by Edwin Quinabo
Gen Z is frequently called the first digital native generation as they’ve lived their lives fully connected digitally, immersed from the start in a time of ubiquitous access to streaming content, social media and smart phones. International broadcaster Voice of America said Gen Z were plunged immediately “into a world of vast technological advances and innovation.” Gen Z “have come of age in the shadow of climate doom, pandemic lockdowns and fears of economic collapse,” described McKinsey & Company, an American management consulting firm.
Two significant recent news events reveal golden nuggets and give a clearer picture of Gen Z (28-13 years old) when it comes to their values politically and religiously – the pledge by Gen Z David Hogg, 24, to launch a multi-million dollars campaign to help elect younger Democratic leaders and the death of Pope Francis.
Gen Z political values
Hogg, a March For Our Lives activist, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, and President of Leaders We Deserve, is shaking up the Democratic establishment vowing to spend over $20 million from his political action group Leaders We Deserve to primary Democrat candidates. He’s an interpreter of his generation’s values that seeks political changes – that traditional Democrats have offered rhetoric to but without substance — like making more affordable college education, housing, eldercare, childcare, healthcare, insurance, all those things with skyrocketing prices “crushing the American people,” he said.
His generation wants campaign finance reform to limit the power of special interests that’s the main driver of corruption in government, he said. “We live in a democratic society that is the same one that empowers special interests, that has resulted in people this generation going through school shootings, that has resulted in this generation facing the brunt of climate change, the student debt crisis, the housing crisis and so much more, where the basic, foundational building blocks of the American dream are so much harder for young people to achieve now than they were a generation prior,” Hogg said. “A lot of people feel like the American dream is increasingly evaporating before their eyes,” which is why Hogg and his army of Gen Z and supporters feel it’s time to take bold actions politically.
It’s not just about a platform. Gen Z is a generation known to be fearless in fighting systemic injustice, compared to the Millennials and certainly Gen X. “I’ll say right now the divide in our party, I don’t think it’s between moderates and the left. I think it’s between do you want to fight, or do you want to hide? And I want to fight. I want people who fight. I want moderates who fight. I want progressives who fight. I want people who, across the board, are here to get things done,” Hogg said.
Gen Z is more religious than Millennials and Gen X
Another news telling of Gen Z that might come as a surprise to some was the death of Pope Francis and ensuing conclave to commence on May 7 which have been captivating for Gen Z. Wyatt Olivas met Pope Francis while serving as the youngest delegate at the Synod on Synodality at 19 years old. Today, the 20-year-old college student called the late pontiff, who died April 21 at the age of 88, “the young pope” because of his youthful heart and embrace of young people. Olivas and other young adults shared how Pope Francis personally impacted – and continues to impact – their lives. He said Pope Francis saw the youth not as the church’s future, but as the church now.
Rina Bird, a volunteer at the Young Catholic Adult Network, has seen this firsthand. “We are highly visible on social media, and so we are getting many new converts,” she says. “Particularly among young men in the 25 to 30-year-old age range. There are women, too, but not as many.”
A recent survey from YouGov and The Bible Society found that church attendance has increased by 50% in six years. And young people are leading this resurgence. Those aged 18-24 (within the Gen Z age bracket) are now the second largest demographic to attend church, with 16% saying they attend church once a month last year (second only to the 19% of those aged 65+).
The Wall Street Journal reports from polling data taken from the Springtide Research Institute that in the age of COVID-fueled isolation and canceled dreams — young adults, theologians and church leaders “attribute the increase [in church attendance among Gen Z] is in part to the need for people to believe in something beyond themselves after three years of loss [from the pandemic].”
Open to diversity, outlook on gender and marriage
Not only has Gen Z grown up in the most diverse setting than in previous generations – they’ve seen the first Black U.S. president Barack Obama get elected and grew up with classmates of LGBTQ+ parents – nearly 50% of Gen Zers are racial and ethnic minorities.
Gen Z’s openness to diversity includes eschewing gender norms far more than previous generations which has been a bane to conservatives specifically in the area of transgenderism. While Millennials had mostly abandoned discrimination or vestiges of anti-gay sentiments, Gen Z goes further. Half of Generation Z individuals believe that forms and profiles should include sex or gender options beyond “male” and “female.”
Another concern to older generations, again mostly among conservatives, is Gen Z’s trend on marriage. Surveys show not only are Gen Z getting married much later and having fewer or no children, but many are also even foregoing marriage. Thrivingcenterofpsych.com found 85% of Gen Z do not feel marriage is necessary to have a fulfilled and committed relationship. More than 1 in 6 (17%) are not planning to get married. One major reason is cost.
