Gen Z Was Told We Could Save the World. Is It Silly to Think We Still Can?
The article reflects on Gen Z's disillusionment with the promise that they could "save the world," exploring how systemic challenges like climate change, economic instability, and political gridlock have dampened their optimism. It questions whether that generation's early idealism was naive or if collective action can still drive meaningful change despite widespread burnout and cynicism.
Background
- This is a first-person essay from *Teen Vogue*, a US magazine that covers politics, culture, and fashion for a young (mostly teen/early-20s) audience. The author is a member of Gen Z (people born roughly 1997–2012).
- The piece reflects a widespread feeling among young people that they grew up being told they had unique power to fix big problems (climate change, gun violence, systemic racism) — but now, facing political gridlock, economic precarity, and relentless bad news, many feel burnt out, hopeless, or foolish for having believed that.
- Key prior context: Gen Z came of age during overlapping crises (the 2010s climate strikes, the Trump era, COVID-19, the 2020 racial justice protests). They were often hailed by media and politicians as "the generation that will save us." The essay wrestles with what happens when that narrative collides with reality.
- The article is not reporting news; it's a personal and generational reflection on political disillusionment, the weight of responsibility placed on young people, and whether hope is still possible without being naive.