Time - USA (2022-04-25)

POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION

Generation Z are using the internet, social media, and data

and technology to help create healthier, happier lives for

themselves, as well as to eff ect positive social change on

the world. Their use of data and technology is radically

transforming how we approach some of the central pillars

of a rich, happy and rewarding life—work, social interaction,

entertainment, creatively and health and well-being.

Increasingly we are turning to the ambitions and

competencies of Generation Z and Millennials in the

development of technologies for the world to transition to a

more sustainable way of living and to ensure the well-being

of current and future populations.

It is through leveraging data and technology that Generation

Z in particular have been able to push the boundaries of

self-care and at the same time provide healthcare and

well-being providers with the information to provide better

health outcomes.

Arguably, perhaps one of the least obvious benefi ts eff ected

by Generation Z’s data and technology-focused approach

to engaging the world, is its power, when combined with

eff ective storytelling, to spread ideas and inspire action.

And when we think about, for example, what the future of

health and well-being looks like, it is increasingly one that is

being made in the image of the beliefs, and digital behaviors

of Generation Z.

CONTENT FROM SOMPO HOLDINGS

74%

prefer to

access online

medical consultations

40%

of Generation Z

use wearable technology

to track their physical

and emotional well-being

71%

want online or app

ability to access their

personal data such

as medical records,

schedule appointments

AHEAD OF TIME

Generation Z are the fi rst generation to be born into
the internet but also to grow up completely immersed
in technology. They are, however, more than simply
comfortable with data and technology—they don’t merely
see data and technology as, for instance tools or means to
augment or impact the physical world—something to be
deployed to manage life, but rather as an immutable part
of life itself, not separate from their existence, but, like the
internet, a defi ning part of it. And, they are comfortable
exchanging data on who they are and what they do—even
how they feel, as well as other intimate facets of their
personal lives, if they believe what they get in return is of
value to them.

The world as a whole belatedly began to embrace
technology-led solutions to mitigate the inimical eff ects of
COVID-19 induced social isolation, pivoting to maintaining
productivity and work relationships via internet based
technologies such as Zoom and for instance, by addressing
well-being concerns through telemedicine.

For Generation Z, however, their expectations and behavior
were already laid down by the integral role that the
internet, digital and, data and technology, played in their
lives. Benefi ts such as ease of access, convenience, social
connection, transparency and speed had long been sown in
the experience and executions of Generation Z.

When it comes to well-being, for instance, Millennials and
Generation Z have adopted digital access to healthcare
services at a higher rate than other generations. According
to one study for example, 71% of Millennials want online or
app ability to access their personal data such as medical
records, schedule appointments and, 74% prefer to access
online medical consultations. And Generation Z, who
prefer a mix of online and physical medical consultations,
nonetheless, are more likely to use social media and online
reviews to make decisions concerning their well-being.

Drawing on their use of the digital world for social
connections they seek advice, reviews and referrals from
friends and their communities to, for example, choose
doctors or providers who are able to provide digital well-
being experiences.

Generation Z are more likely than the generations preceding
them to use technology for real time monitoring of behavior
and to help track their habits—including what they eat,
how they sleep, and how they manage their fi nances and
maintain well-being. Over 40% of Generation Z use wearable
technology to track their physical and emotional well-being
and then use that data to help make health decisions.