Determinants of Self-Actualization Among Gen Z: The Mediating Role of Digital Literacy

Self-actualization, which Maslow [1] described as the highest of human desires, is still a powerful but dynamic concept in the digital age. This study aims to ascertain whether digital literacy aids in the growth of self-actualization in Generation Z and the ways in which self-actualization is influenced by three personal capacities: career aspirations, moral metacognition, and cognitive flexibility. To the best of the researcher's knowledge, this subject of study is currently under studied in the available literature. The study entailed data collection from 620 Gen Z participants who were digitally literate and frequent users of the internet and other related technology. We used Smart PLS 4.0's Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the intricate correlations between these variables. The findings prove positive relation between the variables and imply that self-actualization is not solely predicted by professional goals; digital literacy acts as a mediator. These results point to the critical role that digital skills play in determining Gen Z's life goals and personal development. They also pave the way for further study of new literacies, like AI literacy, as well as workplace elements like motivation and job satisfaction.