Pro Church Tools March 27, 2024 1h 7m

10 Realities About Gen Z Churches Shouldn't Ignore

Name: 10 Realities About Gen Z Churches Shouldn't Ignore
Uploaded: 2024-03-27T14:33:44+00:00
Duration: 1 h 7 min 26 s
Description: This church communication podcast segment focuses on understanding Gen Z, the smartphone-native generation born between 1996 and 2010. The hosts discuss and rank ten key statistics about this demographic that churches need to be aware of. The takeaway is that churches must engage with and adapt to the unique characteristics and data surrounding Gen Z to effectively reach them.

Read full transcript 57 segments

Gen Z are those born between 1996 and Gen Z are those born between 1996 and 2010. Another label for this generation, 2010. Another label for this generation, 2010. Another label for this generation, Zoomers. The first generation to come of Zoomers. The first generation to come of Zoomers. The first generation to come of age in the era of the smartphone, we're age in the era of the smartphone, we're age in the era of the smartphone, we're just now beginning to get a better just now beginning to get a better just now beginning to get a better picture of what makes this generation picture of what makes this generation picture of what makes this generation unique. This is 10 stats about Gen Z unique. This is 10 stats about Gen Z unique. This is 10 stats about Gen Z that churches should not ignore. that churches should not ignore. that churches should not ignore. Well, Well, Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church hey there and welcome to the Pro Church hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools show. We're here to help you and Tools show. We're here to help you and Tools show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest your church navigate the biggest your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Shearer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the always by my co-host. We call him the Millennial Monk. It's Alexander Mills. Millennial Monk. It's Alexander Mills. Millennial Monk. It's Alexander Mills. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. And today, we are chatting about 10 And today, we are chatting about 10 And today, we are chatting about 10 outrageously important uh statistics outrageously important uh statistics outrageously important uh statistics related to Gen Z, but we're going to do related to Gen Z, but we're going to do related to Gen Z, but we're going to do it in a bit of a different format. We it in a bit of a different format. We it in a bit of a different format. We have each independently ranked these 10 have each independently ranked these 10 have each independently ranked these 10 statistics statistics statistics unknowing the ranking of the other. unknowing the ranking of the other. unknowing the ranking of the other. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And we're going to go in reverse And we're going to go in reverse And we're going to go in reverse chronological order and and figure out chronological order and and figure out chronological order and and figure out along the way where we think each of along the way where we think each of along the way where we think each of these statistics slots in in uh relation these statistics slots in in uh relation these statistics slots in in uh relation to its importance to overall culture, to its importance to overall culture, to its importance to overall culture, but specifically to church. I'm going to but specifically to church. I'm going to but specifically to church. I'm going to let Alexander begin.
let Alexander begin. let Alexander begin. How uncharitable. Does that mean that I How uncharitable. Does that mean that I How uncharitable. Does that mean that I get to reveal my number one before him? get to reveal my number one before him? get to reveal my number one before him? We Who Who Who can know? Who can know? We Who Who Who can know? Who can know? We Who Who Who can know? Who can know? This is like when you're on the This is like when you're on the This is like when you're on the playground and you're like doing eeny playground and you're like doing eeny playground and you're like doing eeny meeny miny moe. You're like, "Oh yeah. meeny miny moe. You're like, "Oh yeah. meeny miny moe. You're like, "Oh yeah. Yeah. Start with him. Start with him." Yeah. Start with him. Start with him." Yeah. Start with him. Start with him." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead. Number 10, please. Go ahead. Number 10, please. Go ahead. Number 10, please. I just deleted all of my notes by I just deleted all of my notes by I just deleted all of my notes by accident. So, thanks be to God for accident. So, thanks be to God for accident. So, thanks be to God for um um um Nope. There they are. For iOS, for the Nope. There they are. For iOS, for the Nope. There they are. For iOS, for the shake to undo. Thank you for shake to undo. Thank you for shake to undo. Thank you for Great. Great start. Great. Great start. Great. Great start. It's funny because It's funny because It's funny because exactly what a millennial would do. exactly what a millennial would do. exactly what a millennial would do. It's funny because uh It's funny because uh It's funny because uh this is this is not a bit. We truthfully this is this is not a bit. We truthfully this is this is not a bit. We truthfully have hidden these uh rankings from each have hidden these uh rankings from each have hidden these uh rankings from each other to the point where we sat down to other to the point where we sat down to other to the point where we sat down to record and had to go find our hidden record and had to go find our hidden record and had to go find our hidden notes. We couldn't find them. notes. We couldn't find them. notes. We couldn't find them. We have our shared notes, but then we We have our shared notes, but then we We have our shared notes, but then we have our hidden notes. have our hidden notes. have our hidden notes. Yeah. So, I use the Apple Notes app. Yeah. So, I use the Apple Notes app. Yeah. So, I use the Apple Notes app. You're in Evernote. So, they're safe and You're in Evernote. So, they're safe and You're in Evernote. So, they're safe and secure, but we ranked the the same 10 secure, but we ranked the the same 10 secure, but we ranked the the same 10 stats about Gen Z. And in the 10 spot, stats about Gen Z. And in the 10 spot, stats about Gen Z. And in the 10 spot, so to me the least notable is this so to me the least notable is this so to me the least notable is this statistic. And these statistics come statistic. And these statistics come statistic. And these statistics come from a few different sources. All of from a few different sources. All of from a few different sources. All of those sources will be linked in the show those sources will be linked in the show those sources will be linked in the show notes or the description of the YouTube notes or the description of the YouTube notes or the description of the YouTube video if you're watching. So the 10th video if you're watching. So the 10th video if you're watching. So the 10th and least important statistic in my view and least important statistic in my view and least important statistic in my view is that Gen Z is that Gen Z is that Gen Z are bringing back '90s and early '00s are bringing back '90s and early '00s are bringing back '90s and early '00s fashion trends and listening to the fashion trends and listening to the fashion trends and listening to the era's tunes. Now look, era's tunes. Now look, era's tunes. Now look, I know that for you and I, I know that for you and I, I know that for you and I, '90s, early '00s, this is a time of '90s, early '00s, this is a time of '90s, early '00s, this is a time of sweet nostalgia sweet nostalgia sweet nostalgia both in fashion and in culture, music.
both in fashion and in culture, music. both in fashion and in culture, music. Uh we share a lot of the same affinity Uh we share a lot of the same affinity Uh we share a lot of the same affinity for the same music both inside the for the same music both inside the for the same music both inside the Christian circle and outside the Christian circle and outside the Christian circle and outside the Christian circle during that time. Christian circle during that time. Christian circle during that time. And yes, it is if you I feel like a And yes, it is if you I feel like a And yes, it is if you I feel like a proud dad, you know, watching these kids proud dad, you know, watching these kids proud dad, you know, watching these kids come up and start wearing the same come up and start wearing the same come up and start wearing the same things we used to wear and feel cool for things we used to wear and feel cool for things we used to wear and feel cool for the same reasons we used to feel cool the same reasons we used to feel cool the same reasons we used to feel cool when we were kids. And yes, listening to when we were kids. And yes, listening to when we were kids. And yes, listening to the same music. But as far as the the same music. But as far as the the same music. But as far as the relevancy to this generation and what relevancy to this generation and what relevancy to this generation and what this means to I don't know, this means to I don't know, this means to I don't know, the most existential matters of life, I the most existential matters of life, I the most existential matters of life, I put it in the 10th spot for me. put it in the 10th spot for me. put it in the 10th spot for me. See, this is where you can tell this See, this is where you can tell this See, this is where you can tell this man, he doesn't really he doesn't really man, he doesn't really he doesn't really man, he doesn't really he doesn't really get it, right? He might be in beige as I get it, right? He might be in beige as I get it, right? He might be in beige as I am, but we're operating on different am, but we're operating on different am, but we're operating on different planes of existence right now. I I planes of existence right now. I I planes of existence right now. I I obviously I understand the Gen Z's. obviously I understand the Gen Z's. obviously I understand the Gen Z's. This stat comes from the Global Web This stat comes from the Global Web This stat comes from the Global Web Index. How many times are we going to Index. How many times are we going to Index. How many times are we going to call Gen Z kids? We're you're 2 years call Gen Z kids? We're you're 2 years call Gen Z kids? We're you're 2 years away from like the cutoff. away from like the cutoff. away from like the cutoff. Yeah, for those listening the the cutoff Yeah, for those listening the the cutoff Yeah, for those listening the the cutoff is 1996. That's beginning of Generation is 1996. That's beginning of Generation is 1996. That's beginning of Generation Z and I was born in 1993. Uh Brady, Z and I was born in 1993. Uh Brady, Z and I was born in 1993. Uh Brady, you're 1991.
you're 1991. you're 1991. That's correct. That's correct. That's correct. That's correct. That's correct. That's correct. So you're a little bit safer. So you're a little bit safer. So you're a little bit safer. So this comes from Global Web Index. So this comes from Global Web Index. So this comes from Global Web Index. They're saying here, while older They're saying here, while older They're saying here, while older generations generally tune into the generations generally tune into the generations generally tune into the music of the decade they grew up in, Gen music of the decade they grew up in, Gen music of the decade they grew up in, Gen Z are breaking that mold. Their top Z are breaking that mold. Their top Z are breaking that mold. Their top genre is hip hop or rap music closely genre is hip hop or rap music closely genre is hip hop or rap music closely followed by '90s music which for many, followed by '90s music which for many, followed by '90s music which for many, you know, like we said, would have been you know, like we said, would have been you know, like we said, would have been released before they were even born. released before they were even born. released before they were even born. What makes this generation have a What makes this generation have a What makes this generation have a preference for listening to music that preference for listening to music that preference for listening to music that they didn't grow up with? they didn't grow up with? they didn't grow up with? The answer? The answer? The answer? According to the study, likely due to, According to the study, likely due to, According to the study, likely due to, like you said, nostalgia. As Gen Z faces like you said, nostalgia. As Gen Z faces like you said, nostalgia. As Gen Z faces various struggles in their late teens various struggles in their late teens various struggles in their late teens and early adulthood, and early adulthood, and early adulthood, searching for comfort and a coping searching for comfort and a coping searching for comfort and a coping mechanism, they've latched onto a mechanism, they've latched onto a mechanism, they've latched onto a simpler time, music during an era where simpler time, music during an era where simpler time, music during an era where social media and this pervasive social media and this pervasive social media and this pervasive influence of the internet did not yet influence of the internet did not yet influence of the internet did not yet exist. This also has been transitioning exist. This also has been transitioning exist. This also has been transitioning into fashion, '90s, early '2000s, into fashion, '90s, early '2000s, into fashion, '90s, early '2000s, glitter details, claw clips, halter glitter details, claw clips, halter glitter details, claw clips, halter tops. tops. tops. What's the choker necklace? You've seen What's the choker necklace? You've seen What's the choker necklace? You've seen those around. those around. those around. Those coming back, and of course, the Those coming back, and of course, the Those coming back, and of course, the big one, skinny jeans are dead, big one, skinny jeans are dead, big one, skinny jeans are dead, embracing relaxed fits, which took me embracing relaxed fits, which took me embracing relaxed fits, which took me about 4 years to get through. I slowly about 4 years to get through. I slowly about 4 years to get through. I slowly went from skinny went from skinny went from skinny to slim to slim to slim to straight to straight to straight to relaxed. I haven't gone full baggy. I to relaxed. I haven't gone full baggy. I to relaxed. I haven't gone full baggy. I think I'm going to stop at relaxed, but think I'm going to stop at relaxed, but think I'm going to stop at relaxed, but I did eventually get there. And then, I did eventually get there. And then, I did eventually get there. And then, another important note, you know, for another important note, you know, for another important note, you know, for Gen Z, it's not just about the style.
Gen Z, it's not just about the style. Gen Z, it's not just about the style. It's a whole vibe. It's a whole vibe. It's a whole vibe. Many feel that the era represents a Many feel that the era represents a Many feel that the era represents a carefree time that was about having fun, carefree time that was about having fun, carefree time that was about having fun, and with the stressful reality we've and with the stressful reality we've and with the stressful reality we've experienced in the last few years, it's experienced in the last few years, it's experienced in the last few years, it's no wonder Gen Z are nostalgic for a no wonder Gen Z are nostalgic for a no wonder Gen Z are nostalgic for a simpler time. They might be right about simpler time. They might be right about simpler time. They might be right about that, actually. In terms of shows, that, actually. In terms of shows, that, actually. In terms of shows, Seinfeld, I just want to make a big Seinfeld, I just want to make a big Seinfeld, I just want to make a big just call to action to all watching and just call to action to all watching and just call to action to all watching and listening. It is worth watching for both listening. It is worth watching for both listening. It is worth watching for both the fits and the funnies. the fits and the funnies. the fits and the funnies. Really? Really? Really? Because every single person in that show Because every single person in that show Because every single person in that show is getting a whole fit off. George is getting a whole fit off. George is getting a whole fit off. George Costanza, famously one of the most, you Costanza, famously one of the most, you Costanza, famously one of the most, you know, loser characters in sitcom know, loser characters in sitcom know, loser characters in sitcom history, the man is dripped out. Kramer history, the man is dripped out. Kramer history, the man is dripped out. Kramer in the camp shirts, drip. Jerry, he's in the camp shirts, drip. Jerry, he's in the camp shirts, drip. Jerry, he's got the perfect '90s jeans. He's tucking got the perfect '90s jeans. He's tucking got the perfect '90s jeans. He's tucking it in. it in. it in. Outstanding work. Outstanding work. Outstanding work. When do we start bringing leather back? When do we start bringing leather back? When do we start bringing leather back? Leather had a moment back then. Leather had a moment back then. Leather had a moment back then. Leather never went out. It's just Leather never went out. It's just Leather never went out. It's just different expressions of leather. different expressions of leather. different expressions of leather. seen you express too much leather. seen you express too much leather. seen you express too much leather. Oh, really? Oh, really? Oh, really? Yeah. Well, I have been on the lookout Yeah. Well, I have been on the lookout Yeah. Well, I have been on the lookout for the perfect leather jacket for many for the perfect leather jacket for many for the perfect leather jacket for many a time, and I did not quite find one, a time, and I did not quite find one, a time, and I did not quite find one, but I did find one that has a leather but I did find one that has a leather but I did find one that has a leather type. It's almost Do you know what it type. It's almost Do you know what it type. It's almost Do you know what it is? Do you remember those '90s Starter is? Do you remember those '90s Starter is? Do you remember those '90s Starter jackets that had like the Charlotte jackets that had like the Charlotte jackets that had like the Charlotte Hornets? It's It's kind of reminds me of Hornets? It's It's kind of reminds me of Hornets? It's It's kind of reminds me of that. It's a bit of a windbreaker. It is that. It's a bit of a windbreaker. It is that. It's a bit of a windbreaker. It is a very on-trend for spring. Now, I did a very on-trend for spring. Now, I did a very on-trend for spring. Now, I did crucify you a little bit for where you crucify you a little bit for where you crucify you a little bit for where you ranked this.
ranked this. ranked this. Yeah, where where did you put it? Yeah, where where did you put it? Yeah, where where did you put it? So, I have it I have it at NUMBER 10. BECAUSE WHERE WE'RE GOING, IT'S NOT BECAUSE WHERE WE'RE GOING, IT'S NOT justifiable to put it any lower. But, justifiable to put it any lower. But, justifiable to put it any lower. But, to my personal ranking, number one. to my personal ranking, number one. to my personal ranking, number one. Proud of these kids, yeah. Proud of these kids, yeah. Proud of these kids, yeah. All right, my number my number nine is All right, my number my number nine is All right, my number my number nine is also from the Global Web Index. It says also from the Global Web Index. It says also from the Global Web Index. It says here, "Gen Z's interest in environmental here, "Gen Z's interest in environmental here, "Gen Z's interest in environmental issues has decreased 11% year-on-year." issues has decreased 11% year-on-year." issues has decreased 11% year-on-year." Where did you have this? Where did you have this? Where did you have this? this at number eight. this at number eight. this at number eight. Number eight. So, similar spot to mine. Number eight. So, similar spot to mine. Number eight. So, similar spot to mine. And they're describing this as what the And they're describing this as what the And they're describing this as what the survey calls crisis fatigue. And this is survey calls crisis fatigue. And this is survey calls crisis fatigue. And this is interesting because I, as now a getting interesting because I, as now a getting interesting because I, as now a getting close to my mid-30s millennial, turning close to my mid-30s millennial, turning close to my mid-30s millennial, turning 33 next month, 33 next month, 33 next month, am really fascinated to see how our am really fascinated to see how our am really fascinated to see how our generation and our values and generation and our values and generation and our values and perspective and worldviews have shifted, perspective and worldviews have shifted, perspective and worldviews have shifted, it seems like, since our 20s. And it seems like, since our 20s. And it seems like, since our 20s. And typically, this is something that we've typically, this is something that we've typically, this is something that we've seen historically as generations get seen historically as generations get seen historically as generations get older, they become a different their older, they become a different their older, they become a different their worldviews change. But, what we are worldviews change. But, what we are worldviews change. But, what we are seeing is that happen a little bit less seeing is that happen a little bit less seeing is that happen a little bit less so far with our generation relative to so far with our generation relative to so far with our generation relative to previous generations.
previous generations. previous generations. And and yet, it's almost like we're And and yet, it's almost like we're And and yet, it's almost like we're seeing that earlier with Gen Z because seeing that earlier with Gen Z because seeing that earlier with Gen Z because as it's described here, as it's described here, as it's described here, it's not that they don't care about it's not that they don't care about it's not that they don't care about these issues. these issues. these issues. It's that It's that It's that in the case of prioritization and mental in the case of prioritization and mental in the case of prioritization and mental bandwidth, it's just not something that bandwidth, it's just not something that bandwidth, it's just not something that they can like prioritize because they they can like prioritize because they they can like prioritize because they have to focus on like paying bills and, have to focus on like paying bills and, have to focus on like paying bills and, you know, job security and this cost of you know, job security and this cost of you know, job security and this cost of living crisis that we're going through. living crisis that we're going through. living crisis that we're going through. And they're like, "Hey, it's not that I And they're like, "Hey, it's not that I And they're like, "Hey, it's not that I don't care about this anymore. It's that don't care about this anymore. It's that don't care about this anymore. It's that I only have so much attention and and so I only have so much attention and and so I only have so much attention and and so much uh you know, value to put in much uh you know, value to put in much uh you know, value to put in different things, and it has to be different things, and it has to be different things, and it has to be elsewhere right now." And that's a elsewhere right now." And that's a elsewhere right now." And that's a fascinating insight into how we hold our fascinating insight into how we hold our fascinating insight into how we hold our values, right? How deeply held is a values, right? How deeply held is a values, right? How deeply held is a value if it gets sacrificed for just the value if it gets sacrificed for just the value if it gets sacrificed for just the logistics of of everyday life. logistics of of everyday life. logistics of of everyday life. Yeah, I I spent some time thinking about Yeah, I I spent some time thinking about Yeah, I I spent some time thinking about this one, and and you and I both had it this one, and and you and I both had it this one, and and you and I both had it kind of low on the list, and and I'm kind of low on the list, and and I'm kind of low on the list, and and I'm sure as we get higher on our list you'll sure as we get higher on our list you'll sure as we get higher on our list you'll you'll our listeners will will learn and you'll our listeners will will learn and you'll our listeners will will learn and and and see why that these are still and and see why that these are still and and see why that these are still relevant, but maybe not the most relevant, but maybe not the most relevant, but maybe not the most important stats to consider about Gen Z.
