Are Gen Z's values truly different from previous generations, or is social media simply amplifying their self-exploration?

It's easy to look at Generation Z with concern, especially when we see them engaging with materialistic symbols like expensive cars, high fashion, or the latest tech. Some might wonder, "Where are their values?" This question isn't new—every generation has expressed concerns about the priorities of the next. In this case, some of the judgments directed at Gen Z may stem from a misunderstanding of their environment, influences, and how they express themselves.

Materialism and Social Media's Role

Let's start with a common observation: social media platforms are filled with young people capturing videos of luxury cars, designer clothes, and seemingly lavish lifestyles. For many older generations, this kind of behavior may seem superficial, reminiscent of the days when "flashy" clothing trends like rhinestone-covered jeans and spray tans were mocked. Today, it appears as though young people are obsessed with appearances and wealth, and social media only magnifies this focus.

However, before jumping to conclusions, it's important to consider that this phenomenon might not be as simple as it looks. For centuries, people in their late teens and early 20s have explored their identities, relationships, and self-worth. In the past, young adults often did this privately, but today, social media exposes these personal explorations to a global audience.

What’s changed is not necessarily their values, but the visibility of their journey. The ability to watch and critique how young people experiment with their identity has been amplified through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. It’s worth asking whether the criticism they face now is any different from what previous generations experienced in their youth.

A Generation Defined by Independence

Gen Z is a generation raised amidst social and political divisiveness, technological advancements, and increased access to information. As a result, they are a group that values independence, and in many ways, that independence is expressed through their entrepreneurial spirit. You hear stories of teenagers making fortunes through unconventional means, like drop-shipping or content creation. Some even use platforms like OnlyFans to achieve financial freedom, and this too can spark judgment.

But here’s the other side of the coin: dig deeper, and you’ll often find personal stories of young people supporting their families, paying for education, or helping loved ones with medical bills through the money they’ve earned online. In many cases, these efforts are driven by noble intentions—despite how these methods may be perceived.

Take the example of a Venezuelan girl using OnlyFans to fund her entire family's livelihood. This paints a more nuanced picture than the surface-level judgments might suggest. We should be careful not to oversimplify or moralize these choices without understanding the complex situations that lead people to make them.

The Impact of Social Media's Success Narratives

It’s not just about what Gen Z is doing—it’s also about the messaging they’re receiving. Social media platforms push the most successful creators to the forefront. TikTok, Instagram, and even OnlyFans amplify stories of overnight success, wealth, and fame, creating a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) among viewers. This can lead to more people attempting to replicate these successes without fully understanding the odds.

As with any platform, though, there are those who succeed, and many who don’t. Just as people have started businesses that fail on Facebook or Instagram, some aspiring content creators find themselves falling short on platforms like OnlyFans. Social media amplifies stories of success, but it doesn’t always show the struggles, failures, or long-term consequences of such ventures.

The Long-Term Impact: Regret and Reflection?

It’s worth considering the long-term impact of these choices. Will we see a wave of regret in the future, much like how figures from previous generations, such as Kim Kardashian, now reflect on their past decisions? In Kim’s case, a personal tape from her early career caused lasting public scrutiny, and even with her wealth and legal resources, there’s no escaping its repercussions as her children grow older and become aware of it.

Will today's content creators, especially those using platforms like OnlyFans, face similar moments of reflection? It’s possible. The internet has a long memory, and the choices people make in their youth could follow them for decades. For some, this may lead to emotional distress, particularly when it comes to how their children or future partners view these decisions.

However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone will regret their choices. Many people feel empowered by the financial independence they’ve achieved, and for them, the benefits may outweigh the costs. Regret is a deeply personal experience, and it's not for society to decide whether someone's life choices will lead to it.

Balancing Individualism and Societal Values

One of the more profound questions that emerges from these discussions is: How do we balance individual autonomy with societal values? If everyone is simply choosing what’s best for them, where do we draw the line for collective norms or ethical standards? Does the pursuit of personal happiness, wealth, or success at any cost lead to a breakdown of social cohesion?

These questions are worth considering as we look at how the world—and especially young people—are evolving. At the end of the day, every generation faces judgment from the one before it, and it's possible that Gen Z's values, while different, are just a reflection of the world they were raised in.

Rather than passing judgment, perhaps the most productive approach is to understand the motivations behind their actions and to explore how we can foster a world that allows young people to thrive—both individually and collectively.