The tragedy of 9/11 in 2001 meant the end of the millennial generation and the start of Generation Z. Gen Z kids were either too young or weren’t alive during 9/11, while millennials’ lives were changed because of the horrific event. Gen Z hadn’t had any experience to signify their generation from the former one until the COVID-19 pandemic that took the world by storm.

Events have been canceled left and right due to the virus. From the removal of the March Madness games this year to the whole country on lockdown, the coronavirus has caused our world to be turned upside down.

Personally, I think one of the biggest shockers has been the postponing of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee has decided to move them back an entire year, which has never been done in history. This has people questioning what that means for the future Olympics to come, whether they will be every four years after 2021 or go back to the original order.

The Olympics isn’t the only thing affected by the virus. People have been laid off because of the non-essential businesses closing causing the stock market to plummet to lows never seen before. The Dow fell a record 2,013.76 points to 23,851.02, followed by two more record-setting point drops on March 12 and March 16.

But this isn’t the only cause for concern. Gen Z has the highest depression and anxiety rate among any other generation. This means quarantine most likely won’t be good for kids as they won’t have social interaction with peers and don’t have a way to release their stress in sports or activities.

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 virus are endless, impacting not only our economy but also the mental health of teens and others. This is why the pandemic will separate Gen Z from future generations. It will be something that will shape how our generation deals with these crises in the future.