important stats to consider about Gen Z. important stats to consider about Gen Z. But, I I do think it is still uh there But, I I do think it is still uh there But, I I do think it is still uh there is something to be gleaned from the fact is something to be gleaned from the fact is something to be gleaned from the fact that um that um that um their their interest in environmental their their interest in environmental their their interest in environmental issues is decreasing because it doesn't issues is decreasing because it doesn't issues is decreasing because it doesn't say that they're not concerned about it. say that they're not concerned about it. say that they're not concerned about it. Uh and you you'd see that if you click Uh and you you'd see that if you click Uh and you you'd see that if you click through and and and read some of this through and and and read some of this through and and and read some of this this data that we've collected here, but this data that we've collected here, but this data that we've collected here, but they are concerned about it, but it's they are concerned about it, but it's they are concerned about it, but it's not the most pressing for them. And I not the most pressing for them. And I not the most pressing for them. And I think part of that is, you know, we just think part of that is, you know, we just think part of that is, you know, we just we we just acknowledge that uh it was 4 we we just acknowledge that uh it was 4 we we just acknowledge that uh it was 4 years ago um years ago um years ago um that the the the corona that the the the corona that the the the corona coronavirus, excuse me, swept the the coronavirus, excuse me, swept the the coronavirus, excuse me, swept the the globe. And it seems to me that it's globe. And it seems to me that it's globe. And it seems to me that it's plausible that there are so many more plausible that there are so many more plausible that there are so many more pressing issues before Gen Z to be pressing issues before Gen Z to be pressing issues before Gen Z to be worried about that the climate one is worried about that the climate one is worried about that the climate one is like, "Yeah, I know that this is a like, "Yeah, I know that this is a like, "Yeah, I know that this is a thing. I know that the Earth is warming. thing. I know that the Earth is warming. thing. I know that the Earth is warming. I know that there's consequences to I know that there's consequences to I know that there's consequences to that, but that feels too big and and the that, but that feels too big and and the that, but that feels too big and and the Maybe maybe still a bit too distant. Maybe maybe still a bit too distant. Maybe maybe still a bit too distant. Sure. And the recovery plan like too Sure. And the recovery plan like too Sure. And the recovery plan like too much work to occupy the most of my much work to occupy the most of my much work to occupy the most of my attention. Like right now I'm stressed attention. Like right now I'm stressed attention. Like right now I'm stressed about A, B, or C. I've got all this about A, B, or C. I've got all this about A, B, or C. I've got all this other stuff going on, and and this kind other stuff going on, and and this kind other stuff going on, and and this kind of kind of slides down their the the the of kind of slides down their the the the of kind of slides down their the the the scale of of what they're worried about scale of of what they're worried about scale of of what they're worried about compared to someone like you or me who's compared to someone like you or me who's compared to someone like you or me who's a little bit older and um have kids or a little bit older and um have kids or a little bit older and um have kids or other millennials who are thinking about other millennials who are thinking about other millennials who are thinking about kids and thinking about the longevity of kids and thinking about the longevity of kids and thinking about the longevity of life that that kids are going to get it life that that kids are going to get it life that that kids are going to get it get to enjoy. So, maybe that's why an get to enjoy. So, maybe that's why an get to enjoy. So, maybe that's why an environmental crisis would rank a little environmental crisis would rank a little environmental crisis would rank a little bit higher on the list of concerns for bit higher on the list of concerns for bit higher on the list of concerns for someone like you or me. So, I have a someone like you or me. So, I have a someone like you or me. So, I have a fascinating and really important fascinating and really important fascinating and really important addition to add to this data point
addition to add to this data point addition to add to this data point that's not specifically relevant to this that's not specifically relevant to this that's not specifically relevant to this individual point, but everything we're individual point, but everything we're individual point, but everything we're talking about today because there has talking about today because there has talking about today because there has begun a movement that pushes back a begun a movement that pushes back a begun a movement that pushes back a little bit against the conversation that little bit against the conversation that little bit against the conversation that we're having here at all. Some have we're having here at all. Some have we're having here at all. Some have suggested that this whole like suggested that this whole like suggested that this whole like Millennials versus Gen Z and this is Millennials versus Gen Z and this is Millennials versus Gen Z and this is what Boomers are like versus Gen X is what Boomers are like versus Gen X is what Boomers are like versus Gen X is actually like a little bit too much of actually like a little bit too much of actually like a little bit too much of pseudoscience to even really engage pseudoscience to even really engage pseudoscience to even really engage with. This comes from Pew who, I think, with. This comes from Pew who, I think, with. This comes from Pew who, I think, took the step of removing certain labels took the step of removing certain labels took the step of removing certain labels on a bunch of their articles in response on a bunch of their articles in response on a bunch of their articles in response to what is described here. Quote, to what is described here. Quote, to what is described here. Quote, "Generational research has become a "Generational research has become a "Generational research has become a crowded arena. crowded arena. crowded arena. The field has been flooded with content The field has been flooded with content The field has been flooded with content that's often sold as research, but is that's often sold as research, but is that's often sold as research, but is more like clickbait or marketing more like clickbait or marketing more like clickbait or marketing mythology. There's also been a growing mythology. There's also been a growing mythology. There's also been a growing chorus of criticism about generational chorus of criticism about generational chorus of criticism about generational research and labels in particular. research and labels in particular. research and labels in particular. Labels perpetuate bias and stereotyping. Labels perpetuate bias and stereotyping. Labels perpetuate bias and stereotyping. In the workplace, age experts encourage In the workplace, age experts encourage In the workplace, age experts encourage leaders to eliminate using generational leaders to eliminate using generational leaders to eliminate using generational labels at all, which can create labels at all, which can create labels at all, which can create exclusion and disengagement. The trivial exclusion and disengagement. The trivial exclusion and disengagement. The trivial assignment of characteristics to age assignment of characteristics to age assignment of characteristics to age cohorts is misleading and can lead to cohorts is misleading and can lead to cohorts is misleading and can lead to generation bashing and finger-pointing, generation bashing and finger-pointing, generation bashing and finger-pointing, creating mistrust, disengagement, and creating mistrust, disengagement, and creating mistrust, disengagement, and talent loss."
talent loss." talent loss." This is what Pew says. This is what Pew says. This is what Pew says. They'll only do generational analysis They'll only do generational analysis They'll only do generational analysis when we have historical data that allows when we have historical data that allows when we have historical data that allows us to compare generations at similar us to compare generations at similar us to compare generations at similar stages of life. stages of life. stages of life. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. And that is the key point. What we often And that is the key point. What we often And that is the key point. What we often see, and this is useful information for see, and this is useful information for see, and this is useful information for anyone. Next time you come across anyone. Next time you come across anyone. Next time you come across something, look at it through this lens. something, look at it through this lens. something, look at it through this lens. Is it being applied in this way? Are we Is it being applied in this way? Are we Is it being applied in this way? Are we comparing this is what Gen Z was like at comparing this is what Gen Z was like at comparing this is what Gen Z was like at age 25 versus what Boomers were like at age 25 versus what Boomers were like at age 25 versus what Boomers were like at age 25? Or are we just taking surveys, age 25? Or are we just taking surveys, age 25? Or are we just taking surveys, giving it to both generations now, the giving it to both generations now, the giving it to both generations now, the 65-year-olds versus the 25-year-olds, 65-year-olds versus the 25-year-olds, 65-year-olds versus the 25-year-olds, and it's fascinating their perspectives and it's fascinating their perspectives and it's fascinating their perspectives and world views are different. and world views are different. and world views are different. So, that's actually something that I had So, that's actually something that I had So, that's actually something that I had never considered and I came across it in never considered and I came across it in never considered and I came across it in this research, so I wanted to make sure this research, so I wanted to make sure this research, so I wanted to make sure that we talked about it. We're going to that we talked about it. We're going to that we talked about it. We're going to do our very best when we make do our very best when we make do our very best when we make comparisons to do it in that way, but if comparisons to do it in that way, but if comparisons to do it in that way, but if and when we don't, it's and when we don't, it's and when we don't, it's perfectly plausible uh reasonable for perfectly plausible uh reasonable for perfectly plausible uh reasonable for you to be a bit more skeptical of what you to be a bit more skeptical of what you to be a bit more skeptical of what we're saying. we're saying. we're saying. Well, and that that's that's exactly the Well, and that that's that's exactly the Well, and that that's that's exactly the thing, right? When I was in when I was thing, right? When I was in when I was thing, right? When I was in when I was in high school or university age and Gen in high school or university age and Gen in high school or university age and Gen Z age, my concern was on the forefront Z age, my concern was on the forefront Z age, my concern was on the forefront of what I was going through in life, of what I was going through in life, of what I was going through in life, which was like, "Where am I going to which was like, "Where am I going to which was like, "Where am I going to school? How am I going to move out of my school? How am I going to move out of my school? How am I going to move out of my parents' basement?" Like, uh am I going parents' basement?" Like, uh am I going parents' basement?" Like, uh am I going to find a wife? How am I going to afford to find a wife? How am I going to afford to find a wife? How am I going to afford a car and a house and this, that, and a car and a house and this, that, and a car and a house and this, that, and the other? And once you go through all the other? And once you go through all the other? And once you go through all those milestones, you go to school, you those milestones, you go to school, you those milestones, you go to school, you find a wife, you buy a house, you buy a find a wife, you buy a house, you buy a find a wife, you buy a house, you buy a car, then like I said, you start having car, then like I said, you start having car, then like I said, you start having kids, then my attention kids, then my attention kids, then my attention is I on other things. For example, like is I on other things. For example, like is I on other things. For example, like right now, really conscious about the right now, really conscious about the right now, really conscious about the environment, teaching uh our kids about environment, teaching uh our kids about environment, teaching uh our kids about the environment. Yesterday, Asher was the environment. Yesterday, Asher was the environment. Yesterday, Asher was grabbing a spoon out of the out of the grabbing a spoon out of the out of the grabbing a spoon out of the out of the drawer, and he grabbed like a like a a
drawer, and he grabbed like a like a a drawer, and he grabbed like a like a a regular spoon, like cutlery, and not a regular spoon, like cutlery, and not a regular spoon, like cutlery, and not a plastic one. He says, "This one's better plastic one. He says, "This one's better plastic one. He says, "This one's better for the earth, Dad?" He's three. And so, for the earth, Dad?" He's three. And so, for the earth, Dad?" He's three. And so, like, that's where my attention is right like, that's where my attention is right like, that's where my attention is right now because of the stage of life I'm in. now because of the stage of life I'm in. now because of the stage of life I'm in. So, that makes total sense. So, that makes total sense. So, that makes total sense. And understanding when you were in your And understanding when you were in your And understanding when you were in your formative years and what was happening formative years and what was happening formative years and what was happening in the world is also crucial to in the world is also crucial to in the world is also crucial to understanding how you view the world. Do understanding how you view the world. Do understanding how you view the world. Do you know that with perspectives about you know that with perspectives about you know that with perspectives about finances? So, you know, I'm 17 years old finances? So, you know, I'm 17 years old finances? So, you know, I'm 17 years old in 2008 when the big financial crisis in 2008 when the big financial crisis in 2008 when the big financial crisis happens. Prior to a couple of years ago, happens. Prior to a couple of years ago, happens. Prior to a couple of years ago, we had never lived in a world where we had never lived in a world where we had never lived in a world where inflation was like in our vocabulary inflation was like in our vocabulary inflation was like in our vocabulary financially. financially. financially. Because it had never happened. Versus Because it had never happened. Versus Because it had never happened. Versus like our parents who once owned the like our parents who once owned the like our parents who once owned the homes on mortgages with with interest homes on mortgages with with interest homes on mortgages with with interest rates in the teens. And so, they, in rates in the teens. And so, they, in rates in the teens. And so, they, in their formative years, are going to their formative years, are going to their formative years, are going to develop certain perspectives about money develop certain perspectives about money develop certain perspectives about money that are going to be different from us. that are going to be different from us. that are going to be different from us. And so, often, it's really just about And so, often, it's really just about And so, often, it's really just about what's going on during your formative what's going on during your formative what's going on during your formative years. years. years. Speaking of formative years. Speaking of formative years. Speaking of formative years. So, you know, my number eight, which was So, you know, my number eight, which was So, you know, my number eight, which was this one about the environment. Sure. this one about the environment. Sure. this one about the environment. Sure. So, uh my number nine, speaking of So, uh my number nine, speaking of So, uh my number nine, speaking of formative years, and I'm curious, this formative years, and I'm curious, this formative years, and I'm curious, this might be our first point of contention. might be our first point of contention. might be our first point of contention. Um I have that Gen Z is on track to be Um I have that Gen Z is on track to be Um I have that Gen Z is on track to be the best educated generation yet. My the best educated generation yet. My the best educated generation yet. My number eight, number eight, number eight, Gen Z is on track to be the best Gen Z is on track to be the best Gen Z is on track to be the best educated generation.
educated generation. educated generation. maybe we can maybe we can maybe we can We set it up this way to be contentious. We set it up this way to be contentious. We set it up this way to be contentious. So far, we're three for three. So far, we're three for three. So far, we're three for three. Look, Look, Look, this is interesting. All of these data this is interesting. All of these data this is interesting. All of these data points are interesting and have points are interesting and have points are interesting and have ramifications on the world we live in ramifications on the world we live in ramifications on the world we live in now and the world that Gen Z's going to now and the world that Gen Z's going to now and the world that Gen Z's going to build, absolutely. But when it comes to build, absolutely. But when it comes to build, absolutely. But when it comes to education, education, education, in the last 10 years or so, I have seen in the last 10 years or so, I have seen in the last 10 years or so, I have seen the deprioritization the deprioritization the deprioritization of post-secondary education in a way of post-secondary education in a way of post-secondary education in a way that I could have never dreamt of. Um that I could have never dreamt of. Um that I could have never dreamt of. Um Yeah, what do you mean by that? Yeah, what do you mean by that? Yeah, what do you mean by that? Well, it's just it's just due to to so Well, it's just it's just due to to so Well, it's just it's just due to to so many different things. Like there are so many different things. Like there are so many different things. Like there are so many opportunities for career jobs now many opportunities for career jobs now many opportunities for career jobs now that don't require post-secondary that don't require post-secondary that don't require post-secondary education. Consider the rise of the education. Consider the rise of the education. Consider the rise of the influencer for one. I went to school influencer for one. I went to school influencer for one. I went to school with a girl um who on the internet goes with a girl um who on the internet goes with a girl um who on the internet goes by Laura DIY. And certainly, there are by Laura DIY. And certainly, there are by Laura DIY. And certainly, there are listeners who know who she is. She is a listeners who know who she is. She is a listeners who know who she is. She is a a YouTuber. She lives in LA. She has a YouTuber. She lives in LA. She has a YouTuber. She lives in LA. She has built her life on YouTube. And she was built her life on YouTube. And she was built her life on YouTube. And she was in film school at uh in film school at uh in film school at uh formerly Ryerson University, but now formerly Ryerson University, but now formerly Ryerson University, but now currently Toronto Metropolitan currently Toronto Metropolitan currently Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto. Uh she was in University in Toronto. Uh she was in University in Toronto. Uh she was in film school, I think, or studying there film school, I think, or studying there film school, I think, or studying there for something. And she started doing for something. And she started doing for something. And she started doing these DIY videos on YouTube, and she was these DIY videos on YouTube, and she was these DIY videos on YouTube, and she was the first person I knew to become an the first person I knew to become an the first person I knew to become an influencer, to get a job online. And I influencer, to get a job online. And I influencer, to get a job online. And I remember back then when she did it, all remember back then when she did it, all remember back then when she did it, all of us were in were in post-secondary of us were in were in post-secondary of us were in were in post-secondary education. She dropped out to do the education. She dropped out to do the education. She dropped out to do the YouTube thing. And I remember back then YouTube thing. And I remember back then YouTube thing. And I remember back then thinking like, that's no plan for thinking like, that's no plan for thinking like, that's no plan for longevity, for for life.
longevity, for for life. longevity, for for life. And fast forward 10 years, look at her And fast forward 10 years, look at her And fast forward 10 years, look at her now. She's like like she she's got now. She's like like she she's got now. She's like like she she's got products in Target. She's got a TV show products in Target. She's got a TV show products in Target. She's got a TV show with Disney. Like she's made. And that's with Disney. Like she's made. And that's with Disney. Like she's made. And that's on a that's on a large scale. But on a on a that's on a large scale. But on a on a that's on a large scale. But on a on a smaller scale, like there are so on a smaller scale, like there are so on a smaller scale, like there are so many opportunities to work um in career many opportunities to work um in career many opportunities to work um in career jobs thanks to the internet, whether jobs thanks to the internet, whether jobs thanks to the internet, whether it's it's influencing or or coding or it's it's influencing or or coding or it's it's influencing or or coding or whatever, things you can learn on your whatever, things you can learn on your whatever, things you can learn on your own through YouTube University, we own through YouTube University, we own through YouTube University, we mention all the time, where in a mention all the time, where in a mention all the time, where in a previous world, those opportunities just previous world, those opportunities just previous world, those opportunities just weren't available. And so I think it's weren't available. And so I think it's weren't available. And so I think it's relevant that Gen Z's on track to be the relevant that Gen Z's on track to be the relevant that Gen Z's on track to be the most educated um most educated um most educated um uh uh uh generation of all time. But, I I generation of all time. But, I I generation of all time. But, I I I do not think that I do not think that I do not think that that that education is go that that education is go that that education is go I don't know. I I I just think that that I don't know. I I I just think that that I don't know. I I I just think that that thanks to the internet and the means thanks to the internet and the means thanks to the internet and the means that we have for free education um that we have for free education um that we have for free education um through YouTube University or or even um through YouTube University or or even um through YouTube University or or even um not uh education online like through not uh education online like through not uh education online like through something like uh MasterClass or something like uh MasterClass or something like uh MasterClass or something. Ways that we can teach something. Ways that we can teach something. Ways that we can teach ourselves that are unconventional. Um uh ourselves that are unconventional. Um uh ourselves that are unconventional. Um uh I'm not sure that that's that's super I'm not sure that that's that's super I'm not sure that that's that's super relevant.
relevant. relevant. Yeah, I mean, this is just uh anecdotal Yeah, I mean, this is just uh anecdotal Yeah, I mean, this is just uh anecdotal evidence, but there are seven people in evidence, but there are seven people in evidence, but there are seven people in this building right now that work for a this building right now that work for a this building right now that work for a company that all have a degree that they company that all have a degree that they company that all have a degree that they they're not really using. they're not really using. they're not really using. Right. Right. Right. This kind came from Pew Research and we This kind came from Pew Research and we This kind came from Pew Research and we can frame it up a little bit. can frame it up a little bit. can frame it up a little bit. A look at older members of Gen Z A look at older members of Gen Z A look at older members of Gen Z suggests they're on a somewhat different suggests they're on a somewhat different suggests they're on a somewhat different educational trajectory than the educational trajectory than the educational trajectory than the generations that came before them. generations that came before them. generations that came before them. They're less likely to drop out of high They're less likely to drop out of high They're less likely to drop out of high school, more likely to be enrolled in school, more likely to be enrolled in school, more likely to be enrolled in college, and also more likely to have a college, and also more likely to have a college, and also more likely to have a college-educated parent. So, in 2019, college-educated parent. So, in 2019, college-educated parent. So, in 2019, 44% of Gen Z'ers ages 7 to 17 were 44% of Gen Z'ers ages 7 to 17 were 44% of Gen Z'ers ages 7 to 17 were living with a parent who had a living with a parent who had a living with a parent who had a bachelor's degree or more compared with bachelor's degree or more compared with bachelor's degree or more compared with 33% of millennials. So, 33% for 33% of millennials. So, 33% for 33% of millennials. So, 33% for millennials, 44% of Gen Z'ers. Both of millennials, 44% of Gen Z'ers. Both of millennials, 44% of Gen Z'ers. Both of those trends reflect the overall trend those trends reflect the overall trend those trends reflect the overall trend toward more Americans pursuing higher toward more Americans pursuing higher toward more Americans pursuing higher education. And then, if you think about education. And then, if you think about education. And then, if you think about what you were doing in high school, I what you were doing in high school, I what you were doing in high school, I worked at the local grocery store in the worked at the local grocery store in the worked at the local grocery store in the deli. deli. deli. You? You? You? I worked as a lifeguard in the summers I worked as a lifeguard in the summers I worked as a lifeguard in the summers and didn't work too much during the and didn't work too much during the and didn't work too much during the school year.
