Generation Z, or gen Z, by workplace terminology, is formed by a group of people born between the year 1995 and 2010. This generation will reach their full productivity by 2030, the time when Sustainable Developmental Goals are expected to be attained, and by optimizing their healthy growth and development, it is expected that their offspring will form the next healthy generation. Currently, gen Z spans from childhood to young adulthood (9-24 years old).
Characteristics of gen Z are described as digital natives, who stay connected digitally and are used to immediate and abundant availability of information with shorter attention spans than their predecessor. They are diverse, dialoguer, more environmentally friendly, concerned with social justice, and in constant search for truth, but also more liberal in connecting through different truths. These traits, combined with fluency in social media technology, provide a great opportunity for gen Z to play a powerful role in health communication and advocacy as social media influencers.
In order to help gen Z achieve the optimum health perceptions, pediatricians and other health professionals need to approach with age-appropriate communication tools, aimed to optimize their self health, then to reach out to friends, family, and close community, and become social media influencer for healthy lifestyle. To avoid misconception or exploitation, it is best to connect and spread health information from official social media accounts, such as those of the Ministry of Health or professional society, as well as to cultivate health promoting social media ecosystem.