker but less profound interactions, which limits the development of empathy and the ability to engage in complex and emotional conversations. According to her study, this lack of social skills can contribute to an increase in loneliness and anxiety among young people.
In an interview with the BBC, Twenge indicated that a teenager from Generation Z can spend up to six hours engaged in the Internet. All this time spent in the digital world makes them less prepared for adulthood.
"The teenagers of the Smartphone Generation are growing up more slowly than previous generations. They are less likely to drive cars, work, have sex, go out, and drink alcohol," the expert said.
Decline of critical thinking in Generation Z
The ease of access to digital information has also affected the ability to think critically. Dr. David K. Smith, an educational psychologist, argued that the constant use of virtual assistants like Siri and Google has led young people to rely on quick and superficial answers, instead of delving into research and analysis. This lack of critical reflection can impair the ability to solve complex problems in the future.
Recovering essential skills
To counteract this loss of skills, experts suggest that both parents and educators promote handwriting and face-to-face interactions. It is vital for young people to learn to balance the use of technology with the development of essential skills such as critical thinking and empathy to enhance their personal and professional growth.
Generation Z has great potential, but they need a balanced approach in order not to lose these key skills for their future.