school year. school year. So, interestingly, more people in Gen Z So, interestingly, more people in Gen Z So, interestingly, more people in Gen Z are becoming like you except ditching are becoming like you except ditching are becoming like you except ditching the lifeguard part. Gen Z'ers are less the lifeguard part. Gen Z'ers are less the lifeguard part. Gen Z'ers are less likely to be working than previous likely to be working than previous likely to be working than previous generations when they were teens and generations when they were teens and generations when they were teens and young adults. Only 18% of Gen Z teens young adults. Only 18% of Gen Z teens young adults. Only 18% of Gen Z teens were employed in 2018. 27% were employed in 2018. 27% were employed in 2018. 27% of millennials were employed at that of millennials were employed at that of millennials were employed at that age. age. age. So, again, we're comparing generations So, again, we're comparing generations So, again, we're comparing generations now at like the same age point. now at like the same age point. now at like the same age point. Uh, 41% of Gen Xers were employed at Uh, 41% of Gen Xers were employed at Uh, 41% of Gen Xers were employed at that point. So, there, that's a trend that point. So, there, that's a trend that point. So, there, that's a trend that started with Millennials, started that started with Millennials, started that started with Millennials, started with us, and is continuing even more with us, and is continuing even more with us, and is continuing even more with Gen Z. with Gen Z. with Gen Z. My number seven. My number seven. My number seven. Gen Z Gen Z Gen Z is roughly 20% of the US population. is roughly 20% of the US population. is roughly 20% of the US population. Where'd you have this? Where'd you have this? Where'd you have this? My number six. My number six. My number six. My goodness. So, this uh, source is My goodness. So, this uh, source is My goodness. So, this uh, source is Statista, and this is data as of July Statista, and this is data as of July Statista, and this is data as of July 1st, 2022, released in March 2023. So, 1st, 2022, released in March 2023. So, 1st, 2022, released in March 2023. So, what I found fascinating about this what I found fascinating about this what I found fascinating about this was of the four was of the four was of the four major major major generations generations generations Boomers Boomers Boomers Gen X Gen X Gen X Millennials Millennials Millennials Gen Gen Gen Z Z Z and then Gen Alpha number five. They and then Gen Alpha number five. They and then Gen Alpha number five. They were almost like evenly split.
were almost like evenly split. were almost like evenly split. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. And I don't know why And I don't know why And I don't know why that stood out to me as surprising, but that stood out to me as surprising, but that stood out to me as surprising, but I remember it did, and I wanted to share I remember it did, and I wanted to share I remember it did, and I wanted to share it because perhaps it's surprising to it because perhaps it's surprising to it because perhaps it's surprising to other folks. I think when generations other folks. I think when generations other folks. I think when generations are coming up are coming up are coming up you assume that they are smaller because you assume that they are smaller because you assume that they are smaller because their influence is proportionally their influence is proportionally their influence is proportionally smaller than those that are older. smaller than those that are older. smaller than those that are older. I remember publishing 10, not 10, five, I remember publishing 10, not 10, five, I remember publishing 10, not 10, five, seven years ago, a lot of content about seven years ago, a lot of content about seven years ago, a lot of content about Millennials on our platforms. And I Millennials on our platforms. And I Millennials on our platforms. And I would talk about, "Hey, Millennials have would talk about, "Hey, Millennials have would talk about, "Hey, Millennials have actually overtaken Boomers in the actually overtaken Boomers in the actually overtaken Boomers in the workforce." And I remember that being workforce." And I remember that being workforce." And I remember that being like this big aha moment for a lot of like this big aha moment for a lot of like this big aha moment for a lot of people, and I think it's just because of people, and I think it's just because of people, and I think it's just because of optics. But, there are just as many Gen optics. But, there are just as many Gen optics. But, there are just as many Gen Zs as there are Millennials, and just as Zs as there are Millennials, and just as Zs as there are Millennials, and just as many Gen Zs as there are Boomers. many Gen Zs as there are Boomers. many Gen Zs as there are Boomers. So, that accounts for 20% of the US So, that accounts for 20% of the US So, that accounts for 20% of the US population accounts for 69 population accounts for 69 population accounts for 69 million people. So, like you said, that million people. So, like you said, that million people. So, like you said, that was two years ago, the data released a was two years ago, the data released a was two years ago, the data released a year later. Um, so, this is like year later. Um, so, this is like year later. Um, so, this is like I remember being a Millennial when we I remember being a Millennial when we I remember being a Millennial when we were Gen Z age. were Gen Z age. were Gen Z age. And everyone was like, "Here's the data And everyone was like, "Here's the data And everyone was like, "Here's the data on the Millennials." on the Millennials." on the Millennials." way people would talk about us, you way people would talk about us, you way people would talk about us, you know, like, um, trying to reach the know, like, um, trying to reach the know, like, um, trying to reach the Millennials, these this up-and-coming Millennials, these this up-and-coming Millennials, these this up-and-coming generation. I was looking around like generation. I was looking around like generation. I was looking around like like I I I felt, um, a little bit like I I I felt, um, a little bit like I I I felt, um, a little bit littling almost, especially once we got littling almost, especially once we got littling almost, especially once we got to be voting age and then home buying to be voting age and then home buying to be voting age and then home buying age. And it's like, why are we talking age. And it's like, why are we talking age. And it's like, why are we talking about us this way? We are such a huge about us this way? We are such a huge about us this way? We are such a huge representation of culture. We are We representation of culture. We are We representation of culture. We are We have voting power now. I have a have voting power now. I have a have voting power now. I have a mortgage. Like, I have kids now. Why are mortgage. Like, I have kids now. Why are mortgage. Like, I have kids now. Why are we talking about us this way? And so, I we talking about us this way? And so, I we talking about us this way? And so, I I saw it in this in the in the sixth I saw it in this in the in the sixth I saw it in this in the in the sixth spot because Yeah, this is it's just spot because Yeah, this is it's just spot because Yeah, this is it's just helpful to remind ourselves that this is helpful to remind ourselves that this is helpful to remind ourselves that this is such a a large
such a a large such a a large um a large portion of the population, a um a large portion of the population, a um a large portion of the population, a large representation of the population, large representation of the population, large representation of the population, a large They're voters now, a large a large They're voters now, a large a large They're voters now, a large representation of the voting population, representation of the voting population, representation of the voting population, and it's not just this small little and it's not just this small little and it's not just this small little group of of kids. Um if group of of kids. Um if group of of kids. Um if if we tend to frame it that way. Um but if we tend to frame it that way. Um but if we tend to frame it that way. Um but my number seven is is related to this my number seven is is related to this my number seven is is related to this because uh my number because uh my number because uh my number Cuz cuz you're not going to do six cuz I Cuz cuz you're not going to do six cuz I Cuz cuz you're not going to do six cuz I did your six, you're going to go back did your six, you're going to go back did your six, you're going to go back and do seven. Oh, see, my plan was and do seven. Oh, see, my plan was and do seven. Oh, see, my plan was actually for then just me to get to do actually for then just me to get to do actually for then just me to get to do uh my number six, but I I can see how uh my number six, but I I can see how uh my number six, but I I can see how that was not okay. that was not okay. that was not okay. It's okay. My number seven is that Gen Z It's okay. My number seven is that Gen Z It's okay. My number seven is that Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse is more racially and ethnically diverse is more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations. than previous generations. than previous generations. Ding ding ding, I got that number three. Ding ding ding, I got that number three. Ding ding ding, I got that number three. Wow. Wow. And so, that to me, the these Wow. Wow. And so, that to me, the these Wow. Wow. And so, that to me, the these two were related because it makes me two were related because it makes me two were related because it makes me think about Okay, so, 20% of the US think about Okay, so, 20% of the US think about Okay, so, 20% of the US population and it gave me these two population and it gave me these two population and it gave me these two stats married together gave me um kind stats married together gave me um kind stats married together gave me um kind of a visual or a complexion of what that of a visual or a complexion of what that of a visual or a complexion of what that generation looks like. And I was so I generation looks like. And I was so I generation looks like. And I was so I was so pleased to learn that they are um was so pleased to learn that they are um was so pleased to learn that they are um more racially and and ethnically diverse more racially and and ethnically diverse more racially and and ethnically diverse than any other generation. And what was than any other generation. And what was than any other generation. And what was fascinating is is that they're actually fascinating is is that they're actually fascinating is is that they're actually a lot less um I I don't have the stats a lot less um I I don't have the stats a lot less um I I don't have the stats in front of me, but compared to in front of me, but compared to in front of me, but compared to millennials, a lot of them were a lot millennials, a lot of them were a lot millennials, a lot of them were a lot fewer immigrants in Gen Z compared to to fewer immigrants in Gen Z compared to to fewer immigrants in Gen Z compared to to to millennials, but a lot more children to millennials, but a lot more children to millennials, but a lot more children of immigrants. And so, when I think of immigrants. And so, when I think of immigrants. And so, when I think about Gen Z and how they contribute to about Gen Z and how they contribute to about Gen Z and how they contribute to the makeup of the country right now, the the makeup of the country right now, the the makeup of the country right now, the stats we're talking about are America, stats we're talking about are America, stats we're talking about are America, but we're in Canada. America's, you but we're in Canada. America's, you but we're in Canada. America's, you know, northern little brother. And and
know, northern little brother. And and know, northern little brother. And and when I think about the complexion of Gen when I think about the complexion of Gen when I think about the complexion of Gen Z and how this this generation this Z and how this this generation this Z and how this this generation this makes up their 1/5 of the population, makes up their 1/5 of the population, makes up their 1/5 of the population, it's such a beautiful image, such a it's such a beautiful image, such a it's such a beautiful image, such a beautiful picture to me to close my eyes beautiful picture to me to close my eyes beautiful picture to me to close my eyes and in my mind's eye see them as this and in my mind's eye see them as this and in my mind's eye see them as this mosaic of of different shapes and sizes mosaic of of different shapes and sizes mosaic of of different shapes and sizes and and colors and races and and and colors and races and and and colors and races and ethnicities. I just think that's ethnicities. I just think that's ethnicities. I just think that's beautiful and that's the vision that I beautiful and that's the vision that I beautiful and that's the vision that I have for um church and God's family is have for um church and God's family is have for um church and God's family is just to see everyone represented. And so just to see everyone represented. And so just to see everyone represented. And so when I think about Gen Z, I love to when I think about Gen Z, I love to when I think about Gen Z, I love to think about about them that way, looking think about about them that way, looking think about about them that way, looking different, sounding different, talking different, sounding different, talking different, sounding different, talking different, bringing different things to different, bringing different things to different, bringing different things to the table. Um just all the table. Um just all the table. Um just all Literally, all the food. Literally, all the food. Literally, all the food. Yes. So, uh Yes. So, uh Yes. So, uh so talk to me about whites in the number so talk to me about whites in the number so talk to me about whites in the number three spot for you. three spot for you. three spot for you. Yes, number three spot. This data comes Yes, number three spot. This data comes Yes, number three spot. This data comes from Pew Research. Like you said, uh Gen from Pew Research. Like you said, uh Gen from Pew Research. Like you said, uh Gen Z'ers are a little bit less likely than Z'ers are a little bit less likely than Z'ers are a little bit less likely than millennials to be immigrants themselves, millennials to be immigrants themselves, millennials to be immigrants themselves, but considerably more likely to be the but considerably more likely to be the but considerably more likely to be the children of immigrants. So, 22% of Gen children of immigrants. So, 22% of Gen children of immigrants. So, 22% of Gen Z'ers have at least one immigrant parent Z'ers have at least one immigrant parent Z'ers have at least one immigrant parent compared with 14% of millennials. This compared with 14% of millennials. This compared with 14% of millennials. This is American data specifically. We have is American data specifically. We have is American data specifically. We have had some Global Web Index data that had some Global Web Index data that had some Global Web Index data that would be the whole world. This is would be the whole world. This is would be the whole world. This is American specifically. And the Census American specifically. And the Census American specifically. And the Census Bureau projects that by 2026, Gen Z as a Bureau projects that by 2026, Gen Z as a Bureau projects that by 2026, Gen Z as a generation generation generation is going to be majority non-white. So, is going to be majority non-white. So, is going to be majority non-white. So, that is a significant marker that I that is a significant marker that I that is a significant marker that I believe has not been crossed uh believe has not been crossed uh believe has not been crossed uh previously right in America.
previously right in America. previously right in America. Gen Z also represents the leading edge Gen Z also represents the leading edge Gen Z also represents the leading edge of the country's changing racial and of the country's changing racial and of the country's changing racial and ethnic makeup. A bare majority are ethnic makeup. A bare majority are ethnic makeup. A bare majority are non-Hispanic white, significantly non-Hispanic white, significantly non-Hispanic white, significantly smaller than the share of millennials smaller than the share of millennials smaller than the share of millennials who were non-Hispanic white, who were non-Hispanic white, who were non-Hispanic white, which was 61% at the same time. which was 61% at the same time. which was 61% at the same time. And one in four Gen Z'ers are Hispanic, And one in four Gen Z'ers are Hispanic, And one in four Gen Z'ers are Hispanic, 14% are black, 6% are Asian, 5% are some 14% are black, 6% are Asian, 5% are some 14% are black, 6% are Asian, 5% are some other race or two or more races. other race or two or more races. other race or two or more races. So, why do I have this so high? So, why do I have this so high? So, why do I have this so high? As it relates specifically to church, As it relates specifically to church, As it relates specifically to church, one of the things that stands out to me one of the things that stands out to me one of the things that stands out to me is simply this. is simply this. is simply this. If you care If you care If you care about being a Christian nation, about being a Christian nation, about being a Christian nation, this is going to be a big thing you want this is going to be a big thing you want this is going to be a big thing you want to support Yeah. Because it's the to support Yeah. Because it's the to support Yeah. Because it's the non-whites that are going to church. non-whites that are going to church. non-whites that are going to church. It's the whites that are stopping going It's the whites that are stopping going It's the whites that are stopping going to church. Yeah. Which is fascinating to church. Yeah. Which is fascinating to church. Yeah. Which is fascinating because some of the not-so-pretty because some of the not-so-pretty because some of the not-so-pretty discourse online is like, "We got to get discourse online is like, "We got to get discourse online is like, "We got to get the Christian nation back." And the the Christian nation back." And the the Christian nation back." And the implication is that the whites have to implication is that the whites have to implication is that the whites have to kind of step back in. kind of step back in. kind of step back in. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. I was saying, "Well, the whites, we're I was saying, "Well, the whites, we're I was saying, "Well, the whites, we're not really going to church the way we not really going to church the way we not really going to church the way we used to, but the immigrants are."
used to, but the immigrants are." used to, but the immigrants are." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Which is fascinating. And then I grew up Which is fascinating. And then I grew up Which is fascinating. And then I grew up in in in rural rural rural farming Canada. farming Canada. farming Canada. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. We were about as white as you can get. We were about as white as you can get. We were about as white as you can get. We were the potato capital of Canada. We were the potato capital of Canada. We were the potato capital of Canada. Wow. Wow. Wow. Like Like Like we had a yearly festival. we had a yearly festival. we had a yearly festival. In my smaller neighboring village, we In my smaller neighboring village, we In my smaller neighboring village, we were the honey capital of Canada. And we were the honey capital of Canada. And we were the honey capital of Canada. And we had a yearly festival called Honeyfest. had a yearly festival called Honeyfest. had a yearly festival called Honeyfest. It was It was just delightful. It was It was just delightful. It was It was just delightful. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. In the bigger In the bigger In the bigger quote-unquote relatively bigger town, quote-unquote relatively bigger town, quote-unquote relatively bigger town, we had a potato festival. I want to I we had a potato festival. I want to I we had a potato festival. I want to I want to want to venture a guess what we want to want to venture a guess what we want to want to venture a guess what we might have short-formed that festival might have short-formed that festival might have short-formed that festival as. as. as. Please tell me you didn't call it Please tell me you didn't call it Please tell me you didn't call it Potfest. Potfest. Potfest. Indeed, we did. Indeed, we did. Indeed, we did. Not like like everyone called it like Not like like everyone called it like Not like like everyone called it like that's what it was called. that's what it was called. that's what it was called. Right. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Jeez. Jeez. Jeez. There was There was There was um one black student in our high school um one black student in our high school um one black student in our high school class. So, this is what's interesting. class. So, this is what's interesting. class. So, this is what's interesting. I, growing up in a hockey nation, before I, growing up in a hockey nation, before I, growing up in a hockey nation, before the Raptors were popular, this is like the Raptors were popular, this is like the Raptors were popular, this is like '96, '97. The Raptors were a brand new '96, '97. The Raptors were a brand new '96, '97. The Raptors were a brand new basketball team in the city of Toronto.
basketball team in the city of Toronto. basketball team in the city of Toronto. We were playing in the baseball stadium. We were playing in the baseball stadium. We were playing in the baseball stadium. So, I grew up loving basketball because So, I grew up loving basketball because So, I grew up loving basketball because of my dad's influence. He did not like of my dad's influence. He did not like of my dad's influence. He did not like hockey. And I wanted to join a traveling hockey. And I wanted to join a traveling hockey. And I wanted to join a traveling basketball team, but there were none. basketball team, but there were none. basketball team, but there were none. Every single town had a ice rink, but Every single town had a ice rink, but Every single town had a ice rink, but there was no basketball team. So, we had there was no basketball team. So, we had there was no basketball team. So, we had to drive an hour from where we lived in to drive an hour from where we lived in to drive an hour from where we lived in rural farming Canada to Toronto to play. rural farming Canada to Toronto to play. rural farming Canada to Toronto to play. And this was in fourth grade, and I was And this was in fourth grade, and I was And this was in fourth grade, and I was playing for the traveling rep team the playing for the traveling rep team the playing for the traveling rep team the Mississauga Marauders. We were the Mississauga Marauders. We were the Mississauga Marauders. We were the fourth ranked team in Ontario. We went fourth ranked team in Ontario. We went fourth ranked team in Ontario. We went up against the first ranked Scarborough up against the first ranked Scarborough up against the first ranked Scarborough Blues in the Blues in the Blues in the semi-finals and they they they beat us semi-finals and they they they beat us semi-finals and they they they beat us and I remember because on the other side and I remember because on the other side and I remember because on the other side was Cory Joseph and former Toronto was Cory Joseph and former Toronto was Cory Joseph and former Toronto Raptor and current Toronto Raptor as of Raptor and current Toronto Raptor as of Raptor and current Toronto Raptor as of this year Kelly Olynyk who was already this year Kelly Olynyk who was already this year Kelly Olynyk who was already 6'1 in fourth grade dominating us. And 6'1 in fourth grade dominating us. And 6'1 in fourth grade dominating us. And I I I had such an amazing experience because had such an amazing experience because had such an amazing experience because that was the first time I was introduced that was the first time I was introduced that was the first time I was introduced to culture that wasn't mine. I was the to culture that wasn't mine. I was the to culture that wasn't mine. I was the Save for one there was two white boys on Save for one there was two white boys on Save for one there was two white boys on that team. that team. that team. Right. Right. Right. Me and Greg.
