The Lost Art of Surprise: But is Gen Z's Digital Age Creating a Generation of Natural Networkers?

I was talking to my now older teenage children, and it suddenly dawned on me that they live in a world where the art of surprise is becoming a distant memory. Information is readily available at our fingertips and particularly for Generation Z, raised in an era dominated by the internet and social media, the unexpected has become less frequent. I can see this first-hand at home. One was discussing social plans at uni, the other a house party, they knew exactly who would be where and at what time, what groups were invited through many messages and assessed whether it would be a good night out or not. So, are there some benefits to having this planned approach or is this potentially impacting the development of certain skills such as problem solving, common sense and resilience?

With algorithms anticipating our needs and delivering content tailored to our preferences, the thrill of the unknown has lessened. Yes, there’s instant gratification with specific videos, memes and online shopping but this leaves little room for spontaneous moments or surprises. Social media platforms can control the narrative, often presenting curated versions of reality, with individuals carefully crafting their online personas. We are becoming accustomed to seeing life through a filtered lens which may make us question what is real and what is fake news. In my childhood, I remember moaning that I was bored and being told that it was a good thing, and it was since it often led to creativity and problem-solving. Today's constant stream of distractions leaves little time for quiet reflection or unstructured thinking, which are essential for developing critical thinking skills and adaptability.

But do we really think something as innocuous as endless TikTok videos are hindering the development of key skills such as common sense and resilience? When faced with unexpected challenges, those who haven't experienced many surprises may struggle to think on their feet and find creative solutions. Without structure, they may feel lost and have to rely on narrow experiences or online resources instead of developing their own problem-solving abilities, so maybe this digital reliance is gradually reducing problem-solving skills in the next generation. The absence of surprises may also hinder the development of resilience; individuals may be less prepared to handle setbacks or adversity. When things don't go as planned, they may feel overwhelmed or defeated more easily. Experiencing surprise can foster empathy, as it allows us to step outside of our own perspectives and consider the experiences of others.

However, I have seen how far ahead Gen Z are when it comes to connecting with others digitally. They are a generation of natural networkers. And, in addition to this, they have also gained enhanced research skills, seeking out information quickly. I see this on a daily basis through discussions about Snapchat - new connections, where everyone is on SnapMaps, how they get themselves onto a closed party list through a tangled web of loose connections. These skills are invaluable in the workplace and will serve the generation well in the future. Maybe this is just a new version of creativity, common sense and resilience. Going back to the social scenarios I hear about regularly; my daughter will network and message to be “put on the list” of a party, my son will do the same if hears of tickets to a football match going spare. They think about how they can work their way around the problem and get a positive result. Translate this into a work situation and the feedback would only be positive.

The question is, do we need to cultivate surprise in the Digital Age? Whilst Gen Z have equally important strengths, it is important to embrace unstructured time, dedicating time for boredom; it sounds….boring….but allowing your mind to wander sparks creativity and allows new ideas to flow and innovation to occur. It also allows some relaxation and to reset the mind. Reducing screen time, spending more time out and about or just having some down time allows the ability to think and focus. It’s also important for us to stay present and in the moment so that we don’t miss those unexpected experiences or surprises, finding a renewed sense of wonder and excitement. How many times have you missed the crucial part of a TV programme or movie because you had one eye on your phone?

I am guilty of using my phone as much as the next person, checking emails, or scrolling through nonsense at times. However, we have access to a vast array of information at speed and there are lots of positives gained from the current digital age. Whilst planning may dampen some aspects of spontaneity, it is also an essential skill to develop and Gen Z having a natural ability to unapologetically network, seeking out the people and information they require. But there is something wondrous about truly being surprised and the feeling of surprising someone else is unmatchable.

As with most things, striking a balance is healthy and either way Gen Z will have their own skills to stand them in good stead. So, when will you next be surprised? When you’re least suspecting and that’s all part of the excitement!