Many may say this youth has no future or destiny, but perhaps our prophecy is to be the change. Unlike the Olympians, the creatures we fight are on our screens. Our world is full of monsters just like theirs, but we can either defeat them or compromise. Although we don’t have swords or bows and arrows, we have our voices. Our voices are projected through the screens we hold with great pride and determination. Social Media is now our battleground, and we will use our devices to make the social change we desire.
Generation Z advocates for social issues through popular apps like X, TikTok, and Instagram. The purpose of the internet, specifically social media, has evolved throughout the years. Now, in our era, we use the media to spread awareness of many important causes and beliefs. Our generation’s optimism is to make America a safer place to voice our opinions and speak our truths. For now, we spread our goals while being shielded by our devices, but one day, we won’t be afraid to campaign for the social and civic issues our current world is facing.
Although many young people wish to make a change, they are not respected or heard by some, as some might believe the youth is unqualified to make decisions, therefore causing some to not take their ideas seriously. Even if a younger individual has a quality idea for advocating a cause, the stigma surrounding young people might cause bias. This prevents many young people from voicing their beliefs or ideas, causing many to stay silent and hide behind a screen.
What’s most impressive about the new youth is that we can make a difference from the comfort of our bedrooms. But ways we can ensure our voices are heard and our messages reach the right audience are by using apps that are most popular with our age range. As well as starting hashtags for movements. Using our “slang” could also be beneficial as it would allow many to connect and understand each other clearly in our own way.
A most recent successful youth-led media initiative for civic engagement was the Black Lives Matter Movement. Even though this movement had been around for a while, it was extremely influential during the 2020 COVID era. As it spread like wildfire to the entire nation. Causing one of our current times’ biggest social movements on the internet in our history. Luckily, we have much more time to make more impacts in our society.
If we have a message and are united, others can’t silence us all. Our voices and persistence will always be our strongest weapons, through thick and thin, against the ones who wish to silence our desire for change. So will YOU be silenced? Or fight with us?
