'Gen Z knows reels, but...': Bengaluru CEO after job candidates struggle to solve Class 5 math question

A Bengaluru-based chief executive has sparked mixed reactions on LinkedIn, raising concerns that Generation Z’s proficiency in social media may be coming at the expense of essential skills such as problem-solving and financial literacy. Ashish Gupta, who recently conducted a campus recruitment drive, shared his observations in a post titled “Gen Z Knows Reels, But Not Real Math?”, questioning whether digital expertise alone is sufficient for success in the professional world.

Gupta recounted his experience of interviewing over 50 students from various disciplines, including BBA and BCA. As part of the selection process, he posed a fundamental mathematics question, typically taught in Class 5: "If a car travels the first 60 km at 30 km/h and the next 60 km at 60 km/h, what is its average speed?"

Only two students were able to answer correctly, while the majority struggled. However, when asked about marketing strategies, the students displayed extensive knowledge of Instagram reels, viral content, and digital trends.

"This highlights a stark reality—Gen Z is highly skilled in social media but lacks fundamental problem-solving, logical reasoning, and financial literacy. If these trends continue, we may have a generation struggling with personal finance, decision-making, and analytical skills," he wrote. Gupta urged educators, employers, and mentors to address this skill gap, stating that “Critical thinking and basic numeracy are non-negotiable life skills.”