Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Sunday Pork Roast with Vegetables
    • Recipes
    • Co-op Community
    • Energy Wise
    • Beef Tri-Tip Roast with Rosemary-Garlic Vegetables
    • Whole Wheat Chocolate Peppermint Drop Cookies
    • Savory Leek, Raisin and Ricotta Tart
    • Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
    Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Banner
    • Regular Stuff
      • Commentary
        • CEO Viewpoint
        • Editor’s Letter
      • Co-op Community Commitment
      • Energy Wise
      • Features
      • Cooking My Way Home
      • Your Place in the Garden
      • News Briefs
      • Safety
      • Web Exclusive
      • Current Issue
      • Archives
    • Recipes
      • View Recipes
      • Submit a Recipe
    • Around Kansas
      • View Around Kansas
      • Submit an Event
    • Share With Us
      • Submit a Photo
      • Submit an Event
      • Submit a Recipe
      • Submit a Story
    • My Co-op
    • About
      • About KCL
      • Staff
      • Contributors
      • Subscribe
      • Advertise
      • Contact
    Kansas Country Living Magazine
    Home » Articles » Closed Captioning Made Cool by Generation Z
    Commentary

    Closed Captioning Made Cool by Generation Z

    Shaylee KoelzerBy Vicki EstesNovember 1, 20222 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    A recent article I read explained why younger generations, specifically Generation Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — use closed captioning for TV and streaming shows. Upon initially seeing the headline, “Who’s reading the TV?” I guessed, incorrectly, that it was my age group and older so we could avoid answering our spouses’ constant inquiries, “What did they say?”

    The subhead then piqued my curiosity: “A 25-year-old explains why her generation is turning on closed captions for shows.” Again I guessed incorrectly, thinking the younger generation was using closed captioning because their use of earbuds and headphones had negatively affected their hearing. While that may be true in some instances, the main reason explained in the article confirmed I was out of touch (and a bit judgy) — younger generations have grown up with closed captions on social media and international shows and using them is second nature. As the 25-year-old in the article commented, “It’s just how I watch TV.”

    In fact, Gen Z’s are much more likely to use closed captioning (70%) compared to older viewers, while older generations, such as Generation X and baby boomers, were the groups least likely to frequently use subtitles. Huh? Did I hear that right?

    Master multitaskers and digital natives, Gen Z has grown up in the internet age with information and entertainment at their fingertips. Compared to my generation’s reliance on the public library and World Book Encyclopedia, Gen Z has always had instantaneous access to information and answers to their questions in real time.

    Because of Gen Z’ers and their propensity to juggle tasks on several digital devices at once, the purpose and proliferation of closed captioning is changing beyond its original intention of assisting deaf or hard of hearing individuals. Closed captioning can help viewers focus on what’s happening on the screen while texting on a phone or chatting with friends on a laptop, overcome loud sound effects and background music in shows, and decipher thick foreign accents. Some experts even think that closed captions can improve viewing experiences for those with ADHD and auditory processing disorders.

    Gen Z has made closed captioning cool, but still not as cool as spending Friday nights in the library.

    headshot of Vicki Estes
    Vicki Estes, Editor
    closed captioning Gen Z generation
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleA Decade of Celebrating Kansas Veterans
    Next Article Veterans Forever Changed by Honor Flights


    Post Frame Buildings
    Categories
    • CEO Viewpoint
    • Co-op Community Commitment
    • Commentary
    • Cooking My Way Home
    • Editor's Letter
    • Energy Wise
    • Featured Home
    • Features
    • News Briefs
    • President's Pen
    • Recipes
    • Safety
    • Uncategorized
    • Web Exclusive
    • Your Place in the Garden


    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    About

    Kansas Country Living

    Kansas Country Living is designed to educate Kansas electric cooperative consumer-members on topics that impact rural electrification.

    We're social, connect with us:

    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
    Popular Posts

    Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches

    September 8, 2023

    Air Fryer Popcorn Steak Bites

    September 8, 2023
    A man's gloved hand grabs fall-colored leaves from a house gutter.

    Fall Yardwork Step One: Locate Power Lines

    September 8, 2023
    ©2022 Kansas Electric Cooperative, Inc.. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative
    • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.