But for self-promotion it is important that you have something to promote… For far from all young people it is an obvious choice which activities and characteristics they put in the digital spotlight. After all, being young is inherent in the discovery of what you want and what you can do. If you are still figuring that out, making yourself a brand is a big challenge. The many possibilities for self-promotion offer Gen Z opportunities, but are just as much a source of uncertainty. In the words of 19-year-old photographer Rachelle: ''I don't think my material is good yet, not distinctive enough. I wonder if something is innovative enough and whether it works or not. I prefer to promote myself in a conversation now because I am not yet confident enough about my work.''
We – employers, teachers and parents – need to look beyond the bluff and self-assurance of young people who already know the tricks of personal branding at an early age. They should not set the standard for, and thus the unrealistic pressure on, all young people. Do not judge young people on what they already do and can do, but focus philippines telegram data on what they want to achieve. Show that they can develop in many ways and that success can manifest itself in many ways. In this way we give them freedom in how (and whether) they want to promote themselves. Young people then know very well how to find the means for personal branding themselves.
generation z climate protest callum-shaw-unsplash
Photo: Callum Shaw via Unsplash
Self-determination
Dutch youth have been among the happiest youth in Europe for years . This is partly a result of the freedom that our youth experience. Individual freedom contributes greatly to the well-being of people. Research shows that being able to choose your own life course, partner, education and job all contribute to happiness. Although the freedom within our society is generally good for the well-being of young people, the above has already shown that it also comes with challenges.
Freedom is liberating and burdensome
Gen Z is given a lot of freedom and therefore a lot of personal responsibility. That is liberating and stressful. Young people are stimulated to get the best out of themselves. Despite the good intentions, young people put themselves under pressure. In a survey by EenVandaag, 42 percent of students indicated that they experience school stress on a daily basis, 8 out of 10 experience performance pressure and 63 percent of them say "That performance pressure is because of me." This can partly be explained by the previously described idea of feasibility.
