Are Gen Z less tech savvy than previous generations?

‘While students are quite adept at using their cell phones and basic software, they may not be computer fluent,’ said Dr. Gary Insch, professor of management at the University of Toledo.

When they are learning how to use computer platforms, Insch argues that Gen Z are being introduced to the wrong ones, with most students using Google and Gmail suite over Microsoft.

‘Students are learning skills that are not relevant in the business world. Microsoft Office is one of the most desired skills by hiring managers. Most corporations do not run off Chrome OS, create reports in Google Docs, nor begin boardroom presentations on Google Slide.

In fact, recent research has shown that only 15 companies listed in the S&P 500 are using Google’s productivity suite.’

Some netizens are also concerned that the rise of AI technology will accelerate the decline in computer literacy, as basic skills are replaced by tech itself.

More Gen Z workers are worried about the threat of AI than older generations. Around half (51%) of Gen Z have said they feel concerned about being replaced by someone with better generative AI skills.

Another huge issue at the heart of the tech education gap is the fact that the tech platforms we use today were created by older generations.

Adam Garry, senior director of education strategy at Dell, argues that employers are behind in providing new and creative ways to use technology – beyond the traditional workspaces.

‘We focus on providing cool furniture and office spaces, but we aren’t as creative about how to use technology as we could be. […] Workspaces have been created by older generations, while Gen Z is on their phones using TikTok and Instagram.’

Garry is among a number of individuals in the tech sector who are working to bridge the generational education gap. This involves visiting schools to ensure they have the resources needed to adequately educate young people on digital platforms.

‘We’re trying to help schools redefine professional learning so it’s not four times a year, but four times a day. We’re visiting classrooms to make sure educators have what they need, but it’s going to take some time to bridge the gap.’

But it seems the topic of Gen Z’s tech illiteracy isn’t just a concern in professional contexts. The subject has even garnered its own Reddit thread, where users have called out five major causes.

These include the educational system, where schools may have limited access to technology and/or outdated curricula and socioeconomic factors like limited access to technology at home, resulting in a lack of exposure to digital tools.

Underfunding in schools across the board also poses an issue, with teachers’ access to supplies drastically impacting their ability to teach students – particularly when it comes to technology and digital platforms.

Ultimately, journalists Lone Gamble and Georgina Tonic argue that the education issue around tech illiteracy is ‘just unfair [on young people]’.

Parents and teachers don’t provide Gen Z with the right tools because they don’t think they need to. And, without access to the right tools themselves, the problem continues to snowball.