Chapter 12: Unplugging From An Always On World

Constant pinging and always being on a device is crushing Gen Z and they are beginning to crave some time unplugged in order to reset.

Solution: The military can offer this real-world, responsibility-bearing, limited technology experience with the most effective screentime reset around.

 Generation Z is known as the first true digital natives. That trendy nickname implies that its members were born online. To say that Z exists primarily in the screen world and then only secondarily in the physical world is wrong. There is no doubting the huge impact that technology has had on Zoomers. However, a deeper counter-trend is also emerging below the surface of all these screens, one of unplugging. Since Z innately understands the power of technology and its use in everyday life better than any previous generation, they also fundamentally grasp its ability to infiltrate basic humanity. On a first principles level, Z realizes that too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Z is acutely aware of the negative impacts of overusing, and many members even attempt (some unsuccessfully) self-regulation.[1] Having the willpower to make that desired habit change is hard, and Z will probably need the support of the greater society. Z is reaching out for real-world connections as they recognize the problems of becoming too absorbed in the digital world. Constant pinging and always being on a device is crushing Gen Z. The generation is reported to be more depressed and more suicidal than any other group in modern history. They are beginning to crave some time unplugged to reset. This is evidenced by the numerous Z-centric support groups that seek to end technology addiction. The military can offer this real-world, responsibility-bearing, unplugged experience that many seek..

[1] Janssen, Dawn, and Stephen Carradini. “Generation Z Workplace Communication Habits and Expectations.” IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication 64, no. 2 (2021): 137–53. https://doi.org/10.1109/tpc.2021.3069288.

Matthew Weiss is currently an Intelligence Officer in the United States Marine Corps. His book, “We Don’t Want You, Uncle Sam: Examining the Military Recruiting Crisis with Generation Z” is available on amazon in paperback, e-book, and audiobook format.