Jersey City — The SXSW season is approaching. What started as a small-scale, interactive film and music festival for creatives in the ‘80s has grown into a well sought-after celebration of the convergence of tech, film, music, education and culture.
Over the years, SXSW helped popularize groundbreaking innovations in tech such as: Video streaming (1999), Online blogging (2000), Wearable tech (2001) and Wi-Fi (2003).
Today, tech innovators who are heading to SXSW are gearing up to discuss new developments in artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, virtual reality (XR), health tech and more.
Roughly 10% of SXSW attendees in 2022 were Gen Z, and with more of us entering the workforce, that number is likely to grow this year, as we obtain access to the funds to go on our own.
That said, what does Gen Z want from the SXSW scene? And most importantly, what expectations does the generation have when it comes to tech innovation? Let’s break it down:
Mental Health Awareness Online: In today's digital age, where social media platforms reign supreme and technology is a part of nearly every aspect of our lives, conversations about mental health have become more prevalent than ever, especially among Gen Z.
Young people today are able to not only document their own experiences with mental health, they are also able to find community in sharing their experiences online. This has created a push to normalize the conversation around mental well-being, but at the same time, has exposed the generation to loads of depressive content – that can at times contribute to negative effects on one’s mental health.
I anticipate that a bulk of Gen Zers would like to see social media platforms and digital communities implement effective solutions for content moderation that provide trigger warnings on content in addition to moderating harassment, hate speech, and inappropriate behavior that fuels downward mental health spirals.
Ethical AI: 2023 was the year of AI and the rapid advancements in space are expected to continue. Due to the lack of diversity in the AI development space, a bulk of AI algorithms include biases that can generate inaccurate content. This inaccuracy comes in all forms of AI, whether it is generative AI images or written content.
Being that Gen Z is the most diverse generation to date, with core values that center around inclusion and transparency, this early-stage inaccuracy in AI will not fly for long. Gen Z will certainly be expecting tech innovators to explain how they plan to diversify their AI workforce and how they will implement protocols within their algorithms that help others determine what is factual and what is not.
Access to Affordable Treatment: A bulk of Gen Z is well aware of the status of their mental health and is eager to improve it. The creation of mobile therapy platforms have offered a solution in this space, with some platforms offering discounted rates to those going through financial hardship.
However, even with that arm of accessibility, many young people still struggle to afford the mental health treatment they need. As such, Gen Zers attending SXSW are likely to be interested in hearing from tech innovators about their plans to increase access to affordable mental health care.
This could include discussions about financial technology and how the sector can overlap and contribute to the development of mental health apps, and other technological solutions that aim to make care more affordable. Gen Z values transparency and inclusivity, so they will want to hear about efforts to ensure that these platforms are evolving the ways they become accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses.
Interested in learning more about new developments in tech and social media at SXSW? Tune in to the Mental Health and Social Media Meet Up hosted by Harry Jowsey, a vocal advocate for mental wellbeing, to discuss the complex world of mental health in this digital age and connect with other SXSW attendees who are passionate about mental health and wellness.
Keeping it gee, Gen Z’s stance on tech's impact on mental health is clear: they demand comprehensive coverage, diverse representation and tangible support. As we navigate the complex intersection of technology and well-being, it's imperative that we listen to the voices of Gen Z and work together to create a world where mental health is prioritized and supported for all.
Miranda Perez (she/her/hers) is a Jersey City, NJ-based journalist who covers the tech industry. Follow her on X and Instagram: @mimithegee.
Edited by NaTyshca Pickett