No Gatekeeping: Why Gen Z Shares It All

What if I told you that the biggest cultural shift between generations isn’t how we dress, speak, or protest—but how we share?

We live in an age where everything spreads faster than ever. A career tip, a skincare routine, a job board, or even a little-known café recommendation can go viral in seconds. More often than not, it’s Gen Z behind the curtain, passing that information along — not because we have to, but because we want to.

The Thought That Sparked This Blog

This observation didn’t stem from a study — it began with a simple observation. Within my circle, and among most Gen Zs I’ve met, the instinct to share is second nature. We tell people about scholarships we’re applying for, Instagram pages we follow, and freelance gigs we find. We even create content about it. So I began to wonder — did older generations do this too?

Culture Over Character

Let’s clear the air: it’s not that older generations are selfish or secretive. If you ask your parents or mentors for advice, they’ll often help without hesitation. The difference isn’t individual behavior — it’s peer-to-peer culture, shaped by the systems they lived in.

When two Gen Zs talk, they often freely exchange resources:

“Here’s the resume template I used.”

“This site has freelance gigs that aren’t on LinkedIn.”

“Use this app to build a free portfolio.”

In contrast, previous generations often treated information as currency. Knowing something others didn’t gave you an edge. In a more competitive, less transparent world, that edge could mean real opportunity.

And maybe it’s not their fault. Perhaps they were raised that way. The systems they grew up in — rigid job markets, competitive schools, limited internet access — taught them that success is a solo race. If everyone has the answer, it loses its value.

They weren’t wrong for protecting what they had. They were just responding to the pressures of their time.

The Data Speaks — Generational Contrast in Sharing

Older Generations: More Knowledge Hoarding

• A literature review in VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems found that employees — especially mid-to-senior professionals — often hoard knowledge to maintain job security or internal advantage.👉 Serenko & Bontis, 2016 – ResearchGate

• A study in the Journal of Organizational Behavior (2021) showed that older workers (ages 45–65) were less willing to share knowledge with peers if they perceived negative stereotypes about aging.👉 PMC Study

• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) notes that Gen X values self-reliance and autonomy, which often translates into less collaborative behavior.👉 SHRM Report

  
  

Gen Z: Open, Peer-Centric Sharing

• The Deloitte Global Gen Z Survey (2023) reports that 74% of Gen Zs prefer peer collaboration and learning through shared knowledge, not competition.👉 Deloitte Survey

• According to McKinsey & Company (2022), Gen Z places high value on “radical inclusivity” and “mutual growth,” reinforced by digital platforms that reward openness.👉 McKinsey Report

  
  

What This Actually Shows

• Gen Z – Shares freely. Always exchanging hacks, links, templates, and tips. Sharing is the default, not the exception.

Motivation: Inclusivity, community growth, identity expression.

• Gen X & Boomers – More cautious, sometimes competitive. Knowledge was often held back, partly as a way to maintain an edge or protect job security.

Motivation: Independence, status protection, security in uncertain markets.

The Evolution of Sharing

Some may call it oversharing. But maybe it’s evolution. Each generation reflects the world it grew up in. Maybe Gen Z’s open-handedness isn’t just a trend — it’s a response. A quiet rebellion against scarcity. We’re not just building careers — we’re building ladders for others to climb, too.

The Importance of Sharing in Today’s World

In today’s interconnected world, sharing has become essential. It fosters collaboration and innovation. When we share, we create opportunities for others. This culture of sharing can lead to collective growth and success.

Building a Supportive Community

Creating a supportive community is vital. By sharing knowledge and resources, we empower each other. This supportive network can help individuals navigate challenges more effectively.

The Role of Technology in Sharing

Technology plays a significant role in how we share information. Social media platforms, blogs, and forums allow us to connect and exchange ideas. These tools have made sharing easier and more accessible than ever before.

Coffee of the Day

A shared pour-over. Slow to brew, served for more than one cup — a quiet reminder that some moments just feel better side by side.

~The Stressed Potato