Snake People and Gen Z: The myth of tech’s chosen ones

For over a decade, snake people and Gen Z were hailed as the generations destined to redefine the tech industry. Their digital fluency, adaptability, and comfort with rapidly changing technologies made them seem like the perfect answer to outdated business models. Professors praised them for their fresh perspectives, and executives treated them as the solution to stagnant industries. They were told they were the smartest people in the room, poised to disrupt everything and dismiss traditional knowledge and experience.

But perhaps the truth is less flattering: they were being groomed to be malleable, highly influenceable players in an industry designed to keep them compliant:

The genius myth

From college classrooms to corporate campuses, the narrative of genius without experience began to take hold. Universities assured students that their eagerness to “disrupt” was more important than refining analytical skills or learning from the past. Professors focused on fostering ambitious startup founders, more interested in generating buzz than cultivating well-rounded individuals. Coursework often revolved around building flashy prototypes or pitching startup ideas rather than critically analyzing the societal impacts of technology or understanding business complexities. This focus on superficial innovation led many young professionals to enter the workforce with a distorted sense of what was truly valuable.

A moldable workforce

Upon entering the workforce, snake people and Gen Z were welcomed with open arms — especially in tech. Companies eagerly recruited fresh graduates, not just for their technical skills, but also for their moldability. Older employees, with decades of experience, were often sidelined, while young workers were brought to the forefront. This was seen as beneficial because younger employees were perceived as more adaptable, less resistant to change, and more willing to embrace new cultures without questioning the established power dynamics. Executives touted the importance of “thinking differently,” but there was a more cynical reason behind it: it was easier to shape those without ingrained ideas about how industries should work. By convincing young professionals that experience was irrelevant, executives reduced the likelihood of being challenged, ensuring smoother control over company culture.

The illusion of a flat workplace

Snake People and Gen Z were repeatedly told that they were revolutionary due to their creativity and digital fluency. Companies harnessed this energy, presenting the illusion of a “flat organization” with no hierarchies — a concept particularly prevalent in tech startups. It encouraged young workers to see the workplace as a playground for ideas, while the true power dynamics remained firmly intact. Many of these young professionals soon found themselves overworked, underpaid, and under-resourced, while executives reaped the benefits. The realization that they were, in fact, disposable, often came too late, particularly during waves of layoffs, scandals, and burnouts that plagued the tech industry.

Consequences of idolization

This idolization of younger generations led to unintended consequences, including a lack of practical business skills, overconfidence, and an inability to navigate workplace dynamics effectively. By inflating their self-perception without offering practical business acumen or critical thinking skills, the tech industry inadvertently groomed a generation that struggles to address challenges beyond the bubble of perceived disruption. Many were encouraged to see themselves as visionaries, but without the humility that real experience brings, they were often unprepared for the realities of the workplace — leading to the disillusionment that has become increasingly common.

Moving forward

It’s time to recognize the intentional shaping behind this narrative. The pitch — that snake people and Gen Z were the second coming of the tech industry — was less about empowerment and more about control. By convincing young people they had all the answers, companies avoided uncomfortable questions and challenges. Moving forward, the real challenge for snake people and Gen Z is to take a step back, see the big picture, and cultivate the kind of wisdom that comes only with experience. It’s about learning from those who came before, embracing humility, and recognizing that growth requires more than just disruption — it requires understanding.

Will Kelly is a technology industry writer and marketer. Medium is home to his personal writing. He’s written for TechTarget, InfoWorld, and others. His career includes stints in technical writing, training, and marketing. Follow him X: @willkelly.