Me and Greg. Me and Greg. Yeah, Toronto one of the most Yeah, Toronto one of the most Yeah, Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world. multicultural cities in the world. multicultural cities in the world. Absolutely. And so that was really Absolutely. And so that was really Absolutely. And so that was really formative. It changed how the clothes formative. It changed how the clothes formative. It changed how the clothes that I wore. It changed the culture and that I wore. It changed the culture and that I wore. It changed the culture and the music that I listened to. It changed the music that I listened to. It changed the music that I listened to. It changed the shoes that I wanted to wear. the shoes that I wanted to wear. the shoes that I wanted to wear. And when I would go back And when I would go back And when I would go back to you know, my home where everyone was to you know, my home where everyone was to you know, my home where everyone was white. No, no, honey fast. That wasn't white. No, no, honey fast. That wasn't white. No, no, honey fast. That wasn't high school. That's Yeah, you know, that high school. That's Yeah, you know, that high school. That's Yeah, you know, that was that was to come. I didn't know what was that was to come. I didn't know what was that was to come. I didn't know what was on the what was on the horizon. was on the what was on the horizon. was on the what was on the horizon. That was That was That was enriching for me. And when I travel and enriching for me. And when I travel and enriching for me. And when I travel and when you travel and we get to see other when you travel and we get to see other when you travel and we get to see other cultures it's enriching. cultures it's enriching. cultures it's enriching. Absolutely. Absolutely. Absolutely. The more that you get stuck in your The more that you get stuck in your The more that you get stuck in your single culture and our culture has single culture and our culture has single culture and our culture has things to offer too. things to offer too. things to offer too. Not trying to take away from that. But Not trying to take away from that. But Not trying to take away from that. But like the more cultures that you see the like the more cultures that you see the like the more cultures that you see the more richness of the tapestry of the more richness of the tapestry of the more richness of the tapestry of the human condition and the expression of human condition and the expression of human condition and the expression of faith in different cultures. Right? Like faith in different cultures. Right? Like faith in different cultures. Right? Like when you think about the Pentecostal when you think about the Pentecostal when you think about the Pentecostal culture that that you and I grew up culture that that you and I grew up culture that that you and I grew up with. So much of that is influenced by with. So much of that is influenced by with. So much of that is influenced by black faith. And there's a certain black faith. And there's a certain black faith. And there's a certain expression of that the Pentecostal like expression of that the Pentecostal like expression of that the Pentecostal like latches on to. We don't get that from latches on to. We don't get that from latches on to. We don't get that from our expression. But we get to like our expression. But we get to like our expression. But we get to like experience it through them. And that is experience it through them. And that is experience it through them. And that is something that is to be enjoyed and something that is to be enjoyed and something that is to be enjoyed and pursued and be grateful for. I think pursued and be grateful for. I think pursued and be grateful for. I think when people see this I think because of when people see this I think because of when people see this I think because of maybe some of the xenophobic tendencies maybe some of the xenophobic tendencies maybe some of the xenophobic tendencies that we all have like it scares us and I that we all have like it scares us and I that we all have like it scares us and I want to push back on that and say, this want to push back on that and say, this want to push back on that and say, this is an enriching thing that is good.
is an enriching thing that is good. is an enriching thing that is good. Yeah, what a gift. Now you're Now Now Yeah, what a gift. Now you're Now Now Yeah, what a gift. Now you're Now Now I'm feeling really guilty I didn't put I'm feeling really guilty I didn't put I'm feeling really guilty I didn't put higher on my list. higher on my list. higher on my list. See, and that is something that we See, and that is something that we See, and that is something that we should consider, right? Like I think should consider, right? Like I think should consider, right? Like I think Alex saw that WAS LIKE, "HEY, NOT IN MY Alex saw that WAS LIKE, "HEY, NOT IN MY Alex saw that WAS LIKE, "HEY, NOT IN MY COUNTRY." COUNTRY." COUNTRY." OKAY, so circle back and give me your OKAY, so circle back and give me your OKAY, so circle back and give me your Number six. Number six. Number six. Six, yeah. Six, yeah. Six, yeah. Six. That was my six. You're three, yep. Six. That was my six. You're three, yep. Six. That was my six. You're three, yep. Gen Z is the least religious generation Gen Z is the least religious generation Gen Z is the least religious generation in American history. in American history. in American history. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. This comes from religion in public and This comes from religion in public and This comes from religion in public and let's uh put some parameters on for let's uh put some parameters on for let's uh put some parameters on for this. No religious affiliation is this. No religious affiliation is this. No religious affiliation is defined as those that indicate their defined as those that indicate their defined as those that indicate their present religion is either atheist, present religion is either atheist, present religion is either atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular. agnostic, or nothing in particular. agnostic, or nothing in particular. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. In 2022, In 2022, In 2022, 26% of boomers were nuns, 26% of boomers were nuns, 26% of boomers were nuns, 48% of Gen Z. 48% of Gen Z. 48% of Gen Z. Here's what what's interesting. Beliefs, Here's what what's interesting. Beliefs, Here's what what's interesting. Beliefs, in this case, differ from involvement in this case, differ from involvement in this case, differ from involvement because it's Gen X, the forgotten because it's Gen X, the forgotten because it's Gen X, the forgotten generation, they're listening, they're generation, they're listening, they're generation, they're listening, they're watching, why aren't you mentioning me? watching, why aren't you mentioning me? watching, why aren't you mentioning me? I'm about to mention you, maybe you wish I'm about to mention you, maybe you wish I'm about to mention you, maybe you wish I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. Yeah, you might You might want to tune Yeah, you might You might want to tune Yeah, you might You might want to tune into another show. into another show. into another show. It's Gen X that is in fact the least It's Gen X that is in fact the least It's Gen X that is in fact the least active religious generation in America.
active religious generation in America. active religious generation in America. Both millennials and G attend church Both millennials and G attend church Both millennials and G attend church more frequently and serve more more frequently and serve more more frequently and serve more frequently than Gen X. And this comes frequently than Gen X. And this comes frequently than Gen X. And this comes from the citation, the source, quote, from the citation, the source, quote, from the citation, the source, quote, "Many of Gen X are reaching their peak "Many of Gen X are reaching their peak "Many of Gen X are reaching their peak in personal income and are being tapped in personal income and are being tapped in personal income and are being tapped to be leaders in all aspects of society. to be leaders in all aspects of society. to be leaders in all aspects of society. Yet, they are clearly not filling the Yet, they are clearly not filling the Yet, they are clearly not filling the churches, synagogues, and mosques each churches, synagogues, and mosques each churches, synagogues, and mosques each weekend." That could open the door for weekend." That could open the door for weekend." That could open the door for millennials and Gen Z to step up sooner millennials and Gen Z to step up sooner millennials and Gen Z to step up sooner for leadership roles. The reason I have for leadership roles. The reason I have for leadership roles. The reason I have this at number six this at number six this at number six and not number one, which I think it and not number one, which I think it and not number one, which I think it would be fair if you heard me put it at would be fair if you heard me put it at would be fair if you heard me put it at six and be like, why is this not number six and be like, why is this not number six and be like, why is this not number one, is because this is a broad cultural one, is because this is a broad cultural one, is because this is a broad cultural trend that is not specific to Gen Z. If trend that is not specific to Gen Z. If trend that is not specific to Gen Z. If you look at the data that is linked you look at the data that is linked you look at the data that is linked here, here, here, you can see that every generation, with you can see that every generation, with you can see that every generation, with each passing three years, each passing each passing three years, each passing each passing three years, each passing interval that this data tracks, is interval that this data tracks, is interval that this data tracks, is becoming less religious. So, this isn't becoming less religious. So, this isn't becoming less religious. So, this isn't something that we can pin on Gen Z. something that we can pin on Gen Z. something that we can pin on Gen Z. Sure, they're starting at a lower Sure, they're starting at a lower Sure, they're starting at a lower proportion of their generation being proportion of their generation being proportion of their generation being religious than previous generations, but religious than previous generations, but religious than previous generations, but they're becoming less religious at the they're becoming less religious at the they're becoming less religious at the same pace as millennials, as boomers, same pace as millennials, as boomers, same pace as millennials, as boomers, and hey, Gen X, come on.
and hey, Gen X, come on. and hey, Gen X, come on. Volunteer if you're not already. Yeah. Volunteer if you're not already. Yeah. Volunteer if you're not already. Yeah. Go to church. Yeah. Go to church. Yeah. Go to church. Yeah. So, I had this in the five spot and it So, I had this in the five spot and it So, I had this in the five spot and it kind of it serves as a as kind of a kind of it serves as a as kind of a kind of it serves as a as kind of a runway to take five all the way through runway to take five all the way through runway to take five all the way through one for me. Like they're all kind of one for me. Like they're all kind of one for me. Like they're all kind of there's there's a thread that's woven there's there's a thread that's woven there's there's a thread that's woven throughout these throughout these throughout these these these these Ooh. Ooh. Ooh. There is a thread that's kind of woven There is a thread that's kind of woven There is a thread that's kind of woven throughout these throughout these throughout these these these last five data points that these these last five data points that these these last five data points that we're going to talk about. we're going to talk about. we're going to talk about. And and I'm I'm so glad you you brought And and I'm I'm so glad you you brought And and I'm I'm so glad you you brought you brought up there what you did about you brought up there what you did about you brought up there what you did about the fact that this is not unique to the fact that this is not unique to the fact that this is not unique to their generation, but it's a trend their generation, but it's a trend their generation, but it's a trend that's shared amongst all generations that's shared amongst all generations that's shared amongst all generations and they're becoming and they're becoming and they're becoming less religious at the same pace as the less religious at the same pace as the less religious at the same pace as the rest of us because that's what I was rest of us because that's what I was rest of us because that's what I was going to that's that's what I I really going to that's that's what I I really going to that's that's what I I really glean from this data as well. I was glean from this data as well. I was glean from this data as well. I was like, "Okay, it's easy to read that like, "Okay, it's easy to read that like, "Okay, it's easy to read that statistic like in a silo and be like, statistic like in a silo and be like, statistic like in a silo and be like, 'Oh, we like like sound the alarms or or 'Oh, we like like sound the alarms or or 'Oh, we like like sound the alarms or or point the finger at someone to blame.'" point the finger at someone to blame.'" point the finger at someone to blame.'" And it's like, "Wait, wait, wait." And it's like, "Wait, wait, wait." And it's like, "Wait, wait, wait." Yeah, I made a carousel where the first Yeah, I made a carousel where the first Yeah, I made a carousel where the first slide is Gen Z is the least religious slide is Gen Z is the least religious slide is Gen Z is the least religious generation in American history. Everyone generation in American history. Everyone generation in American history. Everyone was like, "No." was like, "No." was like, "No." Everyone's like, "I knew it."
Everyone's like, "I knew it." Everyone's like, "I knew it." I slide through and it's you know who it I slide through and it's you know who it I slide through and it's you know who it is? It's Gen X being like Gen X being is? It's Gen X being like Gen X being is? It's Gen X being like Gen X being like, "Yeah, they suck." And then they like, "Yeah, they suck." And then they like, "Yeah, they suck." And then they get to slide eight and it's like, "Guess get to slide eight and it's like, "Guess get to slide eight and it's like, "Guess what, Gen X?" And they're like, "No. Oh, what, Gen X?" And they're like, "No. Oh, what, Gen X?" And they're like, "No. Oh, it was a trap." it was a trap." it was a trap." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, so it it such a great opportunity Yeah, so it it such a great opportunity Yeah, so it it such a great opportunity to I guess look in the mirror for us to I guess look in the mirror for us to I guess look in the mirror for us millennials Gen X anyone that's millennials Gen X anyone that's millennials Gen X anyone that's listening to the show and and take a listening to the show and and take a listening to the show and and take a sober evaluation of the state of of sober evaluation of the state of of sober evaluation of the state of of religiosity in in the West. And thanks religiosity in in the West. And thanks religiosity in in the West. And thanks to all this data that we've collected to all this data that we've collected to all this data that we've collected here, you can see like all of us are on here, you can see like all of us are on here, you can see like all of us are on a trend heading in in a certain a trend heading in in a certain a trend heading in in a certain direction. Gen Z is not alone in this. direction. Gen Z is not alone in this. direction. Gen Z is not alone in this. But I think and there's a big positive But I think and there's a big positive But I think and there's a big positive read on that, I believe, and I think read on that, I believe, and I think read on that, I believe, and I think this is where we can speak to this this is where we can speak to this this is where we can speak to this uniquely as Canadians because we do not uniquely as Canadians because we do not uniquely as Canadians because we do not have the cultural Christianity have the cultural Christianity have the cultural Christianity that Americans to the south have. And if that Americans to the south have. And if that Americans to the south have. And if you want a positive read on this, it's you want a positive read on this, it's you want a positive read on this, it's to look at it and say to look at it and say to look at it and say all of the folks that identify as all of the folks that identify as all of the folks that identify as Christian, but it's almost following Christian, but it's almost following Christian, but it's almost following Jesus in name only, are no longer Jesus in name only, are no longer Jesus in name only, are no longer identifying. identifying. identifying. And those that are left are the ones And those that are left are the ones And those that are left are the ones that like before, it was the same that like before, it was the same that like before, it was the same amount, but you just had like, oh, I'm amount, but you just had like, oh, I'm amount, but you just had like, oh, I'm an American, I'm a Christian.
an American, I'm a Christian. an American, I'm a Christian. Sure. Sure. Sure. So like, how much fewer is it? It So like, how much fewer is it? It So like, how much fewer is it? It perhaps it is. It is way fewer. But if perhaps it is. It is way fewer. But if perhaps it is. It is way fewer. But if nothing less, what I've heard about Gen nothing less, what I've heard about Gen nothing less, what I've heard about Gen Z is, yeah, there aren't as many Z is, yeah, there aren't as many Z is, yeah, there aren't as many Christians, but the ones that we know, Christians, but the ones that we know, Christians, but the ones that we know, they really really love Jesus. they really really love Jesus. they really really love Jesus. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And and that's a great thing to take And and that's a great thing to take And and that's a great thing to take away. I mean, this isn't a perfect away. I mean, this isn't a perfect away. I mean, this isn't a perfect analogy, but say, hey, would you rather analogy, but say, hey, would you rather analogy, but say, hey, would you rather have like five friends that have like five friends that have like five friends that will like go to war with you, or do you will like go to war with you, or do you will like go to war with you, or do you want to have like 100 people that are want to have like 100 people that are want to have like 100 people that are like, oh, I like that guy? like, oh, I like that guy? like, oh, I like that guy? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I I think you'd you'd want like the So I I think you'd you'd want like the So I I think you'd you'd want like the five closer relationships. And there's five closer relationships. And there's five closer relationships. And there's something to be said about a smaller something to be said about a smaller something to be said about a smaller group group group that is on fire for God, that it's truly that is on fire for God, that it's truly that is on fire for God, that it's truly dedicated to it. And if you look at the dedicated to it. And if you look at the dedicated to it. And if you look at the origin of the church, didn't take too origin of the church, didn't take too origin of the church, didn't take too many. many. many. Well, thank you for that segue because Well, thank you for that segue because Well, thank you for that segue because the the next stat that that I have in the the next stat that that I have in the the next stat that that I have in the number four spot is that Gen Z is the number four spot is that Gen Z is the number four spot is that Gen Z is becoming less religiously identified becoming less religiously identified becoming less religiously identified I had that at five. I had that at five. I had that at five. year passes. And so this is looking at year passes. And so this is looking at year passes. And so this is looking at um um um this is looking how Gen Z this is looking how Gen Z this is looking how Gen Z self-identifies self-identifies self-identifies um as as far as religion goes. And so um as as far as religion goes. And so um as as far as religion goes. And so the the the the data says that um the share of of the data says that um the share of of the data says that um the share of of Gen Z that has no religious affiliation Gen Z that has no religious affiliation Gen Z that has no religious affiliation is 48 and 1/2%. Um it seems is 48 and 1/2%. Um it seems is 48 and 1/2%. Um it seems statistically justifiable to say that by statistically justifiable to say that by statistically justifiable to say that by the time the US has another presidential the time the US has another presidential the time the US has another presidential election, so that would be this year, election, so that would be this year, election, so that would be this year, half of Gen Z will identify as atheist, half of Gen Z will identify as atheist, half of Gen Z will identify as atheist, agnostic, or nothing in particular. So agnostic, or nothing in particular. So agnostic, or nothing in particular. So this is that phrase, the nuns we get, this is that phrase, the nuns we get, this is that phrase, the nuns we get, right? But here's the good news. And right? But here's the good news. And right? But here's the good news. And this is to what to what you were just this is to what to what you were just this is to what to what you were just saying. It's it's almost reminiscent of saying. It's it's almost reminiscent of saying. It's it's almost reminiscent of like some of the parables that Jesus like some of the parables that Jesus like some of the parables that Jesus taught about the the the wheat and the taught about the the the wheat and the taught about the the the wheat and the weeds, or like even even the fact that
weeds, or like even even the fact that weeds, or like even even the fact that that his inner circle, the folks who that his inner circle, the folks who that his inner circle, the folks who really followed him seemed to be like really followed him seemed to be like really followed him seemed to be like rather small. There were people that rather small. There were people that rather small. There were people that there are these kind of throwaway lines there are these kind of throwaway lines there are these kind of throwaway lines in the Gospels that in the Gospels that in the Gospels that that that the gospel writers were saying that that the gospel writers were saying that that the gospel writers were saying be like, "Oh yeah, and after Jesus said be like, "Oh yeah, and after Jesus said be like, "Oh yeah, and after Jesus said that it was too hard for people to hear that it was too hard for people to hear that it was too hard for people to hear and so they fell away." You know, like and so they fell away." You know, like and so they fell away." You know, like they just they went back to like fishing they just they went back to like fishing they just they went back to like fishing or whatever cuz they just couldn't they or whatever cuz they just couldn't they or whatever cuz they just couldn't they couldn't accept the call to follow couldn't accept the call to follow couldn't accept the call to follow Jesus. And so the the statistics that Jesus. And so the the statistics that Jesus. And so the the statistics that the data continues and says, "However, the data continues and says, "However, the data continues and says, "However, this study reports that the overall this study reports that the overall this study reports that the overall level of religious behavior amongst Gen level of religious behavior amongst Gen level of religious behavior amongst Gen Z, although a lot of them are Z, although a lot of them are Z, although a lot of them are identifying as nans, the overall identifying as nans, the overall identifying as nans, the overall behavior in their religiosity is behavior in their religiosity is behavior in their religiosity is actually better than anticipated. It actually better than anticipated. It actually better than anticipated. It says that given their religious says that given their religious says that given their religious affiliation in in actuality, the affiliation in in actuality, the affiliation in in actuality, the religious attendance of Gen Z may be religious attendance of Gen Z may be religious attendance of Gen Z may be slightly higher than among the slightly higher than among the slightly higher than among the millennial generation." millennial generation." millennial generation." Which speaks perfectly to the idea that Which speaks perfectly to the idea that Which speaks perfectly to the idea that those that are are there really care. those that are are there really care. those that are are there really care. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. So, the I mean the the data goes on and So, the I mean the the data goes on and So, the I mean the the data goes on and and indicates that about 55% of Gen Z and indicates that about 55% of Gen Z and indicates that about 55% of Gen Z attend a religious service less than attend a religious service less than attend a religious service less than once a year.
