Those born between 1995 and 2010, with their natural digital instinct, are next on the influencer radar. But what moves them?
Niyoshi Parekh Pic/Bipin Kokate
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2000 was the year we ushered in listening to Jeniffer Lopez's Y2K anthem, Waiting for Tonight. It's also the year cartoonist Charles M. Schulz died; India's billionth baby, Astha Arora, was born; Steve Jobs introduced the public beta of Mac OS X; the first resident crew entered the International Space Station and a powerful solar flare caused a geomagnetic storm on Earth. And, as all these tremendous things were happening, was also born a generation now called Generation Z - all of whom will turn 18 this year.
The markets are already trying to figure what moves this generation that's going to make multi-tasking while working on several gadgets look like child's play, that's going to be careful about money and stable about careers. We speak to four of them and asked to them to share their views on India, its problems, social media, love and why they think their generation knows better.
NIYOSHI PAREKH
Turns 18 on: May 18 Studying in Std XII at Dhirubhai Ambani School
What is the most pressing problem facing the country today?
I think it's how we can get rid of the gender imbalance without creating another one. What I mean is, we need to empower women who need it the most, the ones who don't even know what the word feminism means. How to get them ahead rather than us, who actually have all we need.
What profession do you plan to enter when you grow up?
A product designer with a background in psychology. So, I know exactly what the customer wants - it's all personalised. It's called behavioural design.
What is a trend/news event in the past few years that has affected you?
I started going for spoken word events, and when I heard different poems from people from all spheres of life, I realised there are many more problems out there in the world. It broke my protective bubble.
What do you do in your spare time?
I read. Right now, I am hooked to Jeffrey Archer and John Grisham.
What's your take on Love?
I have an idealistic view of love, and I feel a relationships should only be entered into if you feel love. But many people my age think that they don't know what love is all about.
How do you think your generation is different from the ones before you?
We grew up with movements that spoke about racism or homosexuality and so, I feel, we are more broad-minded and liberal about these issues. The problem is that then we judge other generations who don't think like us. But, I think in the end, we know how to eventually steer them our way.
PARTHIV SIKDAR
Turns 18 on: January 17 Studying in Std XII at Poddar School
Parthiv Sikdar
What is the most pressing problem facing the country today?
Illiteracy. I think we solved illiteracy we can solve issues like population explosion, sanitation, lack of jobs.
What profession do you plan to enter when you grow up?
I am not very ambitious. I am okay doing a 9 to 5 job, as long as I make money.
What is a trend/news event in the past few years that has affected you?
I had a long-term relationship and dated a girl from when I was 14 to when I turned 16. Then we went to different schools and broke up. It changed my life, and everything suddenly was different. I barely had friends, and when I changed schools, my whole life changed.
What do you do in your spare time?
I play football.
What's your take on love?
I think it's a great feeling but timing is everything. I was in love, and maybe she was the right person for me, but the timing was not right. So, one needs to know when to love.
How do you think your generation is different from the ones before you?
I think it's super special that we were born in the 2000s. Also, we are pretty cool about everything. And we are the only generation which knows what it wants and what it doesn't, and hence, we enjoy life to the fullest.
VINITA BHATIA
Turns 18 on: September 19 Studying commerce at HR College
Vinita Bhatia
What is the most pressing problem facing the country today?
Poverty. I travel every day from Panvel to Churchgate and see homeless people who don't have anything. I think we should focus on uplifting them.
What profession do you plan to enter when you grow up?
I want to do an MBA and work in the mutual funds market. Many of my family members deal in stocks and I have grown up listening to that terminology.
What is a trend/news event in the past few years that has affected you?
The break-up of pop star Selena Gomez and The Weeknd really upset me. I was invested in their relationship!
What do you do in your spare time?
I check Snapchat!
What's your take on love?
I don't believe in love. I think you find a person you can have fun with, and be comfortable with.
How do you think your generation is different from the ones before you?
We think before we speak. If I ask my father a question, he may make up an answer, but I will go online, research and then give my opinion.
ASHAY MEHTA
Turns 18 on: May 8 Studying in Std XII at Poddar School
Ashay Mehta
What is the most pressing problem facing the country today?
I felt there is a big difference between private and public education in our country. All of it needs to be of the same quality.
What profession do you plan to enter when you grow up?
I want to start my own business as I am studying computer science, but I haven't decided what kind of business.
What is a trend/news event in the past few years that has affected you?
I took part in Model UN at school, which is a simulated representation of how the UN works. It made me aware of many issues, and also helped me hone my public speaking skills.
What do you do in your spare time?
I normally watch TV shows. I just finished The Walking Dead. I also watch physics videos.
What's your take on love?
I think it happens frequently at this age.
How do you think your generation is different from the ones before you?
I think there are too many distractions for our generation, and hence, most people my age may know more about the Kardashians and less about how many people are dying in Syria.
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