My name is Dora Ung. I’m a rising junior at UCSB majoring in Biopsychology, minoring in Applied Psychology minor, and pursuing a certificate in Technology Management.

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My interest in social neuroscience has led me to explore how people develop perceptions of one another and how social experiences shape the way we interpret behavior. This topic became especially meaningful to me through my experience growing up with a millennial sister and observing how generational differences influence the way we understand each other. She has always been curious about my generation, especially our humor, online culture, and the seemingly absurd memes and trends that define much of Gen Z’s identity. Her curiosity opened conversations about why my generation communicates and expresses ourselves in such different ways.

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However, I also noticed that these differences sometimes shaped how she viewed Gen Z’s priorities and work ethic. While she found our humor and personality fascinating, she also questioned whether our casual attitudes, constant connection to digital culture, and unconventional ways of expressing ourselves meant that we were less focused on the things that truly matter. This contrast between curiosity and assumption sparked my interest in exploring how generational gaps can influence perceptions of motivation, responsibility, and success.