Your World, Your Touch: A Look at Gen Z's Power and Potential

Imagine scrolling through Instagram and stumbling upon a live stream from a young activist in Lagos, exposing a corrupt official with bank statements and leaking chats. Within hours, it has gone viral, sparking protests that force the government to act. This is the raw power of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, who have grown up with smartphones as natural as breathing. Raised amid climate crises, job scarcity, global pandemics, and regional conflicts, they are distinct from older generations who relied on village meetings or radio broadcasts for news. Gen Z harnesses apps like WhatsApp, TikTok, and Signal to rally communities,

challenge broken systems, and sometimes aim for leadership roles. As of 20 September 2025, Gen Z is driving transformative change across the Global South—spanning Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. They are launching digital campaigns, shaping narratives, and demanding accountability. A key driver is their skepticism about democracy’s ability to deliver. Studies show they value open dialogue but question whether the system yields tangible results. Some prefer leaders who avoid bureaucracy and make quick decisions. Let us explore how Gen Z’s power and potential are reshaping the world, drawing on 2025 data, online conversations, and real-world examples, as if we are chatting over chai at a bustling street stall.

Defining Gen Z: Who Are They?

Generation Z, often called iGen or Centennials, is the cohort born roughly between 1997 and 2012, though some sources adjust to 1996–2010 (McKinsey, 2018) or mid-1990s to early 2010s (Britannica, 2025). In 2025, they are aged 13 to 28, the first true digital natives who have never known a world without the internet. In India, they are the post-liberalization kids, growing up during the smartphone boom with access to cheap mobile data. Unlike millennials, who recall dial-up modems, Gen Z was born into high-speed Wi-Fi and social media.

They are pragmatic, financially savvy, and collaborative, shaped by economic recessions and global crises. A 2021 Annie E. Casey Foundation report describes them as diverse-minded, valuing flexibility and authenticity in work and relationships (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2021). In India, teens run Instagram side hustles or create YouTube tutorials while studying, learning that life demands practical skills over rote memorization. They are cautious with money—70% prioritize saving for emergencies, per a 2025 Deloitte survey—having seen their parents navigate economic uncertainty (Deloitte, 2025).

Gen Z is deeply inclusive, embracing multiculturalism and supporting causes like LGBTQ rights, with 80% globally backing same-sex marriage, far outpacing older generations (Quora, 2023). Their digital fluency makes them global citizens, connecting across borders via online communities, as McKinsey notes (McKinsey, 2018). In developing nations, they adapt to challenges like power outages by using mobile data creatively.

Gen Z’s View on Governance

Gen Z’s take on democracy is like a spicy chaat—bursting with potential but not fully blended. They champion fairness, free speech, and equal opportunities but doubt the system’s effectiveness. A 2025 study found 62% of young adults value democratic principles like fair elections, yet only 36% believe it addresses critical issues like climate change or inequality (Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement [CIRCLE], 2025). About 31% adopt a “take it or leave it” stance, feeling the system does not serve them, so they are open to alternatives like a strong leader who cuts through red tape. Another 7% are frustrated, clinging to democratic ideals but disillusioned enough to support bold actions, including protests.

This skepticism spans beyond wealthy nations. A 2023 survey across 30 countries showed 35% of 18- to 35-year-olds are okay with a non-elected leader, compared to 20% of older generations (Open Society Foundations, 2023). In Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, 42% of youth accept military rule if it delivers results. A 2025 survey found 52% of Gen Z, aged 13 to 27, prefer a strong leader over democratic governance, with 47% wanting a societal overhaul (Channel 4, 2025). Online discussions highlight how lockdowns, rising costs, and unfulfilled promises—like Nepal’s governance failures—make democracy feel hollow.

Yet, Gen Z fiercely values rights. A 2024 survey showed 95% of global youth oppose governments restricting rights based on appearance, religion, or identity (Friedrich Naumann Foundation, 2024). Their frustration stems from democracy’s sluggish pace, especially when corruption or bureaucracy stalls progress.