once a year. once a year. Um, while 22% are weekly attendees. Um, while 22% are weekly attendees. Um, while 22% are weekly attendees. Compare that to millennials where 57% Compare that to millennials where 57% Compare that to millennials where 57% attend less than once a year. So, it's attend less than once a year. So, it's attend less than once a year. So, it's slight, but it's it's it's there and 22% slight, but it's it's it's there and 22% slight, but it's it's it's there and 22% are weekly attendees. So, there's not a are weekly attendees. So, there's not a are weekly attendees. So, there's not a significant significant significant uh there hasn't been a significant uh there hasn't been a significant uh there hasn't been a significant decline decline decline um um um using this metric, but but you can see using this metric, but but you can see using this metric, but but you can see it there that the the Gen Z-ers who do it there that the the Gen Z-ers who do it there that the the Gen Z-ers who do identify are are participating in their identify are are participating in their identify are are participating in their religion um even a little bit more, a religion um even a little bit more, a religion um even a little bit more, a little bit better, a little bit deeper little bit better, a little bit deeper little bit better, a little bit deeper as far as the data goes than as far as the data goes than as far as the data goes than millennials. millennials. millennials. Fascinating. Okay, my Fascinating. Okay, my Fascinating. Okay, my number four. number four. number four. Gen Z spends 24 to 48 hours per month Gen Z spends 24 to 48 hours per month Gen Z spends 24 to 48 hours per month on TikTok. on TikTok. on TikTok. This comes from the Hootsuite 2022 This comes from the Hootsuite 2022 This comes from the Hootsuite 2022 Trends Report. And I have an update from Trends Report. And I have an update from Trends Report. And I have an update from the 2024 Trends Report the 2024 Trends Report the 2024 Trends Report kept in your pocket? kept in your pocket? kept in your pocket? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You came prepared. You came prepared. You came prepared. You just revealing it now? You just revealing it now? You just revealing it now? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Because I did research. I was in my bag. Because I did research. I was in my bag. Because I did research. I was in my bag. Wow. Wow. Wow. The percentage of Gen Z's online time The percentage of Gen Z's online time The percentage of Gen Z's online time being spent on social media is at an being spent on social media is at an being spent on social media is at an all-time high of 41%. So, what that all-time high of 41%. So, what that all-time high of 41%. So, what that means is we talked about this on a means is we talked about this on a means is we talked about this on a mailbag a few weeks ago.
mailbag a few weeks ago. mailbag a few weeks ago. Of the time Gen Z is spending online, Of the time Gen Z is spending online, Of the time Gen Z is spending online, more and more of that time is on social more and more of that time is on social more and more of that time is on social media. And that's likely because social media. And that's likely because social media. And that's likely because social media is no longer just about keeping up media is no longer just about keeping up media is no longer just about keeping up with friends and family. The definition with friends and family. The definition with friends and family. The definition of what social media includes is of what social media includes is of what social media includes is expanding. It now includes expanding. It now includes expanding. It now includes entertainment, and TikTok is a very big entertainment, and TikTok is a very big entertainment, and TikTok is a very big part of that. part of that. part of that. This comes from the report. While This comes from the report. While This comes from the report. While Instagram is their most used platform Instagram is their most used platform Instagram is their most used platform outside of China overall, TikTok is a outside of China overall, TikTok is a outside of China overall, TikTok is a big part of social media's growth. Gen big part of social media's growth. Gen big part of social media's growth. Gen Z's use of TikTok Z's use of TikTok Z's use of TikTok uh was rising an impressive 37% uh was rising an impressive 37% uh was rising an impressive 37% since Q4 2020 with 83% of Gen Z TikTok since Q4 2020 with 83% of Gen Z TikTok since Q4 2020 with 83% of Gen Z TikTok users saying they use the platform for users saying they use the platform for users saying they use the platform for entertaining funny content. The app is entertaining funny content. The app is entertaining funny content. The app is clearly their go-to place for some clearly their go-to place for some clearly their go-to place for some light-hearted relief. light-hearted relief. light-hearted relief. Uh one of the big pulls of apps like Uh one of the big pulls of apps like Uh one of the big pulls of apps like TikTok is also the ability to get real TikTok is also the ability to get real TikTok is also the ability to get real views or opinions from real people, views or opinions from real people, views or opinions from real people, making it more relatable. As a result, making it more relatable. As a result, making it more relatable. As a result, Gen Z are often going to TikTok before Gen Z are often going to TikTok before Gen Z are often going to TikTok before Google for advice about anything from Google for advice about anything from Google for advice about anything from finances, travel, or beauty trends. This finances, travel, or beauty trends. This finances, travel, or beauty trends. This is important. So, now it's not just is important. So, now it's not just is important. So, now it's not just education, education, education, family and friends that social media family and friends that social media family and friends that social media is kind of eating up. It's also search.
is kind of eating up. It's also search. is kind of eating up. It's also search. So, the definition continues to expand. So, the definition continues to expand. So, the definition continues to expand. And then, according to research by And then, according to research by And then, according to research by Google, nearly half of young people look Google, nearly half of young people look Google, nearly half of young people look to Instagram or TikTok instead of Google to Instagram or TikTok instead of Google to Instagram or TikTok instead of Google Maps or search for answers, which is of Maps or search for answers, which is of Maps or search for answers, which is of course a big generational shift. 40% of course a big generational shift. 40% of course a big generational shift. 40% of Gen Z use TikTok for search instead of Gen Z use TikTok for search instead of Gen Z use TikTok for search instead of Google. That would again was made by a Google. That would again was made by a Google. That would again was made by a Google VP. That That's where That's Google VP. That That's where That's Google VP. That That's where That's where the data was shared in a speech. where the data was shared in a speech. where the data was shared in a speech. Here's the 2024 Hootsuite Trends Report. Here's the 2024 Hootsuite Trends Report. Here's the 2024 Hootsuite Trends Report. Really interesting for me. Really interesting for me. Really interesting for me. It found that 91% of organizations are It found that 91% of organizations are It found that 91% of organizations are on Facebook. on Facebook. on Facebook. 86% are on Instagram. 62% are on 86% are on Instagram. 62% are on 86% are on Instagram. 62% are on YouTube, and just 29% are on Tik Tok. YouTube, and just 29% are on Tik Tok. YouTube, and just 29% are on Tik Tok. So, this is important to me for two So, this is important to me for two So, this is important to me for two reasons. reasons. reasons. When social platforms are new, When social platforms are new, When social platforms are new, one of the draws to them is that they one of the draws to them is that they one of the draws to them is that they have not yet been infiltrated by have not yet been infiltrated by have not yet been infiltrated by capitalism capitalism capitalism and marketers. And so, there's this and marketers. And so, there's this and marketers. And so, there's this organic organic organic and pure element to them. It's like this and pure element to them. It's like this and pure element to them. It's like this is just people. No one is doing stuff is just people. No one is doing stuff is just people. No one is doing stuff for money. for money. for money. Corporations aren't doing it trying to Corporations aren't doing it trying to Corporations aren't doing it trying to get your attention to buy stuff, and get your attention to buy stuff, and get your attention to buy stuff, and that can only last for a couple of that can only last for a couple of that can only last for a couple of years.
years. years. Because if it gains any momentum at all, Because if it gains any momentum at all, Because if it gains any momentum at all, eventually all of us marketers and all eventually all of us marketers and all eventually all of us marketers and all the big brands are like, "Wait, we can the big brands are like, "Wait, we can the big brands are like, "Wait, we can monetize this. Let's go there." monetize this. Let's go there." monetize this. Let's go there." When I asked our audience, our audience When I asked our audience, our audience When I asked our audience, our audience of of of creatives that care about church and creatives that care about church and creatives that care about church and digital, cuz that's what we do. Why digital, cuz that's what we do. Why digital, cuz that's what we do. Why would you watch otherwise? would you watch otherwise? would you watch otherwise? Just 10% of churches said that they were Just 10% of churches said that they were Just 10% of churches said that they were on Tik Tok, which I was like, "That is on Tik Tok, which I was like, "That is on Tik Tok, which I was like, "That is concerning." concerning." concerning." Because of how much time Gen Z is on Because of how much time Gen Z is on Because of how much time Gen Z is on there. there. there. 24 to 48 hours per month spent on Tik 24 to 48 hours per month spent on Tik 24 to 48 hours per month spent on Tik Tok, and just 10% of churches were Tok, and just 10% of churches were Tok, and just 10% of churches were there. there. there. The only hope I have is that, well, only The only hope I have is that, well, only The only hope I have is that, well, only 29% as of 24 2024 organizations are 29% as of 24 2024 organizations are 29% as of 24 2024 organizations are there. So, it seems like Tik Tok, which there. So, it seems like Tik Tok, which there. So, it seems like Tik Tok, which was the platform that ushered in this was the platform that ushered in this was the platform that ushered in this new discovery era of social media that new discovery era of social media that new discovery era of social media that we are all in right now, the best time we are all in right now, the best time we are all in right now, the best time to be doing social ministry. I to be doing social ministry. I to be doing social ministry. I understand if you are nostalgic as a understand if you are nostalgic as a understand if you are nostalgic as a creator as a as a user part of me for creator as a as a user part of me for creator as a as a user part of me for the old days, the good old days, but for the old days, the good old days, but for the old days, the good old days, but for a creator, a church, there's never been a creator, a church, there's never been a creator, a church, there's never been a better time to be doing social a better time to be doing social a better time to be doing social ministry. ministry. ministry. It was such a weird way of doing social It was such a weird way of doing social It was such a weird way of doing social that still now, 6 years later, very few that still now, 6 years later, very few that still now, 6 years later, very few churches and very few organizations are churches and very few organizations are churches and very few organizations are on it because they're like, on it because they're like, on it because they're like, "We still don't know how to use this "We still don't know how to use this "We still don't know how to use this thing."
thing." thing." But Gen Z, But Gen Z, But Gen Z, 24 to 48 hours a month. 24 to 48 hours a month. 24 to 48 hours a month. Yeah, so that's why this is in my number Yeah, so that's why this is in my number Yeah, so that's why this is in my number ONE SPOT. ONE SPOT. ONE SPOT. NUMBER ONE! I LIKE YOU YOU let me wind NUMBER ONE! I LIKE YOU YOU let me wind NUMBER ONE! I LIKE YOU YOU let me wind up for all that time, and I thought you up for all that time, and I thought you up for all that time, and I thought you were looking at me a little funny. You were looking at me a little funny. You were looking at me a little funny. You were looking at your own notes. were looking at your own notes. were looking at your own notes. like I need I need the editor to throw like I need I need the editor to throw like I need I need the editor to throw in like some air horns there and like in like some air horns there and like in like some air horns there and like like a bomb dropping. like a bomb dropping. like a bomb dropping. Well, did I do your number one justice? Well, did I do your number one justice? Well, did I do your number one justice? You really did. You painted You really did. You painted You really did. You painted No wonder you cared that I had another No wonder you cared that I had another No wonder you cared that I had another data point in my back pocket. data point in my back pocket. data point in my back pocket. Yeah, you painted a really good picture Yeah, you painted a really good picture Yeah, you painted a really good picture because when I read the statistic, 24 to because when I read the statistic, 24 to because when I read the statistic, 24 to 48 hours a month online, which accounts 48 hours a month online, which accounts 48 hours a month online, which accounts for roughly 5% of your awake time, which for roughly 5% of your awake time, which for roughly 5% of your awake time, which is staggering. It was like, you know, it's just like It was like, you know, it's just like all of the implications of that, the all of the implications of that, the all of the implications of that, the ones that I know and even the ones I ones that I know and even the ones I ones that I know and even the ones I don't know, just kind of like unfolded don't know, just kind of like unfolded don't know, just kind of like unfolded before my mind's eye and I was I was before my mind's eye and I was I was before my mind's eye and I was I was really taken aback by the statistic cuz really taken aback by the statistic cuz really taken aback by the statistic cuz I could have never guessed that I could have never guessed that I could have never guessed that that the volume of attention on TikTok that the volume of attention on TikTok that the volume of attention on TikTok was was that high. was was that high. was was that high. Um and you know, we could compare like Um and you know, we could compare like Um and you know, we could compare like how much time are you youths are your how much time are you youths are your how much time are you youths are your Gen Z'ers spending on TikTok compared to Gen Z'ers spending on TikTok compared to Gen Z'ers spending on TikTok compared to how much time are they in church and the how much time are they in church and the how much time are they in church and the disparity would be so laughable that we disparity would be so laughable that we disparity would be so laughable that we can't even go there. And the reason this can't even go there. And the reason this can't even go there. And the reason this is in my number one spot because and I'm is in my number one spot because and I'm is in my number one spot because and I'm seeing this with not just Gen Z but seeing this with not just Gen Z but seeing this with not just Gen Z but people I know and love, my generation, people I know and love, my generation, people I know and love, my generation, my generation older.
my generation older. my generation older. The amount of time we're spending online The amount of time we're spending online The amount of time we're spending online whether it's on TikTok or any of these whether it's on TikTok or any of these whether it's on TikTok or any of these other little apps to be entertained um other little apps to be entertained um other little apps to be entertained um is discipling us more than any other is discipling us more than any other is discipling us more than any other input. Your church, your preacher, your input. Your church, your preacher, your input. Your church, your preacher, your pastor has has no chance at competing pastor has has no chance at competing pastor has has no chance at competing with this volume with this volume with this volume of discipleship. And it's just it's just of discipleship. And it's just it's just of discipleship. And it's just it's just plainly like discouraging to me. And plainly like discouraging to me. And plainly like discouraging to me. And this is really unpopular to say on this this is really unpopular to say on this this is really unpopular to say on this show where we're where we're like show where we're where we're like show where we're where we're like champions of the biggest communication champions of the biggest communication champions of the biggest communication shift in the last 500 years and I really shift in the last 500 years and I really shift in the last 500 years and I really do endorse everything we talk about and do endorse everything we talk about and do endorse everything we talk about and like using this app and these phones to like using this app and these phones to like using this app and these phones to share the the the message, the story, share the the the message, the story, share the the the message, the story, the hope of Jesus. I'm all for that. But the hope of Jesus. I'm all for that. But the hope of Jesus. I'm all for that. But the sheer volume of input that we are the sheer volume of input that we are the sheer volume of input that we are receiving from these things, these apps, receiving from these things, these apps, receiving from these things, these apps, even if your church is is on TikTok and even if your church is is on TikTok and even if your church is is on TikTok and doing great, it's one video in in in in doing great, it's one video in in in in doing great, it's one video in in in in sequence of of dozens of hundreds of sequence of of dozens of hundreds of sequence of of dozens of hundreds of others. others. others. And just by volume, we're losing this And just by volume, we're losing this And just by volume, we're losing this discipleship battle.
discipleship battle. discipleship battle. Um there's this really fascinating piece Um there's this really fascinating piece Um there's this really fascinating piece um called the state of culture. It's um called the state of culture. It's um called the state of culture. It's published by this guy named Ted Gioia. published by this guy named Ted Gioia. published by this guy named Ted Gioia. Good luck trying to say that last name. Good luck trying to say that last name. Good luck trying to say that last name. And every year he publishes this report, And every year he publishes this report, And every year he publishes this report, the state of culture um report. And he the state of culture um report. And he the state of culture um report. And he uses these visuals. I saw this on uses these visuals. I saw this on uses these visuals. I saw this on Twitter ironically. I spend more time on Twitter ironically. I spend more time on Twitter ironically. I spend more time on Twitter than any other social platform. Twitter than any other social platform. Twitter than any other social platform. Uh but this is why cuz I find really Uh but this is why cuz I find really Uh but this is why cuz I find really good nuggets of truth on there. And he good nuggets of truth on there. And he good nuggets of truth on there. And he he talks about this thing that we talk a he talks about this thing that we talk a he talks about this thing that we talk a lot about about how um we're using these lot about about how um we're using these lot about about how um we're using these apps and and TikTok in particular for apps and and TikTok in particular for apps and and TikTok in particular for entertainment. And he talks about the entertainment. And he talks about the entertainment. And he talks about the state of culture and the relationship state of culture and the relationship state of culture and the relationship between art and entertainment and such. between art and entertainment and such. between art and entertainment and such. And um maybe we can put this graphic on And um maybe we can put this graphic on And um maybe we can put this graphic on the screen. But he's he's got this the screen. But he's he's got this the screen. But he's he's got this drawing and it's it's uh art like a drawing and it's it's uh art like a drawing and it's it's uh art like a little fish. And then there's a bigger little fish. And then there's a bigger little fish. And then there's a bigger fish behind art and it's entertainment. fish behind art and it's entertainment. fish behind art and it's entertainment. And then there's a bigger fish behind And then there's a bigger fish behind And then there's a bigger fish behind entertainment and it's distraction. And entertainment and it's distraction. And entertainment and it's distraction. And and he's posing that like and he's posing that like and he's posing that like apps like TikTok in particular are apps like TikTok in particular are apps like TikTok in particular are transcending art and entertainment and transcending art and entertainment and transcending art and entertainment and they're turning into distraction. Now they're turning into distraction. Now they're turning into distraction. Now his concern is there's a bigger fish his concern is there's a bigger fish his concern is there's a bigger fish behind distraction, but it's addiction. behind distraction, but it's addiction. behind distraction, but it's addiction. And this all has to do with um And this all has to do with um And this all has to do with um our our biochemistry and this thing that our our biochemistry and this thing that our our biochemistry and this thing that he talks about and not just him, but he talks about and not just him, but he talks about and not just him, but this this this this this this um idea of dopamine loops.
um idea of dopamine loops. um idea of dopamine loops. And how when when there's a stimulus and And how when when there's a stimulus and And how when when there's a stimulus and and it causes distraction, which TikTok and it causes distraction, which TikTok and it causes distraction, which TikTok really serves as a distraction for a lot really serves as a distraction for a lot really serves as a distraction for a lot of us, we get this dopamine release when of us, we get this dopamine release when of us, we get this dopamine release when we see something funny. When I send you we see something funny. When I send you we see something funny. When I send you a video on TikTok that is just a video on TikTok that is just a video on TikTok that is just objectively hilarious, we get this objectively hilarious, we get this objectively hilarious, we get this dopamine release, right? And that dopamine release, right? And that dopamine release, right? And that triggers this form of pleasure, whether triggers this form of pleasure, whether triggers this form of pleasure, whether it's laughter or if it's a uh cat video it's laughter or if it's a uh cat video it's laughter or if it's a uh cat video that inspires some warm and fuzzies, that inspires some warm and fuzzies, that inspires some warm and fuzzies, whatever it is. And so of course you whatever it is. And so of course you whatever it is. And so of course you have this desire for more. And so you have this desire for more. And so you have this desire for more. And so you you keep scrolling. Keep scrolling to you keep scrolling. Keep scrolling to you keep scrolling. Keep scrolling to get more and it's just like this get more and it's just like this get more and it's just like this reinforcement behavior. And then before reinforcement behavior. And then before reinforcement behavior. And then before you know it, there's this habit you know it, there's this habit you know it, there's this habit formation. When I'm feeling down or formation. When I'm feeling down or formation. When I'm feeling down or frustrated or anxious, I pick up my frustrated or anxious, I pick up my frustrated or anxious, I pick up my phone and I open TikTok and I start phone and I open TikTok and I start phone and I open TikTok and I start swiping because I know I'm going to get swiping because I know I'm going to get swiping because I know I'm going to get that predictable dopamine release and that predictable dopamine release and that predictable dopamine release and that makes It make good. It makes me that makes It make good. It makes me that makes It make good. It makes me forget what I'm going through, this that forget what I'm going through, this that forget what I'm going through, this that and the other. And then it becomes an and the other. And then it becomes an and the other. And then it becomes an addiction. addiction. addiction. And And And I was I hadn't thought about this report I was I hadn't thought about this report I was I hadn't thought about this report in a few weeks until I saw in a few weeks until I saw in a few weeks until I saw that number and that statistic. I was that number and that statistic. I was that number and that statistic. I was like, oh, we're addicted to this to like, oh, we're addicted to this to like, oh, we're addicted to this to spend that type of time doing anything.
