There is no shortage of headlines describing Generation Z as anxious, lonely and overwhelmed. Rising mental health concerns, endless screen time, climate anxiety and an uncertain future have become common themes whenever people talk about young people.But what if those headlines tell only part of the story?That question stayed with Sean Murphy, a professor of storytelling and founder of the non-profit 1455 Storytelling Arts, after he spent six months reading more than 300 poems submitted by writers aged 10 to 21 from the United States and several other countries.Instead of finding only despair, he discovered something unexpected: resilience.
More than sadness, there was determination
The poems explored subjects many adults would expect—loneliness, fractured families, anxiety, violence, grief and uncertainty. Young writers did not shy away from difficult emotions or uncomfortable realities.Yet Murphy noticed a common thread running through many of the submissions. Rather than surrendering to hopelessness, the poets repeatedly chose perseverance.One line from 14-year-old Alicia Chow particularly stood out: “I realize the only way through is through. So I keep moving as defiance of loss.”For Murphy, that single sentence captured what many of the poems were trying to say. Hope, he argues, is not blind optimism. It is the decision to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain.
Poetry in the age of algorithms
At a time when social media rewards speed, instant reactions and constant scrolling, Murphy believes poetry offers something increasingly rare: the chance to pause.Writing and reading poems require reflection, patience and the willingness to sit with complicated emotions instead of looking for instant answers.Many of the young writers questioned inequality, identity, relationships and the future, but they also searched for compassion and meaning. Rather than turning away from difficult conversations, they leaned into them with honesty and maturity.Murphy says this challenges the common belief that today’s teenagers are disconnected or indifferent. Their poems suggest many are deeply engaged with the world around them—they are simply expressing it differently.
A different way to understand Gen Z
For parents, teachers and educators, the anthology offers an important reminder: statistics can reveal trends, but they do not always capture the whole story.Behind every survey about anxiety or screen time is a generation still capable of empathy, creativity and hope. The poems Murphy read suggest that many young people are not giving up on the future. Instead, they are trying to imagine a better one.Perhaps that is the biggest surprise of all. In a world often dominated by noise, hundreds of young voices quietly demonstrated that resilience can sometimes be found in a few carefully chosen words.Disclaimer: This article is based on an essay by Sean Murphy, professor at Shenandoah University and founder of 1455 Storytelling Arts, originally published by The Conversation.
