The Era of Gen Z and Social Media Stardom –The Impact on Higher Education in 2030

Abstract

Over the years, the interest in seeking higher education have evolved – for both traditional and non-traditional learners.  With each generation, we learn about the trends, beliefs, and goals for the future What sparks the interest for one generation may not create interest in others.  Thus, it has been observed that younger generations Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012 and at the time of this writing, they are between the ages of 10 and 25), lean more toward an interest in achieving social media stardom as a career versus perusing or even valuing the need for higher education.  The perceived idea that social media stardom generates higher revenues versus the creating debt in pursuing higher education, which often generates moderate incomes, has been developed within this generation.  Thus, the impetus behind this research was to learn more about the future higher education goals of Generation Z.  Surveys were distributed worldwide that lent to the researcher to better understand some of the factors that may contribute to Generation Z pursuing higher education.  Additionally, assumptions, conclusions, and opportunities for future research predictions were learned.