spend that type of time doing anything. spend that type of time doing anything. Like we're addicted to this. And it's Like we're addicted to this. And it's Like we're addicted to this. And it's because of this cycle, this this because of this cycle, this this because of this cycle, this this pattern, this habit formation of of pattern, this habit formation of of pattern, this habit formation of of dopamine um dopamine um dopamine um releases and and Ted's kind of releases and and Ted's kind of releases and and Ted's kind of thesis here is like, what happens when thesis here is like, what happens when thesis here is like, what happens when dopamine drives culture? And so he gives dopamine drives culture? And so he gives dopamine drives culture? And so he gives a couple examples. He says, a couple examples. He says, a couple examples. He says, uh with sports. So in a slow traditional uh with sports. So in a slow traditional uh with sports. So in a slow traditional culture, you play a sport. In a fast culture, you play a sport. In a fast culture, you play a sport. In a fast modern culture, you watch a sport. And modern culture, you watch a sport. And modern culture, you watch a sport. And in a dopamine culture, you gamble on the in a dopamine culture, you gamble on the in a dopamine culture, you gamble on the sport. sport. sport. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Uh journalism. Slow traditional culture, Uh journalism. Slow traditional culture, Uh journalism. Slow traditional culture, you read a newspaper. Fast modern, you read a newspaper. Fast modern, you read a newspaper. Fast modern, multimedia. Dopamine culture, it's multimedia. Dopamine culture, it's multimedia. Dopamine culture, it's clickbait, right? Whatever we can get clickbait, right? Whatever we can get clickbait, right? Whatever we can get out there to get people to click. Um out there to get people to click. Um out there to get people to click. Um Here we go, video. Slow traditional, um Here we go, video. Slow traditional, um Here we go, video. Slow traditional, um film and TV, long-form videos. Fast film and TV, long-form videos. Fast film and TV, long-form videos. Fast modern, videos, just regular plain old modern, videos, just regular plain old modern, videos, just regular plain old videos. videos. videos. Uh dopamine culture, reels, short Uh dopamine culture, reels, short Uh dopamine culture, reels, short videos, TikToks. videos, TikToks. videos, TikToks. This is true for music as well on This is true for music as well on This is true for music as well on TikTok, right? TikTok, right? TikTok, right? And And And um um um so he he goes on, he talks about so he he goes on, he talks about so he he goes on, he talks about relationships, um courtship and relationships, um courtship and relationships, um courtship and marriage. Then there was marriage. Then there was marriage. Then there was uh in a modern traditional culture, um uh in a modern traditional culture, um uh in a modern traditional culture, um sexual freedom. And now it's dopamine sexual freedom. And now it's dopamine sexual freedom. And now it's dopamine culture, we're just swiping on an app, culture, we're just swiping on an app, culture, we're just swiping on an app, swiping across people's faces. And so swiping across people's faces. And so swiping across people's faces. And so that's the reason this one's in my that's the reason this one's in my that's the reason this one's in my number one spot is because it sparks a number one spot is because it sparks a number one spot is because it sparks a whole lot of real like existential whole lot of real like existential whole lot of real like existential concern for me.
concern for me. concern for me. Um and as a pastor, I feel that Um and as a pastor, I feel that Um and as a pastor, I feel that the the angst of that losing the the angst of that losing the the angst of that losing Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. battle, knowing that what we do on battle, knowing that what we do on battle, knowing that what we do on Sundays and throughout the week and Sundays and throughout the week and Sundays and throughout the week and whatever else in our churches is has the whatever else in our churches is has the whatever else in our churches is has the potential to be really formative, potential to be really formative, potential to be really formative, but just based off of volume, but just based off of volume, but just based off of volume, folks' habits are being formed by by folks' habits are being formed by by folks' habits are being formed by by a dopamine culture that is that is just a dopamine culture that is that is just a dopamine culture that is that is just completely different than what we're completely different than what we're completely different than what we're trying to pursue uh in the presence of trying to pursue uh in the presence of trying to pursue uh in the presence of God at church. God at church. God at church. It's interesting to see how It's interesting to see how It's interesting to see how even Tik Tok is trying even Tik Tok is trying even Tik Tok is trying to introduce different things that could to introduce different things that could to introduce different things that could fix this. Last year they introduced, I fix this. Last year they introduced, I fix this. Last year they introduced, I don't know if you've heard about this, don't know if you've heard about this, don't know if you've heard about this, the STEM feed. the STEM feed. the STEM feed. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. So, STEM stands for science, technology, So, STEM stands for science, technology, So, STEM stands for science, technology, is it engineering and math? I'm pretty is it engineering and math? I'm pretty is it engineering and math? I'm pretty sure that's what it is. sure that's what it is. sure that's what it is. right. right. right. So, we have like STEM camps here. Like So, we have like STEM camps here. Like So, we have like STEM camps here. Like my daughter goes to STEM camp in the my daughter goes to STEM camp in the my daughter goes to STEM camp in the summer. And they introduced a feed that summer. And they introduced a feed that summer. And they introduced a feed that was called the STEM feed. was called the STEM feed. was called the STEM feed. Okay. Okay. Okay. And the idea was like if you click on And the idea was like if you click on And the idea was like if you click on that feed, similar to the following feed that feed, similar to the following feed that feed, similar to the following feed and the for you feed, and the for you feed, and the for you feed, Oh, I have a memory of this now. Oh, I have a memory of this now. Oh, I have a memory of this now. but it would like just be things that but it would like just be things that but it would like just be things that are like are meant to be nurtured for are like are meant to be nurtured for are like are meant to be nurtured for your your brain and educational and not your your brain and educational and not your your brain and educational and not just mindless entertainment. So, that just mindless entertainment. So, that just mindless entertainment. So, that was like one effort that they made. And was like one effort that they made. And was like one effort that they made. And I think the big question that comes out I think the big question that comes out I think the big question that comes out of this is like, okay, what of this is like, okay, what of this is like, okay, what responsibility does a church and a responsibility does a church and a responsibility does a church and a Christian leader have? If you are Christian leader have? If you are Christian leader have? If you are convinced that this is hurting people, convinced that this is hurting people, convinced that this is hurting people, does that mean that you either work to does that mean that you either work to does that mean that you either work to be on it as a force of like redemption be on it as a force of like redemption be on it as a force of like redemption or do you actively reject it as almost or do you actively reject it as almost or do you actively reject it as almost like this prophetic statement that we're
like this prophetic statement that we're like this prophetic statement that we're not going to be on it? not going to be on it? not going to be on it? And And And if folks come to different conclusions if folks come to different conclusions if folks come to different conclusions than me, that's perfectly all right. Um than me, that's perfectly all right. Um than me, that's perfectly all right. Um but I but I but I I'm worried if churches flat out reject I'm worried if churches flat out reject I'm worried if churches flat out reject it it it Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. because it's hard to imagine them having because it's hard to imagine them having because it's hard to imagine them having any relevance in culture any relevance in culture any relevance in culture if you're just completely absent from if you're just completely absent from if you're just completely absent from that type of thing. that type of thing. that type of thing. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Unless we are content with Unless we are content with Unless we are content with kind of really shrinking because there kind of really shrinking because there kind of really shrinking because there are and historically have been are and historically have been are and historically have been pre-internet cultures that have been pre-internet cultures that have been pre-internet cultures that have been like, this technology is not for us. like, this technology is not for us. like, this technology is not for us. We're going to go and we're going to We're going to go and we're going to We're going to go and we're going to live in this place all by ourselves and live in this place all by ourselves and live in this place all by ourselves and people will point at us and think we're people will point at us and think we're people will point at us and think we're strange because we're driving horse and strange because we're driving horse and strange because we're driving horse and buggies even though there are buggies even though there are buggies even though there are automobiles on the road. So, that that's automobiles on the road. So, that that's automobiles on the road. So, that that's an option. But what I think that an option. But what I think that an option. But what I think that churches have to offer, that is so churches have to offer, that is so churches have to offer, that is so amazing in culture, is amazing in culture, is amazing in culture, is this this this organization, this living body, where we organization, this living body, where we organization, this living body, where we actually get together outside of work actually get together outside of work actually get together outside of work and outside of home. and outside of home. and outside of home. It's multi-generational. It's across all It's multi-generational. It's across all It's multi-generational. It's across all income levels, all age income levels, all age income levels, all age all generation, we get together for a all generation, we get together for a all generation, we get together for a shared purpose.
shared purpose. shared purpose. When we tell churches to be active on When we tell churches to be active on When we tell churches to be active on social, it's not because social is social, it's not because social is social, it's not because social is fulfilling the ultimate purpose of the fulfilling the ultimate purpose of the fulfilling the ultimate purpose of the church. It's an entry point for people church. It's an entry point for people church. It's an entry point for people to get connected to the church. And it to get connected to the church. And it to get connected to the church. And it is showing, "Hey, it doesn't have to be is showing, "Hey, it doesn't have to be is showing, "Hey, it doesn't have to be this way." You know, the the creators this way." You know, the the creators this way." You know, the the creators that I follow on my social feeds are all that I follow on my social feeds are all that I follow on my social feeds are all basically being like, "Hey, here's like basically being like, "Hey, here's like basically being like, "Hey, here's like a challenge in your life. Here's how to a challenge in your life. Here's how to a challenge in your life. Here's how to solve that challenge." Like, right now solve that challenge." Like, right now solve that challenge." Like, right now one of the biggest weaknesses of my one of the biggest weaknesses of my one of the biggest weaknesses of my family, maybe because I'm an family, maybe because I'm an family, maybe because I'm an entrepreneur, maybe because it's like entrepreneur, maybe because it's like entrepreneur, maybe because it's like not my wife's like first skill set, is not my wife's like first skill set, is not my wife's like first skill set, is like we don't eat together enough as a like we don't eat together enough as a like we don't eat together enough as a family as much as I'd like. So, one of family as much as I'd like. So, one of family as much as I'd like. So, one of my goals for this year was to do that my goals for this year was to do that my goals for this year was to do that more. So, right now, I have curated my more. So, right now, I have curated my more. So, right now, I have curated my social feeds and they're just meal after social feeds and they're just meal after social feeds and they're just meal after meal. Like, you can make this at home meal. Like, you can make this at home meal. Like, you can make this at home and people will like it. And in the and people will like it. And in the and people will like it. And in the first few months, like my outrageously first few months, like my outrageously first few months, like my outrageously picky daughter said to me this weekend, picky daughter said to me this weekend, picky daughter said to me this weekend, "Dad, no one in the world makes chicken "Dad, no one in the world makes chicken "Dad, no one in the world makes chicken like you. I only want your chicken." like you. I only want your chicken." like you. I only want your chicken." This woman, girl, pardon me, this girl This woman, girl, pardon me, this girl This woman, girl, pardon me, this girl has only eaten like chicken nuggets her has only eaten like chicken nuggets her has only eaten like chicken nuggets her whole life. And now, she's eating like whole life. And now, she's eating like whole life. And now, she's eating like chicken thighs with a brushed adobo chicken thighs with a brushed adobo chicken thighs with a brushed adobo pepper sauce, which is adobo peppers pepper sauce, which is adobo peppers pepper sauce, which is adobo peppers blended in water. She got the dark meat.
blended in water. She got the dark meat. blended in water. She got the dark meat. She realized, "I've been missing out." She realized, "I've been missing out." She realized, "I've been missing out." She's like, "This is She's like, "This is She's like, "This is This is crispy. These aren't just like This is crispy. These aren't just like This is crispy. These aren't just like chicken guts rearranged and then deep chicken guts rearranged and then deep chicken guts rearranged and then deep fried. Praise God. I don't even need the fried. Praise God. I don't even need the fried. Praise God. I don't even need the sweet and sour sauce." sweet and sour sauce." sweet and sour sauce." And and so, social was introducing me to And and so, social was introducing me to And and so, social was introducing me to something new. Was the point of me something new. Was the point of me something new. Was the point of me following those creators following those creators following those creators to watch them making food? No, no. It to watch them making food? No, no. It to watch them making food? No, no. It was so I could make food. They were the was so I could make food. They were the was so I could make food. They were the entry point to their ultimate purpose entry point to their ultimate purpose entry point to their ultimate purpose being fulfilled in my life. And the being fulfilled in my life. And the being fulfilled in my life. And the church being active on social is meant church being active on social is meant church being active on social is meant to fill this that same purpose. Get to fill this that same purpose. Get to fill this that same purpose. Get people connected to the gospel. people connected to the gospel. people connected to the gospel. Oh, wow. Oh, wow. Oh, wow. You're talking about something from You're talking about something from You're talking about something from scripture. There's wisdom here that is scripture. There's wisdom here that is scripture. There's wisdom here that is relevant to my life. relevant to my life. relevant to my life. And then, you want to know more. So, you And then, you want to know more. So, you And then, you want to know more. So, you follow them. And you get connected to follow them. And you get connected to follow them. And you get connected to that church. And it doesn't always work that church. And it doesn't always work that church. And it doesn't always work like perfectly cleanly that way. Guess like perfectly cleanly that way. Guess like perfectly cleanly that way. Guess what? We also ordered McDonald's what? We also ordered McDonald's what? We also ordered McDonald's yesterday. Like, that still happens. You yesterday. Like, that still happens. You yesterday. Like, that still happens. You know, we are on a journey trying to get know, we are on a journey trying to get know, we are on a journey trying to get better as a family. better as a family. better as a family. And so, it's going to be fascinating And so, it's going to be fascinating And so, it's going to be fascinating because this will and this gets to my because this will and this gets to my because this will and this gets to my number one, which I won't reveal now, number one, which I won't reveal now, number one, which I won't reveal now, but but but um um um it does feel like some people believe we it does feel like some people believe we it does feel like some people believe we are headed to a point where culture is are headed to a point where culture is are headed to a point where culture is going to just say, "You know what?
going to just say, "You know what? going to just say, "You know what? Enough. Enough. Enough. This digital has gone too far." This digital has gone too far." This digital has gone too far." And I'm really skeptical that it's going And I'm really skeptical that it's going And I'm really skeptical that it's going to happen. Not because I necessarily to happen. Not because I necessarily to happen. Not because I necessarily believe it's the right thing. I think believe it's the right thing. I think believe it's the right thing. I think sometimes folks interpret my stance on sometimes folks interpret my stance on sometimes folks interpret my stance on this is like, "This is what Brady wants this is like, "This is what Brady wants this is like, "This is what Brady wants to happen." It's like, no, I I I really to happen." It's like, no, I I I really to happen." It's like, no, I I I really just am trying to say what I think will just am trying to say what I think will just am trying to say what I think will happen and then how do we respond to happen and then how do we respond to happen and then how do we respond to what's going to happen? But, I'm what's going to happen? But, I'm what's going to happen? But, I'm skeptical that there's going to be this skeptical that there's going to be this skeptical that there's going to be this come-to-Jesus moment where we as a come-to-Jesus moment where we as a come-to-Jesus moment where we as a culture are like, "This has gone too culture are like, "This has gone too culture are like, "This has gone too far." far." far." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. What number are we on? What number are we on? What number are we on? Um Um Um I have read five and four from me. So, I have read five and four from me. So, I have read five and four from me. So, three would be my next one. What's your three would be my next one. What's your three would be my next one. What's your fourth? fourth? fourth? Uh Uh Uh 24 to 48 hours. 24 to 48 hours. 24 to 48 hours. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yeah, so you just read that one and I Yeah, so you just read that one and I Yeah, so you just read that one and I revealed it as my number one. revealed it as my number one. revealed it as my number one. And you did your three? And you did your three? And you did your three? No, not yet. No, not yet. No, not yet. Okay, go ahead. Okay, go ahead. Okay, go ahead. My number three is Gen Z is more likely My number three is Gen Z is more likely My number three is Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to report than any other generation to report than any other generation to report having a mental health condition, and having a mental health condition, and having a mental health condition, and almost three in 10 say they're prone to almost three in 10 say they're prone to almost three in 10 say they're prone to anxiety, a higher proportion than any anxiety, a higher proportion than any anxiety, a higher proportion than any other age group. other age group. other age group. So, that's my two. So, that's my two. So, that's my two. Yeah. And so, these last three Yeah. And so, these last three Yeah. And so, these last three for me are are just all intertwined, for me are are just all intertwined, for me are are just all intertwined, they're all into interwoven, they're all they're all into interwoven, they're all they're all into interwoven, they're all related in in the sense of like, what related in in the sense of like, what related in in the sense of like, what are the ramifications of are the ramifications of are the ramifications of having these devices in our pockets all having these devices in our pockets all having these devices in our pockets all the time and spending so much time the time and spending so much time the time and spending so much time having them before our faces as as we having them before our faces as as we having them before our faces as as we do. And there is a do. And there is a do. And there is a myriad of reasons to to be having a myriad of reasons to to be having a myriad of reasons to to be having a mental health crisis right now. Um, but mental health crisis right now. Um, but mental health crisis right now. Um, but I know in my own life as like a pretty I know in my own life as like a pretty I know in my own life as like a pretty mature person and pretty mature mature person and pretty mature mature person and pretty mature Christian, I know the influence that
Christian, I know the influence that Christian, I know the influence that social media has on my anxiety. social media has on my anxiety. social media has on my anxiety. And like I was just going to say that And like I was just going to say that And like I was just going to say that about you. Like the way you trained your about you. Like the way you trained your about you. Like the way you trained your algorithm to teach you what you wanted algorithm to teach you what you wanted algorithm to teach you what you wanted to learn about your own personal life, to learn about your own personal life, to learn about your own personal life, that's the best use of of these um that's the best use of of these um that's the best use of of these um platforms like Tik Tok that are not just platforms like Tik Tok that are not just platforms like Tik Tok that are not just entertainment anymore. They're like entertainment anymore. They're like entertainment anymore. They're like they're very useful. they're very useful. they're very useful. Um, but the way you trained your Um, but the way you trained your Um, but the way you trained your algorithm that way is a very mature way algorithm that way is a very mature way algorithm that way is a very mature way to use that platform and it's a maturity to use that platform and it's a maturity to use that platform and it's a maturity that I'm not sure like a lot of people that I'm not sure like a lot of people that I'm not sure like a lot of people have. So that's even part of the have. So that's even part of the have. So that's even part of the responsibility of those of us who are responsibility of those of us who are responsibility of those of us who are leading people in faith communities is leading people in faith communities is leading people in faith communities is like equipping people like equipping people like equipping people if we're going to choose not to pull out if we're going to choose not to pull out if we're going to choose not to pull out and like move to the woods and start and like move to the woods and start and like move to the woods and start milking our own cows. It's like milking our own cows. It's like milking our own cows. It's like Okay, we're all on Tik Tok. We know Okay, we're all on Tik Tok. We know Okay, we're all on Tik Tok. We know that. Our church is on Tik Tok. We know that. Our church is on Tik Tok. We know that. Our church is on Tik Tok. We know that. How do we use these devices and that. How do we use these devices and that. How do we use these devices and platforms responsibly in a Christian platforms responsibly in a Christian platforms responsibly in a Christian way? That's part of our responsibility way? That's part of our responsibility way? That's part of our responsibility as Christian leaders, as pastors, as as Christian leaders, as pastors, as as Christian leaders, as pastors, as youth leaders, um, as parents. youth leaders, um, as parents. youth leaders, um, as parents. And if you're not on Tik Tok, And if you're not on Tik Tok, And if you're not on Tik Tok, don't you're not allowed to opt yourself don't you're not allowed to opt yourself don't you're not allowed to opt yourself out of this conversation because Tik Tok out of this conversation because Tik Tok out of this conversation because Tik Tok ushered in a new era that every platform ushered in a new era that every platform ushered in a new era that every platform copied. So if you're like, "That's why copied. So if you're like, "That's why copied. So if you're like, "That's why I'm not on Tik Tok." You're on I'm not on Tik Tok." You're on I'm not on Tik Tok." You're on Instagram. It's the same thing. Instagram. It's the same thing. Instagram. It's the same thing. Yeah. And I like we're in this season of Yeah. And I like we're in this season of Yeah. And I like we're in this season of Lent right now and Lent right now and Lent right now and inspired by the State of Culture Report, inspired by the State of Culture Report, inspired by the State of Culture Report, I could see that I could see that I could see that um I was having habits formed by Tik um I was having habits formed by Tik um I was having habits formed by Tik Tok. So I'm not on Tik Tok right now.
