Nurturing communication skills: preparing youth for the human-centric demands of IR 5.0

A late-night message from a student appears on your phone with no greeting, no introduction, and a blunt question that reads more like a command. This situation, familiar to many educators, highlights a growing concern about the decline in students' communication etiquette. However, this issue is not merely a generational flaw. Generation Z, comprising individuals born between 1997 and 2012, are digital natives shaped by an environment dominated by instant messaging, social media, and short-form content. While their proficiency in digital communication is an asset, it often comes at the cost of essential interpersonal skills. Research indicates that excessive dependence on digital platforms can reduce essential interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and the ability to express ideas with nuance (Subramanian & Mohan, 2022; Twenge, 2017). Online communication often relies on emojis, abbreviations, and limited context, which tend to be inadequate in academic and professional environments where tone and clarity are crucial (Nguyen, 2021; McLaughlin & Whitty, 2021). This shift has contributed to a growing skills gap. While Generation Z is technologically proficient, many still encounter difficulties with verbal expression, emotional awareness, and respectful communication. These abilities are becoming increasingly critical in the context of the human-centered demands of Industrial Revolution 5.0.