Article posted on May 4, 2022

The digital ecosystem has rapidly evolved over the last few decades as the latest technology inventions continue to emerge. Today, Generation Z comprises teens and young adults who are the most tech-fluent generation ever. In order to keep them engaged and interested, it is essential to note that they prioritize flexibility, convenience, options, and tech integration on corporate and school campuses. 

As the years go by, older generations currently in charge will retire and their positions will be replaced by younger generations who will be more familiar with the newer software and devices. Failing to appeal to their needs and preferences could lead to difficulty retaining students and employees in higher education and work environments.

Gen Z appreciates high-tech experiences, so implementing high-performance AV technology is a necessary consideration in today's day in age. 

Understanding the Generational Differences

Over the last century, technology has drastically developed in ways that have caused different generations to experience various changes during their lifetime.

• Baby Boomers (1946-1964) first experienced and owned personal desktop computers.
• Generation X (1965-1080, aka the “MTV generation”) witnessed the explosive growth of technology happen before their eyes as the development of technology changed their workplaces.
• Millennials (1981-1996) were the first to experience a tech-driven, online-first workplace; they were most likely to use laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
• Before implementing an AV system, it is essential to note that there may be different technology expectations and preferences among different generations.

Gen Z Expectations

Those born in the 1990’s and raised in the 2000’s have experienced radical changes, as the internet, smartphones, laptops, digital media, and freely available networks were introduced. 

As a result of their upbringing in the internet era, people born in this generation have acquired strong analytical skills. They expect to use online technology in their day-to-day lives as the demands of an information-rich world challenge them. Gen Z is up-to-date with the latest tech trends, and they know how to use these devices without struggle. 

With the rise of visual culture, Gen Z is no stranger to platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. As social media plays a significant role in their lives, Gen Z can consume information quickly and meet their needs for immediate gratification right before their eyes.

Video is taking over the social media landscape, as it provides a richer form of content rather than just text or photos. It can successfully capture the attention and deliver a message to the consumer generation. Companies are taking advantage of video to lure Gen Z consumers as Cisco estimates that video will account for 82% of internet traffic globally by 2022, up from 75% in 2017. That live video will grow 15-fold over that time to account for 17% of Internet video traffic by 2022.

Gen Z in Education

Gen Z is a group full of self-paced, self-directed, and independent individuals who need flexibility in what and how they learn. 

Technical evolution has influenced how we acquire knowledge and learn, emphasizing new methods that work more effectively and efficiently. The internet provides fast access to information technology, particularly important among Gen Z, which is focused on a quick search for information. 

Gen Z individuals consume information by learning through interaction and hands-on experiences. Schools must increase engagement with online tools to access content and collaborate with classmates and teachers. Considering this, college campuses must prioritize the necessity of implementing a technology refresh, often. For example, SMART boards are interactive whiteboards that allow for more significant interaction between teachers and students, making old-school blackboards an outdated learning tool today.

Read about why AV installation helps attract students to campuses.

90% of Gen Z use Apple technologies that include interactive live video capabilities, such as Zoom, Snapchat, and Twitch; these digital habits have significantly affected education. While using apps such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom during the pandemic days of social distancing, online learning has increased engagement among Gen Z students as they enjoy interactions with people without the need for a "face-to-face" interaction. Educators understand that they can reach students with personal interaction, regardless of device or location, through videos, experiments, and VR.

See how Spinitar has implemented AV on college campuses such as LMU, USC, Biola University, and Long Beach City College.

Gen Z in Workplaces 

Failure to understand Gen Z may cause organizations to struggle in hiring and retaining the best potential candidates to be leaders in sustaining the company's growth. Employers and HR managers must anticipate workplace needs and changes in strategy for recruitment, motivation, and retainment of young workers in the workplace. 

Individuals from this generation depend on smartphones, ipads, and computers for optimal productivity, so they do not expect to lose access to these devices when not working in the office. In fact, due to the impact of the pandemic, many individuals in this tech-savvy generation are entering the workplace with a work-from-home setup.

Here is an article we wrote on how AV technology can be installed to enhance workplace productivity.

Gen Z prefers transparency, self-reliance, and flexibility while having enough independence to prove themselves and earn immediate recognition. Paying attention to what makes the newest generation tick in the workplace is key to determining what can impact their recruitment and retention success.

See how you can get started on an AV refresh in your workplace today! 

Gen Z Wants Integrated Technology

With audiovisual integration on the rise in education and workplaces, now is the time to appeal to Gen Z regarding their tech needs.

As Gen Z fills up spaces as students, teachers, and future leaders in our society, it is essential to consider how individuals in this generation make a significant impact on the future of AV.

To learn more about how you can ensure you’re keeping up with Gen Z, please request a consultation with Spinitar today. We will guide you on how to select and implement an AV solution that can elevate your entire space.