Gen Z’s Global Role

Gen Z’s role is to be catalysts, using technology to bridge local and global challenges. They are community builders, creating online spaces like mental health forums during the pandemic. For humanity, they advocate for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, pushing for equity and sustainability. Globally, they are innovators, leveraging tech for education and disaster relief, as seen in their response to India’s 2018 Kerala floods.

Latin America: Catalysts for Reform

In Latin America, Gen Z drives change amid economic and social turmoil. In Brazil, they backed green policies in 2022, helping elect a progressive leader, but 2025 online posts show frustration over Amazon deforestation (Inter-American Development Bank, 2025). They use X to share satellite imagery, holding governments accountable. In Chile, Gen Z led 2019 protests for better education and healthcare, using Instagram to shape a new constitutional draft. In Argentina, 60% of 16- to 24-year-olds supported a conservative leader in 2023, drawn to his pro-market stance (Open Society Foundations, 2023). A 2023 survey noted 38% prefer authoritative leaders over elections, reflecting distrust in corrupt systems.

Sub-Saharan Africa: Democracy’s Watchdogs

With 400 million people aged 15 to 35, Sub-Saharan Africa sees Gen Z as democracy’s guardians. In Kenya, they led 2024 protests against tax hikes, using TikTok to coordinate despite internet blackouts, forcing the government to scrap the bill (UNICEF, 2025). In Nigeria, the 2020 #EndSARS campaign used Twitter to expose police brutality, with Gen Z’s videos gaining global traction (Transparency International, 2025). In South Africa, they helped end the African National Congress’s 30-year dominance in 2024 elections, demanding jobs and less corruption. Apps like Ushahidi track electoral irregularities (African Development Bank, 2025). Limited education and jobs fuel skepticism about democracy’s value. In Uganda, Gen Z backed a musician-turned-politician in 2021, using WhatsApp to organize despite internet shutdowns, though government crackdowns curbed their efforts.

South Asia: Tech-Savvy Trailblazers

South Asia’s Gen Z navigates state control with digital agility. In India, online chatter focuses on jobs and pollution, with WhatsApp driving campaigns like Delhi’s clean air initiatives (World Bank, 2025). In Bangladesh, students used Facebook Live in 2024 to dismantle a job quota system, leading to the prime minister’s resignation. In Nepal, TikTok videos exposing corruption in 2024 triggered protests that ousted the prime minister on 9 September 2025, though 19 deaths highlighted risks (Reuters, 2025). In Indonesia, a 2025 survey found Gen Z’s civic engagement driven by social media influencers, with 559 young voters following public figures online (Citizen Data, 2024).

Middle East: Defying Barriers

In the Middle East, Gen Z faces intense surveillance but persists. In Iran, the 2022 #MahsaAmini protests, sparked by a woman’s death in custody, saw Gen Z using VPNs to share Instagram videos, challenging the regime (United Nations, 2025). In Turkey, young voters boosted opposition parties in 2023 local elections, with 25% of 18- to 24-year-olds supporting change, using secure apps like Signal to evade censorship.

What Fuels Gen Z’s Drive

Gen Z prioritizes issues over party loyalty:

• Climate Change: A 2023 survey found 70% fear climate change’s immediate impact, pushing for policies like the Paris Agreement’s 2025 extensions (Open Society Foundations, 2023).

• Social Justice: Race, gender, and LGBTQ rights spark action. A global movement’s 12 million social media posts went viral, and Indian campaigns reshaped workplace rules.

• Economic Inequality: Low wages and housing costs drive demands for fairness. In some regions, 43% want older leaders replaced.

• Digital Rights: Privacy and misinformation matters. Gen Z critiques tech giants and governments, with 81% valuing free speech (Friedrich Naumann Foundation, 2024).