Marvin (last name withheld by request), Waipahu, 63, said, “I’m all for diversity and mixed marriages. It’s nothing new for Hawaii. What I’m seeing as troublesome among the Gen Z is they are not getting married but living with their boyfriend and girlfriend. In the Bible, there is a terminology for that. We know what it is. In our days we also lived in with our boyfriend and girlfriend in our early twenties, but it was only temporary, and we got married. But many in the younger generation don’t plan on it.
“I may have traditional views but try to remain open-minded because similar situations regarding marriage are occurring within the younger generation in my own family. What’s not happening in my family but really shocking is some young people today wanting to choose their own sex different from what they were born as. This is too extreme,” Marvin said.
Gen Z is unique showing signs of progressive politics, but also conservative religious values. Their outlook on family and marriage that leaves older generations puzzled could be reflective of today’s unaffordability like a home to raise a family and employment instability, discouraging Gen Zers not to have families. That, compounded with a need to meet higher educational credentials that keep students in school far longer into their late twenties to early thirties, could be responsible for their values and expectations on marriage and family that’s different from previous generations, experts say.
Filipino Gen Z, Filipino values
Ann Danelle Lucero, 27, Tustin, California, was born and raised in California but is from a family deeply connected to their roots in the Philippine where her parents are from. She was educated in the U.S. but made a decision to pursue medicine in the Philippines, which she says was both a “professional and cultural homecoming.”
Asked which Filipino values she wants to maintain and pass on, she said “pakikisama”— the idea of getting along with others and prioritizing harmony in relationships – is important to her. “This aligns with the value of being family-oriented and family-centeredness, meaning the respect for elders, and the deep sense of responsibility we carry for one another. My family is of huge priority in my life and takes precedence as it is also my biggest support system, and I know nothing can break that bond.
“I also deeply admire the Filipino work ethic—grit, perseverance, and the ability to smile through hardship. Growing up with these values have shaped me both personally and professionally, especially during my journey through medical school, where compassion and community meant everything. Not only this but seeing this value in those around me especially in the Philippines, patients smiling and with positive attitudes despite the hardships and disparities,” Lucero said.
One traditional Filipino value she said needs re-evaluation is “hiya” (shame). This idea creates more of a close-minded idea in the community and can sometimes discourage open conversations about mental health or personal boundaries, which are prominent issues in our world today. While humility is beautiful, it shouldn’t come at the cost of self-worth or speaking up for ourselves,” Lucero said.
Filipino Gen Z concerns
Liddy Aldrin, 24, electrical engineer, San Diego, California is half Filipino and half white, whose mother is from Manoa, Hawaii. “The superficial concern I have is my generation is grossly misunderstood. They think of us as snowflakes that we need to be coddled and that we spend all our waking hours on social media and glued to our phone. That may be true for some. But it isn’t the case for me and for many of my friends. Gen Zers are busy and must move in a fast-paced environment to get ahead. As for the bigger concerns my generation has – we are afraid of job obsolescence, that many careers will be replaced to AI. It’s something we all fear and think about. We also think massive income inequality which keeps getting worse at some point will lead to deep social friction, more than what already exists, to a point of cutting toxicity.”
Lucero had similar concerns, “This generation appears to be having a variety of concerns that differ from previous generations at this age. One of which is a financial aspect. With the innovation of technology in automation and AI, job security remains a challenge for many. Not only this but the increasing need for qualifications to stay competitive in the work field leads many Gen Z to require longer schooling to get a job, contributing to another problem of incurring student debt. With these financial difficulties, buying homes seem out of reach as well as having families due to the lack of stability.”
She elaborated, “Some would say this generation appears more work-oriented due to the later ages of people before settling down and having a family. We’re also deeply concerned with mental health, representation, and social justice. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z grew up online—we’re digital natives who are more globally aware and unafraid to speak up about systemic issues.”
Filipino Gen Z’s uniqueness
What’s unique about Gen Z? Aldrin said Gen Zers have an expanded view than previous generations because they grew up using powerful digital tools like social media that teared down the boundaries between the countries we grew up in and the rest of the world. She explains, “Our parents’ generation and older relied on mainstream cable and local media to give us an impression of the world. Gen Zers, most of us, get our news from online sources from around the world. We also connect to people online from all over and have global chats that were not possible decades ago.”
