How Gen Z’s ‘delulu’ culture impacts their reality | Justine Danielle Reyes | TEDxADMU

Summary

The speaker explores the term 'delusional' as used by Gen Z, contrasting it with its clinical definition. They argue that the younger generation's 'delusion' is a form of dreaming big and defying limits, rather than a pathology. The talk delves into the practicality of Gen Z, shaped by global issues, and questions the societal norms that limit aspirations. The speaker calls for collective change to build a hopeful future, urging to reframe 'delusional' as a source of motivation, not a mental disorder.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The rapid pace of social media means ideas can spread quickly and then fade, challenging our ability to process and absorb information.
• 🔥 The term 'delusional' has been repurposed by Gen Z to mean dreaming big and defying realistic barriers, contrasting with its traditional medical definition.
• 📊 Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is characterized by a desire for diversity, collaboration, and authenticity, and is highly practical due to inheriting global issues.
• 🏆 The speaker, identifying as Gen Z and delusional in a positive sense, uses personal experience to explore the generation's perspective on 'delusional' as a motivational term.
• 🤔 The debate around the use of 'delusional' raises questions about the generation's understanding of the term versus its clinical meaning, highlighting a potential educational or critical thinking issue.
• 💭 The speaker suggests that Gen Z's use of 'delusional' may reflect a refusal to accept an untenable reality, rather than a pathological state of mind.
• 🌱 The script touches on societal pressures and expectations that Gen Z faces, such as economic insecurity and the challenge of achieving traditional milestones.
• 🌟 The idea of 'being delusional' is presented as a form of escapism that allows Gen Z to envision a better reality amidst current global challenges.
• 🔑 The speaker calls for a collective change, suggesting that individual efforts are not enough and that societal structures need to support a brighter future for all.
• 🌍 The script emphasizes the importance of hope and the need to redefine what is considered 'normal' in society, advocating for a collective effort to build a better future.
• 🎯 The final message is one of optimism, urging Gen Z to embrace their dreams and not to let the label 'delusional' undermine their aspirations for a better world.

Q & A

What does the term 'delusional' mean in the context of Gen Z as discussed in the script?

In the context of Gen Z, 'delusional' is used to describe a mindset of dreaming big and defying realistic barriers, rather than being a pathological condition. It's about not letting current circumstances limit one's aspirations.

How is the use of the term 'delusional' by Gen Z different from its clinical definition?

The clinical definition of 'delusional' refers to an irrational belief about one's external reality, held despite evidence to the contrary. Gen Z, however, uses the term to express a positive, motivational attitude towards life and overcoming challenges.

What is the age range of individuals classified as Gen Z according to the script?

Gen Z is composed of individuals born between 1997 and 2012, making them between 12 to 27 years old at the time of the script.

What does Dr. Roberta Catz describe as a key characteristic of Gen Z?

Dr. Roberta Catz describes Gen Z as a generation that deeply cares about others, strives for a diverse community, is highly collaborative and social, values authenticity, and is very practical due to inheriting global issues.

What societal issues is Gen Z said to be inheriting that influence their practicality?

Gen Z is inheriting global issues such as climate change, political tensions, and economic insecurity, which force them to make decisions rooted in reality.

How does the script suggest Gen Z's use of the term 'delusional' challenges the mold of their practical identity?

The script suggests that Gen Z's use of 'delusional' as a positive term allows them to entertain fantasies about the lives they would like to live, unbound by current circumstances, thus challenging their otherwise practical identity.

What does the script imply about the potential decline in critical thinking among Gen Z due to their misuse of the term 'delusional'?

The script raises the possibility that the misuse of the term 'delusional' could indicate a decline in critical thinking among Gen Z, suggesting an educational crisis where words are not being used appropriately.

What is the script's stance on the debate between Gen Z's use of 'delusional' and mental health professionals' concerns about the term?

The script suggests that the debate is reductive and focuses on who is right or wrong. Instead, it proposes considering why the term 'delusional' was chosen and what it reflects about Gen Z's current circumstances.

How does the script connect the use of 'delusional' by Gen Z to their current life circumstances?

The script connects the use of 'delusional' to Gen Z's life circumstances by suggesting that their practicality due to inheriting global issues might make them yearn for a reality unbound by these challenges, leading them to adopt the term in a positive light.

What is the script's final message regarding the use of the term 'delusional' by Gen Z?

The script's final message is a call for hope and a collective effort to change the current system to one that supports success and a brighter future, rather than dismissing Gen Z's aspirations as mere delusions.

What does the script suggest is needed for Gen Z to feel hopeful about the future instead of feeling delusional?

The script suggests that collective change, institutional support, and a return to community roots are needed for Gen Z to feel hopeful about a brighter future, rather than feeling delusional about their aspirations.