Tok. So I'm not on Tik Tok right now. Tok. So I'm not on Tik Tok right now. And for Lent? And for Lent? And for Lent? Yes, and maybe forever. Uh it won't be Yes, and maybe forever. Uh it won't be Yes, and maybe forever. Uh it won't be on my my iPhone homepage ever again, I on my my iPhone homepage ever again, I on my my iPhone homepage ever again, I can tell you that positively. Um, but can tell you that positively. Um, but can tell you that positively. Um, but I've noticed that I have the tendency to I've noticed that I have the tendency to I've noticed that I have the tendency to replace the dopamine cycle with another replace the dopamine cycle with another replace the dopamine cycle with another app. When I would normally be on Tik app. When I would normally be on Tik app. When I would normally be on Tik Tok, I was like, "Oh, well, I'll just go Tok, I was like, "Oh, well, I'll just go Tok, I was like, "Oh, well, I'll just go like I never watch Instagram Reels." like I never watch Instagram Reels." like I never watch Instagram Reels." Like maybe I'll go watch Instagram Like maybe I'll go watch Instagram Like maybe I'll go watch Instagram Reels. It's like Reels. It's like Reels. It's like Right. It's like I'm not buying Right. It's like I'm not buying Right. It's like I'm not buying McDonald's, so I went to Wendy's. McDonald's, so I went to Wendy's. McDonald's, so I went to Wendy's. Exactly. And so what I was What was I Exactly. And so what I was What was I Exactly. And so what I was What was I saying? saying? saying? Tik Tok here is Taco Bell. They're like, Tik Tok here is Taco Bell. They're like, Tik Tok here is Taco Bell. They're like, "At least I'm not on Taco Bell." "At least I'm not on Taco Bell." "At least I'm not on Taco Bell." Which I have said on this show plenty of Which I have said on this show plenty of Which I have said on this show plenty of times. times. times. Praise God for Taco Bell. Praise God for Taco Bell. Praise God for Taco Bell. Um, and so yes, there are plenty of Um, and so yes, there are plenty of Um, and so yes, there are plenty of reasons to be having a mental health reasons to be having a mental health reasons to be having a mental health crisis during uh uh this season of our crisis during uh uh this season of our crisis during uh uh this season of our life in the West, but um, I I find it no life in the West, but um, I I find it no life in the West, but um, I I find it no coincidence that we have the staggering coincidence that we have the staggering coincidence that we have the staggering statistic that Gen Z is more likely than statistic that Gen Z is more likely than statistic that Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to report having a any other generation to report having a any other generation to report having a mental health condition, and almost mental health condition, and almost mental health condition, and almost three in 10 said that they're prone to three in 10 said that they're prone to three in 10 said that they're prone to anxiety. I I am am not a political anxiety. I I am am not a political anxiety. I I am am not a political scientist. I can't I can't draw the scientist. I can't I can't draw the scientist. I can't I can't draw the lines for you perfectly, but I'm lines for you perfectly, but I'm lines for you perfectly, but I'm confident that these devices and the confident that these devices and the confident that these devices and the apps that are getting so much of our apps that are getting so much of our apps that are getting so much of our attention are are influencing our health attention are are influencing our health attention are are influencing our health of our bodies, of our of our spirits, of of our bodies, of our of our spirits, of of our bodies, of our of our spirits, of our emotions, and of our of our brains, our emotions, and of our of our brains, our emotions, and of our of our brains, of our anxiety. And so, yeah, it's it's of our anxiety. And so, yeah, it's it's of our anxiety. And so, yeah, it's it's not divor- it's it's it's not divorced not divor- it's it's it's not divorced not divor- it's it's it's not divorced from my number one. In fact, it's like from my number one. In fact, it's like from my number one. In fact, it's like it's it's very intertwined with with my it's it's very intertwined with with my it's it's very intertwined with with my concern about yeah, just how much concern about yeah, just how much concern about yeah, just how much attention we're giving to these things.
attention we're giving to these things. attention we're giving to these things. So, we did this exercise in an effort to So, we did this exercise in an effort to So, we did this exercise in an effort to see how we might differently rank them. see how we might differently rank them. see how we might differently rank them. And we basically did the exact numbers. And we basically did the exact numbers. And we basically did the exact numbers. Pretty darn close. Pretty darn close. Pretty darn close. So, let me present So, let me present So, let me present a different culprit to what you're a different culprit to what you're a different culprit to what you're describing. describing. describing. Okay. Okay. Okay. Not here to say that it's not a Not here to say that it's not a Not here to say that it's not a contributor, but I think there's another contributor, but I think there's another contributor, but I think there's another the pot, yeah. the pot, yeah. the pot, yeah. Yeah, yeah. I'm stirring the pot and I'm Yeah, yeah. I'm stirring the pot and I'm Yeah, yeah. I'm stirring the pot and I'm being like, "Good point, I think you're being like, "Good point, I think you're being like, "Good point, I think you're right. But there might be another right. But there might be another right. But there might be another thing." thing." thing." People want to listen to podcast hosts People want to listen to podcast hosts People want to listen to podcast hosts that fight. that fight. that fight. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, well, Yeah, well, Yeah, well, Okay, you're going to need another Okay, you're going to need another Okay, you're going to need another co-host. co-host. co-host. That's true. That's true. That's true. That's true. That's true. That's true. Uh Uh Uh It's a term called prevalence inflation. It's a term called prevalence inflation. It's a term called prevalence inflation. Okay. Okay. Okay. And the data that we cited this data And the data that we cited this data And the data that we cited this data from is Global Web Index again. Highly from is Global Web Index again. Highly from is Global Web Index again. Highly recommend that everyone goes through recommend that everyone goes through recommend that everyone goes through this report. Tons of good stuff in there this report. Tons of good stuff in there this report. Tons of good stuff in there that we didn't include in this episode. that we didn't include in this episode. that we didn't include in this episode. This is from uh a a study in Science This is from uh a a study in Science This is from uh a a study in Science Direct. Direct. Direct. The title of the study is called, "Are The title of the study is called, "Are The title of the study is called, "Are mental health awareness efforts mental health awareness efforts mental health awareness efforts contributing to the rise in reported contributing to the rise in reported contributing to the rise in reported mental health problems? A call to test mental health problems? A call to test mental health problems? A call to test the prevalence inflation hypothesis."
the prevalence inflation hypothesis." the prevalence inflation hypothesis." This is the thesis from this. Quote, This is the thesis from this. Quote, This is the thesis from this. Quote, "First, we argue that mental health "First, we argue that mental health "First, we argue that mental health awareness efforts are leading to more awareness efforts are leading to more awareness efforts are leading to more accurate reporting of previously accurate reporting of previously accurate reporting of previously under-recognized symptoms, a beneficial under-recognized symptoms, a beneficial under-recognized symptoms, a beneficial outcome. outcome. outcome. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Second, Second, Second, and more problematically, we propose and more problematically, we propose and more problematically, we propose that awareness efforts are leading some that awareness efforts are leading some that awareness efforts are leading some individuals to interpret and report individuals to interpret and report individuals to interpret and report milder forms of distress as mental milder forms of distress as mental milder forms of distress as mental health problems. We propose that this health problems. We propose that this health problems. We propose that this then leads some individuals to then leads some individuals to then leads some individuals to experience a genuine increase in experience a genuine increase in experience a genuine increase in symptoms because labeling distress as a symptoms because labeling distress as a symptoms because labeling distress as a mental health problem can affect an mental health problem can affect an mental health problem can affect an individual's self-concept and behavior individual's self-concept and behavior individual's self-concept and behavior in a way that is ultimately in a way that is ultimately in a way that is ultimately self-fulfilling. self-fulfilling. self-fulfilling. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. What a fascinating What a fascinating What a fascinating experiment that we're doing on experiment that we're doing on experiment that we're doing on ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Yep. Yep. Yep. We make progress We make progress We make progress because for so long we know what is a because for so long we know what is a because for so long we know what is a fact that people suffered in silence. fact that people suffered in silence. fact that people suffered in silence. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. So, we make progress So, we make progress So, we make progress and in that progress we do what every and in that progress we do what every and in that progress we do what every human culture has always done, we swing human culture has always done, we swing human culture has always done, we swing from one end of the pendulum to the from one end of the pendulum to the from one end of the pendulum to the other and that that solution to the other and that that solution to the other and that that solution to the problem in the human condition created a problem in the human condition created a problem in the human condition created a new one.
new one. new one. Right. Right. Right. That expresses itself in the same way That expresses itself in the same way That expresses itself in the same way that the problem we tried to fix was in that the problem we tried to fix was in that the problem we tried to fix was in the beginning. the beginning. the beginning. Yes. Yes. Yes. Could be. Could be. Could be. That's all you got? That's all you got? That's all you got? I mean, it seems awfully plausible and I mean, it seems awfully plausible and I mean, it seems awfully plausible and and and and and and and yeah, I mean yeah, I mean yeah, I mean Look, you're blaming phones. Look, you're blaming phones. Look, you're blaming phones. I'm blaming people that care about I'm blaming people that care about I'm blaming people that care about mental health. mental health. mental health. Yeah. What was the phrase? Uh What was the phrase? Uh prevalency prevalency prevalency prevalence inflation prevalence inflation prevalence inflation prevalence inflation prevalence inflation prevalence inflation We've talked about this before We've talked about this before We've talked about this before in relation to TikTok feeds. Remember in relation to TikTok feeds. Remember in relation to TikTok feeds. Remember when the brain-eating amoeba was on the when the brain-eating amoeba was on the when the brain-eating amoeba was on the TikTok feed last year? And all you would TikTok feed last year? And all you would TikTok feed last year? And all you would see was people being like, "Don't go in see was people being like, "Don't go in see was people being like, "Don't go in water. You'll die." water. You'll die." water. You'll die." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And I was like, "Oh my gosh, like am I And I was like, "Oh my gosh, like am I And I was like, "Oh my gosh, like am I going to die?" And then I was like, going to die?" And then I was like, going to die?" And then I was like, "Wait a minute, no. This is prevalence "Wait a minute, no. This is prevalence "Wait a minute, no. This is prevalence inflation." inflation." inflation." there's one person this happened to or there's one person this happened to or there's one person this happened to or whatever and I know about it because I'm whatever and I know about it because I'm whatever and I know about it because I'm connected. connected. connected. And everyone in their heightened, you And everyone in their heightened, you And everyone in their heightened, you know, anxiety state is like, "Wait, know, anxiety state is like, "Wait, know, anxiety state is like, "Wait, wait. Maybe this could happen, too." wait. Maybe this could happen, too." wait. Maybe this could happen, too." Right? Like there's there's there's this Right? Like there's there's there's this Right? Like there's there's there's this trend on TikTok because it gets views, trend on TikTok because it gets views, trend on TikTok because it gets views, and this is like a different version of and this is like a different version of and this is like a different version of outrage bait where it's like outrage bait where it's like outrage bait where it's like "Did you know that if you brushed with "Did you know that if you brushed with "Did you know that if you brushed with this toothpaste like this toothpaste like this toothpaste like you should never brush with that you should never brush with that you should never brush with that toothpaste." Like I'm literally trying toothpaste." Like I'm literally trying toothpaste." Like I'm literally trying to brush my teeth. You're telling me to brush my teeth. You're telling me to brush my teeth. You're telling me that that toothpaste is like it's that that toothpaste is like it's that that toothpaste is like it's actually worse than not brushing at all.
actually worse than not brushing at all. actually worse than not brushing at all. You're like, "Okay, another thing I got You're like, "Okay, another thing I got You're like, "Okay, another thing I got to worry about. Another thing." It's to worry about. Another thing." It's to worry about. Another thing." It's always that because it drives views always that because it drives views always that because it drives views because there's nothing that gets our because there's nothing that gets our because there's nothing that gets our attention more than outrage. attention more than outrage. attention more than outrage. Yeah. The example you just brought up Yeah. The example you just brought up Yeah. The example you just brought up about the brain brain-eating amoeba is about the brain brain-eating amoeba is about the brain brain-eating amoeba is actually perfect because it illustrates actually perfect because it illustrates actually perfect because it illustrates both of these points. It illustrates the both of these points. It illustrates the both of these points. It illustrates the the the the prevalency because when it the the the prevalency because when it the the the prevalency because when it Yeah, it was like one case or whatever, Yeah, it was like one case or whatever, Yeah, it was like one case or whatever, but it blew up on social and all of our but it blew up on social and all of our but it blew up on social and all of our algorithms were feeding it to us. But algorithms were feeding it to us. But algorithms were feeding it to us. But then on the other hand, what what what then on the other hand, what what what then on the other hand, what what what I'm suggesting is like if we weren't on I'm suggesting is like if we weren't on I'm suggesting is like if we weren't on TikTok, we wouldn't have known about TikTok, we wouldn't have known about TikTok, we wouldn't have known about that. Like if TikTok didn't have as much that. Like if TikTok didn't have as much that. Like if TikTok didn't have as much of my attention, I wouldn't have known of my attention, I wouldn't have known of my attention, I wouldn't have known about the brain eating brain-eating about the brain eating brain-eating about the brain eating brain-eating amoeba in the first place. And so, a amoeba in the first place. And so, a amoeba in the first place. And so, a couple weeks ago when we were in Punta couple weeks ago when we were in Punta couple weeks ago when we were in Punta Cana, and we hiked to these beautiful Cana, and we hiked to these beautiful Cana, and we hiked to these beautiful I disagree. I disagree. I disagree. freshwater lagoons, and I was like ready freshwater lagoons, and I was like ready freshwater lagoons, and I was like ready to jump in because I'm not prone to to jump in because I'm not prone to to jump in because I'm not prone to anxiety. Half the group was like, "What anxiety. Half the group was like, "What anxiety. Half the group was like, "What about brain-eating amoebas?" And I'm about brain-eating amoebas?" And I'm about brain-eating amoebas?" And I'm like, "Y'all, this isn't a this isn't like, "Y'all, this isn't a this isn't like, "Y'all, this isn't a this isn't something we need to be legitimately something we need to be legitimately something we need to be legitimately concerned about." concerned about." concerned about." fascinating revision of what actually fascinating revision of what actually fascinating revision of what actually happened because who was the first happened because who was the first happened because who was the first person to jump in that water? It wasn't person to jump in that water? It wasn't person to jump in that water? It wasn't you. It wasn't you.
you. It wasn't you. you. It wasn't you. That's true. That's true. That's true. I was not afraid of brain-eating I was not afraid of brain-eating I was not afraid of brain-eating amoebas. amoebas. amoebas. I was afraid of the cold. I was afraid of the cold. I was afraid of the cold. I disagree. I disagree. I disagree. Okay. Okay. Okay. There are certainly things There are certainly things There are certainly things We're legitimately disagreeing. We're legitimately disagreeing. We're legitimately disagreeing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep this going. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep this going. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep this going. literally lied about the lagoon, but literally lied about the lagoon, but literally lied about the lagoon, but that's fine. That's fine. that's fine. That's fine. that's fine. That's fine. I didn't say I was first. I didn't say I was first. I didn't say I was first. Everyone else was afraid of the amoeba. Everyone else was afraid of the amoeba. Everyone else was afraid of the amoeba. I said half of the group. And I said I said half of the group. And I said I said half of the group. And I said half because it was mostly the women. I half because it was mostly the women. I half because it was mostly the women. I didn't I didn't want to out them like didn't I didn't want to out them like didn't I didn't want to out them like that. that. that. That's crazy. And the true colors come out. Real sicko And the true colors come out. Real sicko behavior. behavior. behavior. Um Um Um I think there's something to like the I think there's something to like the I think there's something to like the heightened level of that happening. heightened level of that happening. heightened level of that happening. But before we had TikTok, we would just But before we had TikTok, we would just But before we had TikTok, we would just turn on the evening news, sure, and then turn on the evening news, sure, and then turn on the evening news, sure, and then run 60 minutes, and 60 minutes would be run 60 minutes, and 60 minutes would be run 60 minutes, and 60 minutes would be like, like, like, Your little Your Your friendly kitchen Your little Your Your friendly kitchen Your little Your Your friendly kitchen knife, the knife that cuts your knife, the knife that cuts your knife, the knife that cuts your vegetables, vegetables, vegetables, is it actually the biggest threat in is it actually the biggest threat in is it actually the biggest threat in your home tonight on 60 minutes? And your home tonight on 60 minutes? And your home tonight on 60 minutes? And then, you'd get to work the next day and then, you'd get to work the next day and then, you'd get to work the next day and be like, "Yeah, man, I I realized the be like, "Yeah, man, I I realized the be like, "Yeah, man, I I realized the knife I had bought was actually going to knife I had bought was actually going to knife I had bought was actually going to be a threat to my family, so I threw it be a threat to my family, so I threw it be a threat to my family, so I threw it and everyone's like, "I saw that, too.
and everyone's like, "I saw that, too. and everyone's like, "I saw that, too. Did you get it?" Did you get it?" Did you get it?" There's no algorithmic element to that, There's no algorithmic element to that, There's no algorithmic element to that, though, right? So, you see it on 60 though, right? So, you see it on 60 though, right? So, you see it on 60 minutes on Tuesday night, and then minutes on Tuesday night, and then minutes on Tuesday night, and then element. element. element. but you see it once. but you see it once. but you see it once. It's not a personally It's not a It's not a personally It's not a It's not a personally It's not a personal algorithmic element, but what personal algorithmic element, but what personal algorithmic element, but what happens when you talk about Tik Tok? Did happens when you talk about Tik Tok? Did happens when you talk about Tik Tok? Did you see that video I saw? We all see the you see that video I saw? We all see the you see that video I saw? We all see the same stuff. Like, there is a personal same stuff. Like, there is a personal same stuff. Like, there is a personal element to it, but element to it, but element to it, but news agencies have known ratings news agencies have known ratings news agencies have known ratings forever, and they're purposely choosing forever, and they're purposely choosing forever, and they're purposely choosing things to get us to watch and to get us things to get us to watch and to get us things to get us to watch and to get us to experience the identical symptoms, to experience the identical symptoms, to experience the identical symptoms, which is why I'm agreeing that there is which is why I'm agreeing that there is which is why I'm agreeing that there is a new element to it. It's Every a new element to it. It's Every a new element to it. It's Every generation, it's like we take the same generation, it's like we take the same generation, it's like we take the same thing and we ratchet it up a little bit thing and we ratchet it up a little bit thing and we ratchet it up a little bit more, and then we put the full blame on more, and then we put the full blame on more, and then we put the full blame on the newest expression of the thing that the newest expression of the thing that the newest expression of the thing that the previous generation championed and the previous generation championed and the previous generation championed and had their own bad version of. had their own bad version of. had their own bad version of. Yeah, that's fair. Yeah, that's fair. Yeah, that's fair. It's bad that it's worse. It's bad that it's worse. It's bad that it's worse. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But, people were scared of newspapers. But, people were scared of newspapers. But, people were scared of newspapers. People were scared of books. People were scared of books. People were scared of books. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They did not want people to have books. They did not want people to have books. They did not want people to have books. that's true. that's true. that's true. Yeah, Oscar, ABC's of Book Burning. Yeah, Oscar, ABC's of Book Burning. Yeah, Oscar, ABC's of Book Burning. Yeah. So, I think all we have left is my Yeah. So, I think all we have left is my Yeah. So, I think all we have left is my number one, number one, number one, which is your number two. which is your number two. which is your number two. That's right. That's right. That's right. 98% of Gen Z worldwide own a smartphone.
