Historically, the older generations pass down their trends and ways of thinking to the younger generation. However, Generation Z (Gen-Z) seems to have reversed this process. Modern science, technology, global mass media, and social media have played a vital role in this reversal. Gen-Z has remarkably educated its predecessors—people from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s—on navigating the modern digital global world. They have taught the older generations to learn the true facts of the past, which often conflict with narratives taught by political leaders, journalists, and authors of the previous generations. This shift is particularly evident in developing societies and nations, leading to a significant change in the attitudes of people worldwide towards their leaders, policymakers, and governments run by Generation X (Gen-X) and Generation Y (Gen-Y).
Since the 1990s, Gen-Z has been able to access vast amounts of data available on digital platforms (in different media) and fast-running search engines. This access allows them to evaluate the past and present performances of their leaders, scrutinising their claims against their actions. Based on this evaluation, Gen-Z decides who to support as future leaders. They believe in facts, realities, and modern concepts, and they view the advancements in science, technology and even social structures as a means to challenge and overturn the traditional policies and politics of the past.
Modern technology has created a new way of thinking about the economy, society, politics, industry, and science. Gen-Z plays a crucial role in this transformation. Today, digitally facilitated mass media communication has connected Gen-Z worldwide, allowing them to debate global issues rather than being limited to the affairs of their countries-lending the persona of a global citizen and a global conscience. Their understanding and approach to governance, justice, peace, and economic stability appear consistent across borders (irrespective if actual laws, customs and conditions may differ).
Gen-Z is deeply concerned with humanitarian issues affecting the likes of Palestinians, Kashmiris, Rohingyas, Ukrainians, and people in other underdeveloped countries. They reject the old tactics of politics, such as divide and rule, corruption, autocracy, and dictatorship. They also criticise the superpowers and international forums, such as the United Nations Security Council, for failing to bring peace and resolving significant ethnic or geopolitical issues per their mandate, which are still controlled by leaders belonging to Gen-X and Gen-Y.
Modern communication tools and software, such as online forums, WhatsApp networks, X (formerly known as Twitter), YouTube and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have connected people from 195 countries, enabling politicians, academics, journalists, writers, and the general public to engage in international debates and discussions. The global demonstrations for Palestinian freedom and condemnation of Israeli military actions exemplify how people worldwide can unite on humanitarian matters.
A notable example of Gen-Z's influence is the health concerns raised about the 81-year-old President of the United States, Joe Biden, during his election campaign debate with former President Donald Trump. People worldwide who watched Biden live questioned his fitness for office, highlighting the risks of having a leader who is not mentally fit to make critical decisions, such as pushing the nuclear button. This debate led to internal and external pressure on Biden to leave the election race.
Gen-Z excels at spreading breaking news or issues globally within minutes, convincing their elders to join their cause. They have educated senior citizens in small towns and big cities on using modern technology to express their views and opinions. This digital literacy has empowered people to instantly share their thoughts and ideas with the world. A social media post or event can go viral globally within hours, challenging powerful leaders and governments.
Over the past 20 years, public awareness and consciousness have increased, allowing people to participate in global debates and critique powerful leaders. This change poses a threat to corrupt, autocratic, authoritarian, and military governments. Even democratic systems face challenges from citizens empowered by digital media
Today's generation can discuss their country's politics, economy, and industrial matters while influencing global issues, such as climate change. The interconnectedness provided by modern communication tools and social media allows them to impact the politics and economy of the world. Political changes in any significant country now involve people worldwide, starkly contrasting to the Cold War era when internal affairs remained confined within countries.
Modern digital communication and social media platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok have given individuals the power to spread their audio, video and imaging messages globally. This technological revolution has transformed global thinking, enabling Gen-Z and their elders to challenge traditional mindsets. Over the past 20 years, public awareness and consciousness have increased, allowing people to participate in global debates and critique powerful leaders.
This change poses a threat to corrupt, autocratic, authoritarian, and military governments. Even democratic systems face challenges from citizens empowered by digital media, social media, and online forums. Traditional political parties and their ageing leaders, once bolstered by corrupt mafias and dynasties, struggle to survive against this revolutionary change brought by Gen-Z.
For example, global conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and the Israeli actions against Palestinians, have been challenged in international courts. In India, Gen-Z has exposed the religious fascism and bigoted democracy promoted by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing the power of modern technology to reveal hidden agendas of the government in power.
Similarly, Gen-Z has understood the motives behind the extraordinary financial and defence support from the United States and its allies to Ukraine against Russia. While Western governments support Israel for their vested interests, the people stand with the oppressed Palestinians.
Today's generation has the power to expose government actions, as seen in Bangladesh, where rigged elections and government censorship were challenged through social media, leading to significant protests and eventual policy reversals. In Pakistan, the judiciary had to align with the people's decision against governmental power's attempts to remove a political party and its legendary leader.
The saying "the source of power is the people" holds true more than ever today. Modern technology, social media, and communication systems have given people unprecedented power to challenge oppressive governments. The global political situation is evolving towards a new world order where people's revolutions will arise, and the true source of power will be the people.