Who shapes Gen Z’s future? Experts debate parenting, pressure and the power of algorithms

A thought-provoking discussion on the realities facing Gen Z unpacked how parenting styles, digital influence and shifting aspirations are shaping a generation growing up amid unprecedented pressure. Parenting coach and psychotherapist Riri G Trivedi and academic influencer and University of Delhi professor Vijender Singh Chauhan were in conversation with educator and social worker Sujata Sen.
The session explored mental health struggles, academic stress, identity formation and digital fatigue, while questioning whether parents still hold influence over their children’s futures. Trivedi reflected on the extremes of parenting across generations, contrasting authoritarian, punishment-driven approaches with today’s increasingly permissive styles. Warning against both, she stressed that imbalance can lead to serious consequences — from depression and addiction to entitlement and lack of discipline. “The toughest is the right kind of parenting,” she said, advocating for a balanced, authoritative approach rooted in open communication.
Chauhan widened the debate by examining how aspirations are now shaped less by families or educators and more by invisible digital algorithms. He argued that curated online ideals often create stress regardless of success or failure, urging parents to develop critical awareness of these forces.

Despite the challenges, both speakers acknowledged Gen Z’s growing self-awareness, including conscious efforts to regulate screen time. The conversation concluded with a shared belief that in an era of weakening authority, balanced guidance, dialogue and critical thinking remain essential for helping young people navigate an uncertain future.



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