Lecture to explore technology's impact on Generation Z 

Social media and other contemporary technologies have impacted societies around the world, most notably in the arenas of politics, religion, race relations and journalism. An upcoming presentation at Grand Valley State University will explore how the post-Millennial generation known as Generation Z is impacted by these technological changes.

Edward Tywoniak, professor of communication and media studies and director of the W.M. Keck Digital Studies Lab at Saint Mary’s College of California, will present “Fighting the Politics of Illusion: Technology, Democracy and the Public Good” during this year’s James W. Carey Memorial Lecture.

The event will take place September 26 at 7 p.m. in Loosemore Auditorium (room 122E), located inside the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Tywoniak claims that members of “Gen Z” are often described as “digital natives” — people who are technology savvy and “connected” from birth, and who often describe themselves as diverse, entrepreneurial, progressive and individualistic. But, he argues that this generation is also described as having less religious identification, greater dissatisfaction with government leaders, and more feelings of being overwhelmed by the demands and responsibilities placed on them by their families, peers, technology and society.

During his presentation, Tywoniak will provide an analysis of current political, social and technical trends that are shaping the global and domestic political and cultural landscapes. He will also explore challenges facing Gen Z as they prepare to take over the responsibility of providing stewardship for the planet.

Sponsors for this year’s Carey Memorial Lecture include the Communication Studies program in the School of Communications, Political Science Department and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

For more information, contact Valerie Peterson, professor of communications studies, at (616) 331-2981 or [email protected].