What does empathy mean to Gen Z?

At its heart, empathy is about understanding and sharing in someone else’s feelings – a way of connecting that goes beyond just our closest relationships. It’s what helps us build bridges, show compassion and find common ground in an often divided world. The reflections below reveal how empathy shapes peoples lives and relationships, especially for Gen Z.

Oratile believes empathy strengthens relationships

To Oratile, 27, empathy begins with perspective. "It means putting myself in another person’s shoes, to better understand the person so that our relationship can be strengthened," he says.

He sees it as a way to resolve conflict and build trust. "When you take the time to understand someone else’s experience, you show them that they matter," he adds. Whether it's within friendships, family, or in professional spaces, Oratile believes empathy is the foundation for healthier, more meaningful connections.

Empathy as way to be more present 

Pule describes empathy as something deeper than just understanding – it is about being emotionally available for others. "Empathy is more than just understanding someone’s struggles, it’s feeling them, even when they’re not yours," he shares. "It’s listening without trying to fix, seeing without judging, and understanding that sometimes, people don’t need solutions, they just need to know they’re not invisible."

His words highlight the power of simply showing up. Pule reminds us that offering validation, rather than advice, can often be the most meaningful way to show support. To him, empathy is not about fixing someone’s pain, it's about walking alongside them in dealing with it.

In Anda’s eyes, empathy makes us human

Empathy, according to Anda, 25, is about stepping outside of yourself to truly see others. "Empathy to me is about consideration and thoughtfulness. It means you are able to think beyond yourself," they explain. "Putting yourself in other people’s shoes and being able to resonate with certain feelings. Empathy humanises us because you feel for and are considerate of others."

They believe empathy connects us at our core. "It reminds us that we have more in common than we think," they add. Practicing empathy, for Anda, is not always easy, but it is essential – it allows us to move through life with intention, kindness, and a deeper sense of humanity.

Kerneeshia feels empathy is learned

Challenging the idea that empathy is innate, Kerneeshia, 24, says it's a skill that grows over time. "When I was younger, I thought empathy was something people were born with," she admits. But her experiences have taught her otherwise. "Now I see that empathy is actually a skill we develop through experience and effort," she explains.

Her journey has shown her that empathy requires patience and intentionality. "As I've grown older, I've realised that empathy isn't always easy. It takes effort to understand where someone's coming from, especially when we don't share the same experiences," she says. For Kerneeshia, practicing empathy allows her to connect deeply with others and recognize both their humanity and her own.

The lessons we can learn from Gen Z

For Gen Z, empathy feels like a vital response to the challenges of today’s world. Growing up through a worsening climate crisis, ongoing social justice struggles, and rapid technological change, they have had to navigate fractured relationships in a society that often feels disconnected. As Kerneeshia points out, "The more individualistic a society is, the less empathetic its people tend to be."

But this generation is pushing back against disconnection. Through their willingness to listen, understand and move through life with compassion, they are proving that empathy has the power to heal divides and bring people together.