Gender Divide and Fluid Mindsets

A 2025 survey highlights a gender divide: young men lean conservative, women progressive. In South Korea, men oppose gender equality policies, while women champion them. In the US, 56% of young men voted conservatively in 2024, compared to 40% of women (NBC News, 2025). This divide shapes elections, with men feeling sidelined by progressive narratives. About 52% in the US identify as independents, rejecting party ties (Harvard Institute of Politics, 2025). Some are radical, with 11% supporting protests for change (CIRCLE, 2025). Many see democracy as performative, favoring direct action.

Benefits to Community, Humanity, and the World

Gen Z’s contributions are transformative:

• Community: They foster inclusiveness, creating online spaces for collaboration, like mental health forums, strengthening local ties.

• Humanity: Their advocacy for rights reduces discrimination, promoting peace. Their global outlook builds tolerant societies (McKinsey, 2018).

• World: As innovators, they drive sustainability, potentially cutting carbon emissions through tech-driven advocacy, like AI for education or apps for disaster relief (Deloitte, 2025).

Challenges and Opportunities for Democracy

Gen Z’s skepticism is a double-edged sword. A 2025 survey found 25% are indifferent to democracy’s superiority, risking weakened norms (Pew Research Center, 2020). Their openness to strong leaders—42% accepting military rule in some cases—raises concerns (Open Society Foundations, 2023). Their activism revitalizes democracy. A study notes 63% have a “quiet respect” for democratic ideals, open to engagement (CIRCLE, 2025). Addressing their demands could curb extremism (The Guardian, 2025).

The Decade Ahead: Gen Z’s Vision for 2035

By 2035, Gen Z will dominate as the largest voting bloc in the Global South—over 2 billion under 30 (Citizen Data, 2024). Their activism is toppling leaders, as seen in Bangladesh and Nepal, and will intensify. By 2030, they could push for merit-based governance in India, reducing dynastic politics.

Globally, their climate focus will reshape forums like COP30 in 2025, potentially securing a $100 billion climate fund. Their digital networks will create a “youth international,” linking movements like #EndSARS to global justice campaigns. Risks include populism if economic woes persist, but tools like AI for voting transparency could enhance governance. By 2035, Gen Z will dominate elections in Brazil (2026) and India (2029), pushing green jobs and inclusive policies, amplifying the Global South’s UN voice.

Current Trends Shaping the Future

In 2025, Gen Z faces new challenges. In Kenya, floods spurred youth-led relief via crowdfunding (UNICEF, 2025). In India, professionals demand AI reskilling, with 25% job losses predicted by 2030 (World Bank, 2025). In Brazil, youth map deforestation with GIS tools (Inter-American Development Bank, 2025). In Jordan and Lebanon, 40% of youth use Signal for water scarcity campaigns (United Nations, 2025). In Nigeria, they monitor elections via Discord (Transparency International, 2025). South Africa’s youth push renewable energy jobs on YouTube (African Development Bank, 2025).

Advice for Gen Z to Maximize Impact

To realize their potential, Gen Z should:

1. Stay Informed: Cross-check sources to combat misinformation.

2. Engage Locally: Volunteer at NGOs or start community projects.

3. Use Social Media Wisely: Post thoughtfully to build bridges.

4. Learn Future Skills: Master coding or teamwork for the AI economy.

5. Participate in Democracy: Vote and advocate for policies.

6. Stay Resilient: Change takes time—persistence is key.

7. Mentor Others: Share knowledge to amplify impact.

The Path Forward

Gen Z is rewriting the world’s story. Their tech skills, demand for authenticity, and global outlook challenge outdated systems. Ignoring them risks division but engaging them builds fairer governance. Their protests in Kenya, Nepal, and Bangladesh show their resolve. For those watching digital trends, Gen Z’s voice is a wake-up call. Despite misinformation and burnout, their passion lights the way. As we stand in 2025, with Nepal’s protests fresh and elections looming, Gen Z is proving the world is theirs to shape.