Protesting isn't enough. Gen Z, it’s time to enter politics.

The world today looks vastly different from the one our parents and grandparents knew. Climate change, economic instability, and social justice issues dominate our reality. Yet, despite being the generation most affected by these challenges, Generation Z often finds itself sidelined in political discourse and decision-making processes.

AI was supposed to revolutionize our lives, cure cancer, make us more productive, but instead, it has become another tool wielded by those in power to maintain the status quo. Tech is literally changing faster than our political systems, and who's under manipulation and control? Us, the youth.

The gig economy, skyrocketing living costs, and a precarious job market have left many of us feeling disillusioned and powerless. Protests and social media campaigns have raised awareness, but they haven't translated into the systemic change we desperately need.

Today, Uber drivers, delivery workers, content creators, and freelancers, many of whom are young people, face exploitation without the safety nets that previous generations fought for. The promise of technology freeing us from traditional work structures has instead led to new forms of economic insecurity.

For too long, Generation Z has been categorized as the "conscience" of society, shouting from the streets while the elderly hold the pen. But being the moral compass is useless if you aren't steering the ship.

From the climate emergency to a broken housing market, the decisions made today will define our existence, yet they are predominantly made by those who won’t be around to suffer the consequences. The political establishment treats our survival as a debate rather than a directive.

Gen Z’s supposed "inexperience" is actually our greatest asset. Our digital fluency and inherent understanding of intersectionality aren't just cultural quirks; they are the necessary toolkits for modern governance that older generations woefully lack.

Activism is vital, but policy is permanent. We cannot afford to be mere lobbyists for our own future. The era of waiting for permission is over. If we want a world that is livable, equitable, and just, we cannot simply demand it from the sidelines. We must enter the chambers, take the seats, and write the laws ourselves.