Hopes and Aspirations of Generation Z in Iran

"We are the giants of the virtual reality world" this is a quote from a Zoomer told to one of my friends. Simultaneously, the internet arrived in Iran in 1990, ushering in the rise of a new generation: Generation Z (also known as Zoomers). We can call them the internet generation. Born in the midst of a world where the internet played a pivotal role, they cannot comprehend the concept of limitations. They are incredibly brave, highly intelligent, and adept at finding ways to access a free flow of information. They prefer collaborative work over traditional employment. They embrace freelancing and believe in the potential to generate significant income through online ventures such as Instagram and social media, trading digital currencies, and engaging in NFT marketplaces. While entering the job market, they often choose more independent paths, such as working as cafe owners or barista, prioritizing personal freedom and a lifestyle they believe surpasses that of their parents. Iranian Zoomers are passionate about driving political change and shaping their country's future. A review of Iranian contemporary history from 2008 to the present reveals their significant impact on technological advancements and political events, including the post-presidential unrest in 2009 and the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini (a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman) in 2022 which is also known as the Women Life Freedom movement, as well as the opposition to mandatory hijab. In fact, Generation Z has profoundly transformed the image of Iran. Observe a photograph of most Iranian women, particularly young women, and you might be surprised to discover the country of origin. We can confidently label Generation Z as the most powerful generation in Iran. This assertion gained further credence with the outcome of Iran's 2024 early presidential elections. Most Iranians had become disengaged from politics and chose not to participate in the presidential elections. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and reformist member of Parliament, was the sole candidate from the reformist faction. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Saeed Jalili, two prominent conservative politicians, were widely expected to be the frontrunners. However, Zoomers entered the political arena, and Masoud Pezeshkian emerged victorious, becoming the second reformist president of Iran after Mohammad Khatami (a cleric who initiated the concept of dialogue among civilizations at the United Nations General Assembly in 1998). "Hopes and Aspirations of Generation Z in Iran" is a long-term project I embarked on in 2003. Over the years, I have witnessed this generation's remarkable growth, their relentless pursuit of empowerment and knowledge, their determination to reshape their country, and their increasing influence on politics and social freedoms, a progression that continues to this day.

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