See Switzerland through the eyes of young people

Emily Rose, aged 21, lives in a rural region of Switzerland. Emily Denton

Using just a smartphone and their imagination, the Swiss Generation Z have shown us in pictures what they think about different topics that influence their lives in Switzerland. 

swissinfo.ch wanted to know what this generation expects, feels, and thinks about a world in which they grew up, using digital tools to make a public statement on their own lives, and then share it with people around the globe.

For today’s 18 to 24-year-olds terrorism, environmental issues and climate change are burning issues. So, what does the generation that stepped out of the shadow of the millennials, think about their lives in Switzerland?

In German-speaking Switzerland, 70%External link of 15 to 25-year-olds think it’s a good thing that young people take part in demonstrations demanding a change to climate policy.

Max, aged 20 . “I live in the eastern Alpine region of Switzerland. I am a big football fan and like players with rough edges, just like Tony Adams.” Max

Consumerism is a hot topic for Gen Z, but they also recognise the immediate need for global action on climate change. Here in Switzerland, fewer people own a car or are able to drive – they wait longer before learning to drive for various reasons, including the continued improvement of public transport and the rising costs of owning a car.

Shubhangi Makkar. “I moved to Switzerland last September to pursue my Masters in Physics at ETH Zurich. Apart from studying the laws of nature, I enjoy capturing the small, colourful moments of life. My passions are travel and photography.” Shubhangi Makkar

Love actually

In Switzerland, among the things that the first truly digital and tech-native generation consider “in” – or cannot do without on a daily basis – are services such as WhatsApp, YouTube, email, Instagram and streaming platforms like Spotify or Netflix. With the internet came freedom to talk more about the differences in culture, sexuality, relationships and gender.

So what do Generation Z think of their relationships, family and the country they live in – their “Heimat” (homeland): Switzerland.

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