29/01/2026

THURSDAY | JAN 29, 2026

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COMMENT by Dr Syarifah Maisarah Syed Alwi

I N recent years, complaints have continuously been made about the younger generation, especially Generation Z or Gen Z, who are regarded as struggling with adapting, whether at work, in universities or within the community. Gen Z have been labelled as a pampered generation, who are easily discouraged and lacking resilience. Nonetheless, a crucial question remains, namely: Are they truly unable to adapt or has the world changed so rapidly that it has become difficult for them to adapt? Specifically, Gen Z have been raised in an environment substantially dissimilar to that of previous generations, wherein they were born into a fully digital world, which is teemed with smartphones, the internet and social media as part of daily life since childhood. Gen Z have learnt, socialised and entertained themselves through the screens of digital devices and physical interaction, which are a natural training ground for social skills – something that have become increasingly limited. Therefore, Gen Z appear awkward when interacting physically, especially in formal settings, such as the workplace. Childhood, which was once frequently associated with outdoor activities and group play, has been substituted with a more controlled and virtual world. Children of the past learnt empathy, patience and compromise through real-life social experiences, whereas many Gen Z individuals have grown up in a safe yet isolated space. Resultantly, social skills, such as understanding other individuals’ emotions, fitting into groups or communicating confidently, could not naturally develop. Aside from the influence of the digital world, modern parenting styles have also contributed to the above behaviours. Particularly, many parents of Gen Z have adopted an overly protective approach, despite a positive intention, namely, yearning for children to be safe and successful. Nevertheless, unintentionally, Gen Z children were not offered sufficient opportunities to learn from small failures or make decisions. When parents managed everything, children lose the ability to be independent and adapt when encountering actual challenges. The impact of such

Rethinking Gen Z: Shaped by change, not weakness

upbringing has become evident as Gen Z children have grown up, with many excelling academically but lacking self assurance when experiencing social pressure and job demands. Gen Z have also become easily anxious, unsure of their capabilities and are inclined to avoid uncomfortable situations, which are not signs of weakness but an indication that Gen Z children do not possess adequate opportunities to develop social and emotional resilience. The coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic has also shaped the social patterns of Gen Z, particularly during crucial developmental periods, namely adolescence and early adulthood, wherein Gen Z were compelled to live in isolation as schools, universities and social activities were conducted virtually. As a result, human connections were developed through screens instead of through physical touch or eye contact. When the lockdown measures were lifted, many Gen Z individuals felt awkward and unsure of how to reintegrate into actual interactions. Meanwhile, evaluating Gen Z only through existing weaknesses is unfair because in reality, Gen Z also possess different strengths. They are more open to diversity, are sensitive to social issues and are bold in expressing personal perspectives. Concurrently, Gen Z can adapt swiftly to different technologies and possess high levels of creativity, which suggests that Gen Z require more guidance to balance digital competence with social maturity. In work and educational contexts, traditional approaches may no longer be effective and employers and educators should understand that Gen Z value open communication, immediate feedback and opportunities to express personal opinions. Gen Z do not reject discipline but

“The current world has rapidly shifted

and social challenges

Gen Z have been raised in an environment substantially dissimilar to that of previous generations, wherein they were born into a fully digital world, which is teemed with smartphones, the internet and social media as part of daily life since childhood. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

encountered by Gen Z are more intricate, which necessitate different adaptation approaches.

understanding of the actual context and a change in existing perspectives are required instead of evaluating Gen Z through outdated standards. Instead of perceiving Gen Z as struggling to adapt, the key question is: “Have we provided enough space and opportunity for them to learn to adapt?” Ultimately, developing a resilient generation is not solely the responsibility of Gen Z; instead, the responsibility should be shared by all the existing generations. Gen Z is a reflection of the world that all generations have been collaboratively created and an environment that nurtures, rather than penalises, should be shaped to assist Gen Z in becoming more potent and mature. Dr Syarifah Maisarah Syed Alwi is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya and clinical psychologist. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

rather seek more authentic and mutually respectful relationships. When management and teaching approaches are more empathetic, Gen Z are able to demonstrate potential. The contemporary world is more complex than previously and various issues – especially mental health, social media pressures and economic uncertainty – produce direct impacts on the psychological well-being of Gen Z. As such, support based on understanding rather than criticism should constantly be offered as Gen Z do not require negative labels but rather the space to learn, fail and rebound. The Gen Z generation is not weak; they are shaped by an environment different from that of previous generations. The current world has rapidly shifted and social challenges encountered by Gen Z are more intricate, which necessitate different adaptation approaches. Hence, a deeper