Building Empathy Across Generations

Growing up in the 80’s brings back wonderful memories of high school; 80’s music, junior and senior banquets, chapels, sports, basketball games, dances, youth groups, youth conventions, mission trips, and good friends. In contrast, in December of 1986, our school community buried two friends and classmates who were killed in an auto accident on their way to school one early winter morning.

There were times of fun and great joy, and significant times of struggle and even grief.

Looking back almost 40 years ago, the changes my generation, Generation X (born 1965-1980), witnessed and experienced are incredible and almost unbelievable. Who would have thought that we’d be walking around someday with the world literally at our fingertips? We can access anyone or anything by tapping a screen or typing on a keyboard.

I went through four years of undergraduate studies (at Dordt) with no internet. We had to go to the library, pull books from the shelves, and look at microfilm to dig for the research we were looking for. A paper took hours to gather the data and information needed before sitting down to write. Today, students can simply put assignment details into Generative Artificial Intelligence, and it will compose their entire paper within seconds. As instructors in higher education, this has posed a new challenge, and one we are still trying to figure out how to best manage in the current educational world.

Along with these cultural and generational changes, we’ve seen more sedentary lifestyles, an increase in obesity rates, addictions to gaming and scrolling, challenges with balancing our busy lifestyles, and an increase in mental health disorders and the use of prescription medications.

As an instructor at Dordt University and a parent of four Gen Z (born 1997-2012) children, I’ve worked with and have seen firsthand how Generation Z is handling the “new” culture. They are the generation of technology—called digital natives—and have access to more information than any other generation at their age.

Gen Z members share a common context and worldview, shaped by society and current events, which they have experienced firsthand or observed through social media and other media outlets. These experiences include violence in a post 9/11 world, school shootings, terrorism abroad and in the U.S., war, political assassinations, rioting, and political division. They are provided intimate details about these events, which result in fear and heightened concern that “I am never safe.”

Additionally, Gen Z has experienced the COVID pandemic and a volatile economy, including rising student debt, inflation, and higher housing and healthcare costs. Young adults are facing isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. In-person communication has decreased, and addiction to phones is prevalent. And we must admit that our generations, Millennials – Gen Y, and Gen X, are also experiencing addiction to devices.

How do we help our students, children, neighbors, or coworkers navigate the complexities of growing up and living in the world today?

First, we must remind ourselves and each other that because of sin, we live in a broken world with pain, heartache, horror, and evil. As Christians, we cannot pretend that this is not part of our reality—but it is not the full story. Because of our faith, we also know that true hope doesn’t come from certainty in this life; it comes from knowing that God has a plan for each of us. He is making all things new—transforming and redeeming this world and guiding us as participants in the process. We have hope in Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers through His death and resurrection.

Second, while it is easy to see and emphasize the stress and anxiety of younger generations, we must also recognize how God is using their experiences and lives to bear witness. Each day, I get to see how students are created in God’s image with talents, skills, and gifts used to advance God’s kingdom by loving God and others. They are genuinely concerned about others' well-being. Generation Z is focused on learning and developing skills. They have long-term goals and desire a work/life balance. They appreciate self-care and flexibility. This generation desires to change the world. They are involved in their communities and are leading the way in advancing equal human rights. They want to solve real problems and serve real people.

In my own experience, I’ve had students pray over me when I shared a health struggle and/or a family challenge. I’ve received notes of encouragement, prayers, and emails before having surgery to rid my body of cancer. Students have written notes of appreciation at the end of the semester. They are truly genuine, loving, and caring. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise my children of Generation Z, as well as develop relationships with students at Dordt University. I have so much hope for this generation.

As we continue to seek wisdom and direction for the next and coming generations, we must remember our identity—we are God’s children, called to faithfulness in a world that is not yet fully restored. Let’s support, encourage, and love them—helping them develop discernment in what they consume online, inviting honest conversations about current events, and reminding them that their identity is not defined by performance, popularity, or cultural approval. Let’s share our own stories of struggle and faith so they understand that perseverance is learned over time.

When our lives are rooted deeply in Christ and surrounded by faithful community, we are far more equipped to navigate this life with Christlike love, hope, and strength.