98% of Gen Z worldwide own a smartphone. 98% of Gen Z worldwide own a smartphone. I I couldn't believe this. Right? I I couldn't believe this. Right? I I couldn't believe this. Right? Well, let's provide some parameters. Well, let's provide some parameters. Well, let's provide some parameters. This from comes from Global Web Index This from comes from Global Web Index This from comes from Global Web Index again, because it's it's it's somewhat again, because it's it's it's somewhat again, because it's it's it's somewhat misleading misleading misleading in that what they're saying is our in that what they're saying is our in that what they're saying is our figures are representative of the online figures are representative of the online figures are representative of the online populations of each market. So, if you populations of each market. So, if you populations of each market. So, if you are online are online are online and Gen Z worldwide, 98% own a and Gen Z worldwide, 98% own a and Gen Z worldwide, 98% own a smartphone. smartphone. smartphone. So, that's not the total population of So, that's not the total population of So, that's not the total population of Gen Z, it's the total population of Gen Gen Z, it's the total population of Gen Gen Z, it's the total population of Gen Z who's online. They say Z who's online. They say Z who's online. They say in many markets in Latin America, the in many markets in Latin America, the in many markets in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asian Middle East and Africa, and the Asian Middle East and Africa, and the Asian Pacific region, low internet penetration Pacific region, low internet penetration Pacific region, low internet penetration rates can mean that online populations rates can mean that online populations rates can mean that online populations are more young, urban, affluent, and are more young, urban, affluent, and are more young, urban, affluent, and educated than the total population. Not educated than the total population. Not educated than the total population. Not everyone's online. everyone's online. everyone's online. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. So, this is the percentage of internet So, this is the percentage of internet So, this is the percentage of internet users ages 16 to 20 who own a smartphone users ages 16 to 20 who own a smartphone users ages 16 to 20 who own a smartphone worldwide of all the continents. Guess worldwide of all the continents. Guess worldwide of all the continents. Guess Guess which of the continents are the Guess which of the continents are the Guess which of the continents are the highest. highest. highest. They're in They're in They're in Both 99%. Both 99%. Both 99%. That's wild. Um That's wild. Um That's wild. Um I'd say South America and Africa.
I'd say South America and Africa. I'd say South America and Africa. Middle East and Africa. Middle East and Africa. Middle East and Africa. Okay. Okay. Okay. 99%. Now, you know, North America's 96%, 99%. Now, you know, North America's 96%, 99%. Now, you know, North America's 96%, Europe's 98%, Asia Pacific's 98%, Latin Europe's 98%, Asia Pacific's 98%, Latin Europe's 98%, Asia Pacific's 98%, Latin America's 98%. America's 98%. America's 98%. This gets to the question that I had. This gets to the question that I had. This gets to the question that I had. There is this prediction that we're There is this prediction that we're There is this prediction that we're going to hit this tipping point. going to hit this tipping point. going to hit this tipping point. That we're going to all collectively That we're going to all collectively That we're going to all collectively decide that we've had enough. We've seen decide that we've had enough. We've seen decide that we've had enough. We've seen the negative effects on culture. the negative effects on culture. the negative effects on culture. And I think that is really of the moment And I think that is really of the moment And I think that is really of the moment thinking. thinking. thinking. I see I see I see AI coming in. I see AI coming in. I see AI coming in. I see the biggest company in the world be the biggest company in the world be the biggest company in the world be like, we finally figured out wearables. like, we finally figured out wearables. like, we finally figured out wearables. We saw a person We saw a person We saw a person with the Apple Vision Pro coming home with the Apple Vision Pro coming home with the Apple Vision Pro coming home from the retreat. from the retreat. from the retreat. looked crazy. looked crazy. looked crazy. Sitting in a crowded terminal doing who Sitting in a crowded terminal doing who Sitting in a crowded terminal doing who knows what. knows what. knows what. what? That's the worst part. what? That's the worst part. what? That's the worst part. Filming us. Filming us. Filming us. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But he had the eyes on so we could see But he had the eyes on so we could see But he had the eyes on so we could see his eyes. his eyes. his eyes. Well, how generous. Well, how generous. Well, how generous. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. And so I think that this is only going And so I think that this is only going And so I think that this is only going to to get deeper. I think this is only to to get deeper. I think this is only to to get deeper. I think this is only going to keep happening. Now, going to keep happening. Now, going to keep happening. Now, it wouldn't surprise me at all if we do it wouldn't surprise me at all if we do it wouldn't surprise me at all if we do see certain populations, sects of see certain populations, sects of see certain populations, sects of culture, go the way of the Amish or the culture, go the way of the Amish or the culture, go the way of the Amish or the Mennonites. Like, you know what? We're Mennonites. Like, you know what? We're Mennonites. Like, you know what? We're stopping here. We just we we will not go stopping here. We just we we will not go stopping here. We just we we will not go any further. And I am very interested to any further. And I am very interested to any further. And I am very interested to see see see what we do differently with Gen Alpha.
what we do differently with Gen Alpha. what we do differently with Gen Alpha. Um my children Um my children Um my children my oldest I I would be Gen Alpha. my oldest I I would be Gen Alpha. my oldest I I would be Gen Alpha. Okay. My youngest is probably going to Okay. My youngest is probably going to Okay. My youngest is probably going to be in her own generation. She's, you be in her own generation. She's, you be in her own generation. She's, you know, not even 2 years old yet. So, know, not even 2 years old yet. So, know, not even 2 years old yet. So, there are seven Pro Church Tools kids there are seven Pro Church Tools kids there are seven Pro Church Tools kids under two. They're all going to be in under two. They're all going to be in under two. They're all going to be in their own generation. And then my their own generation. And then my their own generation. And then my oldest, Lily, will be probably in Gen oldest, Lily, will be probably in Gen oldest, Lily, will be probably in Gen Alpha, but but she might be kind of Alpha, but but she might be kind of Alpha, but but she might be kind of like, you know, right on the cusp. like, you know, right on the cusp. like, you know, right on the cusp. We have data now. We know giving We have data now. We know giving We have data now. We know giving smartphones to kids early smartphones to kids early smartphones to kids early is just like one of the worst things is just like one of the worst things is just like one of the worst things that you can do. And it's that you can do. And it's that you can do. And it's disproportionately worse to be on social disproportionately worse to be on social disproportionately worse to be on social for teenage girls. for teenage girls. for teenage girls. Right? So, Right? So, Right? So, I've talked with many parents I've talked with many parents I've talked with many parents that have teenagers, and they talk about that have teenagers, and they talk about that have teenagers, and they talk about how like how like how like you almost have to create groups of you almost have to create groups of you almost have to create groups of parents that collectively agree, we are parents that collectively agree, we are parents that collectively agree, we are not going to give our kids smartphones. not going to give our kids smartphones. not going to give our kids smartphones. Because if you're the one, it's almost Because if you're the one, it's almost Because if you're the one, it's almost just as distressing just as distressing just as distressing as being the one that's left out than if as being the one that's left out than if as being the one that's left out than if you actually have the social media you actually have the social media you actually have the social media on your phone. on your phone. on your phone. My guess is that by the time my kids My guess is that by the time my kids My guess is that by the time my kids reach teenage years, reach teenage years, reach teenage years, we'll have gone through one generational we'll have gone through one generational we'll have gone through one generational cycle of this that will be a little cycle of this that will be a little cycle of this that will be a little clearer. The data will be clear, and clearer. The data will be clear, and clearer. The data will be clear, and we'll we'll we'll culturally have figured out a little bit culturally have figured out a little bit culturally have figured out a little bit better of an approach. Maybe not better of an approach. Maybe not better of an approach. Maybe not everywhere, but I'm confident at least everywhere, but I'm confident at least everywhere, but I'm confident at least right now, and perhaps this is naive, right now, and perhaps this is naive, right now, and perhaps this is naive, but we have data now, and I'm seeing I but we have data now, and I'm seeing I but we have data now, and I'm seeing I talked to my my my parents that have talked to my my my parents that have talked to my my my parents that have like kids that are, you know, 9, 10, 11, like kids that are, you know, 9, 10, 11, like kids that are, you know, 9, 10, 11, 12, they're like, yeah, no, no, no, not 12, they're like, yeah, no, no, no, not 12, they're like, yeah, no, no, no, not until at least this age. Oh, yeah, 16, until at least this age. Oh, yeah, 16, until at least this age. Oh, yeah, 16, no way. Like, no younger than that.
no way. Like, no younger than that. no way. Like, no younger than that. Like, it's going to be 16, and even Like, it's going to be 16, and even Like, it's going to be 16, and even then, it's going to be like police to then, it's going to be like police to then, it's going to be like police to this level. It's going to be like this level. It's going to be like this level. It's going to be like monitored to this level. And then I I monitored to this level. And then I I monitored to this level. And then I I think about like think about like think about like what's it going to be like for those what's it going to be like for those what's it going to be like for those kids? Like, are they going to feel like kids? Like, are they going to feel like kids? Like, are they going to feel like they live in like this nanny state? Is they live in like this nanny state? Is they live in like this nanny state? Is that going to be a thing where they talk that going to be a thing where they talk that going to be a thing where they talk about my parents, like, they knew about about my parents, like, they knew about about my parents, like, they knew about the texts that I was on. But, you know, the texts that I was on. But, you know, the texts that I was on. But, you know, we have these new platforms, like, you we have these new platforms, like, you we have these new platforms, like, you know, Messenger Friends, Messenger know, Messenger Friends, Messenger know, Messenger Friends, Messenger Family. It's like Facebook Messenger Family. It's like Facebook Messenger Family. It's like Facebook Messenger where you can only get it if both where you can only get it if both where you can only get it if both parents exchange a secret code that parents exchange a secret code that parents exchange a secret code that allows their kids to text. So, that way allows their kids to text. So, that way allows their kids to text. So, that way like a kid can't just text their friend like a kid can't just text their friend like a kid can't just text their friend unless the parents meet. So, even tech unless the parents meet. So, even tech unless the parents meet. So, even tech companies are evolving and trying to companies are evolving and trying to companies are evolving and trying to introduce better things. introduce better things. introduce better things. Um Um Um But, what we have started I do not see But, what we have started I do not see But, what we have started I do not see slowing down. slowing down. slowing down. Yeah, I just don't know Yeah, I just don't know Yeah, I just don't know I just don't know what like a a path to I just don't know what like a a path to I just don't know what like a a path to regress, right? Like if we look over the regress, right? Like if we look over the regress, right? Like if we look over the course of human history like any any course of human history like any any course of human history like any any major breakthrough in technology, major breakthrough in technology, major breakthrough in technology, whether it's like communication or whether it's like communication or whether it's like communication or medication or whatever, it's like it the medication or whatever, it's like it the medication or whatever, it's like it the progress always moves forward and and progress always moves forward and and progress always moves forward and and there's there's pushback along the way there's there's pushback along the way there's there's pushback along the way for for different breakthroughs and this for for different breakthroughs and this for for different breakthroughs and this that and the other, but like we're that and the other, but like we're that and the other, but like we're culturally, like you said, maybe culturally, like you said, maybe culturally, like you said, maybe there'll be small groups that will there'll be small groups that will there'll be small groups that will retreat to the mountains and start retreat to the mountains and start retreat to the mountains and start making their own cheese, but like making their own cheese, but like making their own cheese, but like culturally we will not revert back, I culturally we will not revert back, I culturally we will not revert back, I don't believe. I I don't see a way with don't believe. I I don't see a way with don't believe. I I don't see a way with the way technology is is integrated with the way technology is is integrated with the way technology is is integrated with everything we do in the modern world, everything we do in the modern world, everything we do in the modern world, but I do know that I'm feeling like but I do know that I'm feeling like but I do know that I'm feeling like I'm showing my age now, but like I'm I'm showing my age now, but like I'm I'm showing my age now, but like I'm feeling like I'm hitting my own ceilings feeling like I'm hitting my own ceilings feeling like I'm hitting my own ceilings of like, oh yeah, like you know, I've of like, oh yeah, like you know, I've of like, oh yeah, like you know, I've I'll I'll I'll probably always buy the I'll I'll I'll probably always buy the I'll I'll I'll probably always buy the newest smartphone. I like having that in newest smartphone. I like having that in newest smartphone. I like having that in my pocket. I like the cameras and this
my pocket. I like the cameras and this my pocket. I like the cameras and this that and the other, but like when it that and the other, but like when it that and the other, but like when it comes to comes to comes to um um um augmented or virtual reality, like augmented or virtual reality, like augmented or virtual reality, like that's just really not something that that's just really not something that that's just really not something that I'm I'm interested in and can't see a I'm I'm interested in and can't see a I'm I'm interested in and can't see a path towards me being interested in. path towards me being interested in. path towards me being interested in. That's that feels like a step in a That's that feels like a step in a That's that feels like a step in a direction too far for me. So, I I see direction too far for me. So, I I see direction too far for me. So, I I see where now I'm I'm getting old enough where now I'm I'm getting old enough where now I'm I'm getting old enough where I I I feel like I I may start where I I I feel like I I may start where I I I feel like I I may start drawing some some lines with how how far drawing some some lines with how how far drawing some some lines with how how far I personally wade in into the waters, I personally wade in into the waters, I personally wade in into the waters, but culturally it's like I I but culturally it's like I I but culturally it's like I I I totally agree. I I I don't see a way I totally agree. I I I don't see a way I totally agree. I I I don't see a way to go backwards. And so, that's the to go backwards. And so, that's the to go backwards. And so, that's the question that we ask ourselves question that we ask ourselves question that we ask ourselves introspectively on this show all the introspectively on this show all the introspectively on this show all the time is like this is the world we're time is like this is the world we're time is like this is the world we're living in. We are living in the wake of living in. We are living in the wake of living in. We are living in the wake of the biggest communication shift in the the biggest communication shift in the the biggest communication shift in the last 500 years and it's good, it's bad, last 500 years and it's good, it's bad, last 500 years and it's good, it's bad, it's ugly. And the question before us is it's ugly. And the question before us is it's ugly. And the question before us is how do we live as faithful Christians how do we live as faithful Christians how do we live as faithful Christians first and foremost, just personally, first and foremost, just personally, first and foremost, just personally, like Brady offline, Alex offline, like like Brady offline, Alex offline, like like Brady offline, Alex offline, like not on the mics, how do we live as not on the mics, how do we live as not on the mics, how do we live as faithful Christians first and then how faithful Christians first and then how faithful Christians first and then how do we as as Christian leaders? and so do we as as Christian leaders? and so do we as as Christian leaders? and so for the folks listening to the show, for the folks listening to the show, for the folks listening to the show, like how do we faithfully follow Jesus like how do we faithfully follow Jesus like how do we faithfully follow Jesus um in a digital age using these digital um in a digital age using these digital um in a digital age using these digital means to share the greatest story ever means to share the greatest story ever means to share the greatest story ever told? It's the question before us. Every told? It's the question before us. Every told? It's the question before us. Every time we sit down to record the show, time we sit down to record the show, time we sit down to record the show, it's the question that that we ask it's the question that that we ask it's the question that that we ask ourselves every time we walk through the ourselves every time we walk through the ourselves every time we walk through the doors at 9:00 a.m. in this office, like doors at 9:00 a.m. in this office, like doors at 9:00 a.m. in this office, like how do we faithfully do this as how do we faithfully do this as how do we faithfully do this as Christians? And sure, there will be Christians? And sure, there will be Christians? And sure, there will be missteps along the way, but um in this missteps along the way, but um in this missteps along the way, but um in this sense and in so many others, like I just sense and in so many others, like I just sense and in so many others, like I just I I believe that God is a god of like
I I believe that God is a god of like I I believe that God is a god of like forward motion, forward progress. And forward motion, forward progress. And forward motion, forward progress. And so, how do we continue to walk forward so, how do we continue to walk forward so, how do we continue to walk forward following him faithfully through a following him faithfully through a following him faithfully through a digital age? It's not easy digital age? It's not easy digital age? It's not easy uh and there certainly is no road map, uh and there certainly is no road map, uh and there certainly is no road map, but but but you only get anywhere by taking one step you only get anywhere by taking one step you only get anywhere by taking one step at a time. And so, you interrogate those at a time. And so, you interrogate those at a time. And so, you interrogate those steps along the way and ask yourself, am steps along the way and ask yourself, am steps along the way and ask yourself, am I doing this faithfully to Jesus? And I doing this faithfully to Jesus? And I doing this faithfully to Jesus? And if so, then like if so, then like if so, then like onward, Christian soldier. onward, Christian soldier. onward, Christian soldier. Onward, Christian soldier. Beautiful cap Onward, Christian soldier. Beautiful cap Onward, Christian soldier. Beautiful cap on a mildly distressing episode. on a mildly distressing episode. on a mildly distressing episode. hot in here. hot in here. hot in here. I think that a lot of what we're I think that a lot of what we're I think that a lot of what we're describing has parallels with the describing has parallels with the describing has parallels with the Academy Awards picture of the year. Academy Awards picture of the year. Academy Awards picture of the year. Where Where Where you build this bomb. you build this bomb. you build this bomb. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. And then And then And then you know, Oppenheimer's like, maybe you know, Oppenheimer's like, maybe you know, Oppenheimer's like, maybe maybe we could stop now. maybe we could stop now. maybe we could stop now. And then he's like, I cuz I we don't And then he's like, I cuz I we don't And then he's like, I cuz I we don't need to do anything else. And then need to do anything else. And then need to do anything else. And then you know, one of the other you know, one of the other you know, one of the other Mines new is until somebody builds a Mines new is until somebody builds a Mines new is until somebody builds a bigger one. And then suddenly we all bigger one. And then suddenly we all bigger one. And then suddenly we all have enough nukes to you know, blow up have enough nukes to you know, blow up have enough nukes to you know, blow up the world how many times over. It's you the world how many times over. It's you the world how many times over. It's you know, you open that up, that Pandora's know, you open that up, that Pandora's know, you open that up, that Pandora's Box, and Box, and Box, and you're right, we don't stop. It's like, you're right, we don't stop. It's like, you're right, we don't stop. It's like, wait, this weapon exists, this phone wait, this weapon exists, this phone wait, this weapon exists, this phone exists. Well, that means that we can exists. Well, that means that we can exists. Well, that means that we can exploit humanity.
exploit humanity. exploit humanity. And that means that we can do great And that means that we can do great And that means that we can do great things with it. Means we can do terrible things with it. Means we can do terrible things with it. Means we can do terrible things with it. things with it. things with it. So yeah, mildly distressing. I probably So yeah, mildly distressing. I probably So yeah, mildly distressing. I probably should have stopped talking. You had had should have stopped talking. You had had should have stopped talking. You had had cap, onward, Christian soldier and then cap, onward, Christian soldier and then cap, onward, Christian soldier and then I was like, "Soldier, Bob Oppenheimer." I was like, "Soldier, Bob Oppenheimer." I was like, "Soldier, Bob Oppenheimer." Thanks as always for your time, Thanks as always for your time, Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you attention, and trust. We'll talk to you attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next week. next week. next week. It's interesting. It's interesting. It's interesting. Yeah, it's the whites. Yeah, it's the whites. Yeah, it's the whites. It's always the whites, people. It's always the whites, people. It's always the whites, people. It's really It's always you got to look It's really It's always you got to look It's really It's always you got to look in the mirror. in the mirror. in the mirror. And ask yourself, "Why God, why?" And ask yourself, "Why God, why?" And ask yourself, "Why God, why?" That's right.

Summary

This church communication podcast segment focuses on understanding Gen Z, the smartphone-native generation born between 1996 and 2010. The hosts discuss and rank ten key statistics about this demographic that churches need to be aware of. The takeaway is that churches must engage with and adapt to the unique characteristics and data surrounding Gen Z to effectively reach them.

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