Lucero said “what’s unique about Gen Z generation is we emphasize being true to oneself and remaining authentic in everything we do. We’re not afraid to question norms, challenge outdated systems, and call out injustice—even within our own communities. This generation has also become more open about mental health, gender identity, and the breaking of generational trauma, which was previously taboo in previous generations. I think what’s truly unique about this generation is how we’re using technology and creativity to reclaim our identities and tell our stories, especially as diasporic Filipinos. While keeping our old cultural roots and traditions, we are able to adjust and adapt to new cultures and express ourselves wholeheartedly.”
Gen Z on Filipino community’s future
The glue that kept Hawaii’s Filipino community together among the Baby Boomer generation was Filipino social clubs largely created to bring together Filipino immigrants from the same region of the Philippines. By the time Gen X came of leadership age (present time), social clubs have largely faded but Filipino professional associations remained steady until today in part for the benefits of professional networking or launching charitable projects.
Lucero said, “Filipino organizations are of much value. They not only provide a space for connection, mentorship, and advocacy, they also help to preserve our heritage while empowering future leaders. Working in healthcare specifically, I have witnessed the differences organizations such as Philippine Medical Association make on the community especially those new to the country and still learning this new culture. I would love to see organizations like the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii continue — and even begin to evolve and engage the younger members of the community. I do believe that there is so much potential in mentorship programs, health equity initiatives, and collaborations with Gen Z creators.”
Lucero has participated in cultural events both in the U.S. and in the Philippines. “While a little more limited in the U.S., I do hope to get more involved in Filipino organizations here to share with those that have my same traditions and values, trying to do what I can specifically in the healthcare and education field of the community,” she said.
Paul Gaspar, Ewa Beach, a Gen Z, believes Filipinos in Hawaii are fully blended and assimilated to the greater local culture. “Where there is a feeling of disconnection to our Filipino roots, some in our generation will pursue that individually like asking our older family members about our culture but not join a Filipino club, per say. Where do they go? Are there any? I’ve heard from my father who is a Gen X, when he wanted to get involved in signing up more Filipinos to register to vote decades ago, the Filipino club leading that drive wasn’t welcoming. They were older Baby Boomers who kept to their own click. So already in my father’s generation the Filipino clubs were fading away. And they won’t come back. What will the Filipino community look like. I don’t know.”
One Filipino organization Gen Z can join is the Filipino Jaycees of Honolulu (FJCH), a local organization dedicated to developing leaders for a changing world as well as to perpetuate local Filipino culture and practices. Members must be between the ages of 18 and 40. One of their projects is helping to coordinate the annual Flores de Mayo & Filipino Fiesta.
The Sariling Gawa Youth Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes Filipino cultural awareness, ethnic pride, and youth empowerment.
Tekniqlingz, is a Philippine and modern dance club that performs at local events sharing Filipino culture with Hawaii’s greater community through performing arts.
The University of Hawaii college campuses have Filipino professional organizations like the Filipino Law Students Association, a student organization for those attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa William S. Richardson School of Law.
Aldrin said on the mainland there is a tendency for minority groups to seek each other’s company socially, even professionally. “At the university in California I attended, I joined the Hawaiian club even though I did not grow up in Hawaii like my mom but would spend the summers there to visit my grandma. There were Filipinos from Hawaii in that club. In southern California we have a vibrant Filipino community that put-on community events. We rally behind our Filipino businesses. We identify as Filipinos, those who are, and proud of it. I think this degree of participation in the Filipino community will continue and remain the same.”
On potential changes in the future of the Filipino community, Lucero said, “I believe the future of the Filipino is bright and full of potential but will come with many changes as well. The younger generations are bridging old traditions with technology and new cultural advancements, blending cultural pride with creative expression through platforms like social media, podcasts, and online businesses. I can see a future of redefining the true meaning of being a Filipino in today’s world — proud, progressive, and not afraid to challenge the status quo while maintaining our deep-seated cultural values. Whether through healthcare, cultural work, or community engagement, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between generations and uplifting the next wave of Filipino voices.”
Roberta Katz, a senior research scholar at Stanford’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavior Sciences said, “Gen Zers are, on the whole, much better adapted to life in a digital age than those of us who are older and that they can be very frustrated by what appear to them to be outdated and often irrelevant ways of doing things.” She gives an example that an older person would likely assume that any organization needs a set of officers, for that has been the norm in their experience, but a Gen Zer would say, from their lived experience, that there is no need to elect officers (or other leaders) if the group can accomplish its mission through online collaborations that take advantage of the participants’ diverse skills. In this light, by the time Gen Zers are of age to be the dominant leaders in the community, the Filipino organizations then could look vastly different from previous generations.
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