Gen Z: the generation that's being told to drop their inhibitions for the sake of medical progress.
At face value, it seems like a reasonable ask. After all, human testing is essential to ensure new medicines are safe and effective. But let's be real – those 2006 Theralizumab clinical trial volunteers were not exactly thrilled with their experience. Six people ended up with severe swelling, disfigurement, and life-threatening organ failure after just a few days of treatment.
The thought of being one of them is probably not exactly the most appealing prospect for anyone under the age of 30. And yet, here's the thing: by opting out of medical trials altogether, Gen Z might be missing out on new treatments that could change lives. But what if those same treatments have unknown side effects that only become apparent in younger people? Researchers need access to human subjects to discover these potential risks and mitigate them.
It's not all doom and gloom, though. I should know – I've spent years volunteering for medical trials as a young journalist. It wasn't always glamorous (like the time someone tried to implant an "invisible" stitching in my big toe), but it was worth it when I saw the impact of those research findings.
At university, I took psychology tests for £20 cash and sat under UV lights to test sun creams. I even got paid £35 to drink anti-ulcer medication at a Sydney cancer centre (though that did involve giving up booze – not exactly a clinical trial in itself). But one experience stood out: getting paid £200 to have a 17-lumen silicone tube stuck up my nose, down my throat, and around my digestive system. Yes, it was painful, but the results of that trial played a starring role at a conference in the US.
Was it worth it? For me, the cash motivated me to do so, but I also knew I was contributing to something bigger. And who knows – maybe one day you'll be able to say the same thing.
So, Gen Z, here's a suggestion: take off those pants and get involved in medical trials. It might not be fun, but it could change your life.
At face value, it seems like a reasonable ask. After all, human testing is essential to ensure new medicines are safe and effective. But let's be real – those 2006 Theralizumab clinical trial volunteers were not exactly thrilled with their experience. Six people ended up with severe swelling, disfigurement, and life-threatening organ failure after just a few days of treatment.
The thought of being one of them is probably not exactly the most appealing prospect for anyone under the age of 30. And yet, here's the thing: by opting out of medical trials altogether, Gen Z might be missing out on new treatments that could change lives. But what if those same treatments have unknown side effects that only become apparent in younger people? Researchers need access to human subjects to discover these potential risks and mitigate them.
It's not all doom and gloom, though. I should know – I've spent years volunteering for medical trials as a young journalist. It wasn't always glamorous (like the time someone tried to implant an "invisible" stitching in my big toe), but it was worth it when I saw the impact of those research findings.
At university, I took psychology tests for £20 cash and sat under UV lights to test sun creams. I even got paid £35 to drink anti-ulcer medication at a Sydney cancer centre (though that did involve giving up booze – not exactly a clinical trial in itself). But one experience stood out: getting paid £200 to have a 17-lumen silicone tube stuck up my nose, down my throat, and around my digestive system. Yes, it was painful, but the results of that trial played a starring role at a conference in the US.
Was it worth it? For me, the cash motivated me to do so, but I also knew I was contributing to something bigger. And who knows – maybe one day you'll be able to say the same thing.
So, Gen Z, here's a suggestion: take off those pants and get involved in medical trials. It might not be fun, but it could change your life.
. I mean, who wouldn't want to save lives or be part of something that could give them a better quality of life? But at the same time, you gotta consider the risks - those Theralizumab trial volunteers were not happy campers 
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. There were some pretty uncomfortable moments, but like the author said, those experiences ended up being worth it in the end.
. Just make sure you're aware of what you're getting yourself into and take care of yourself along the way 
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. But come on, 17-lumen silicone tube stuck up your nose? That's just crazy talk 
! I get what they're saying, though - we do need these trials to find new treatments. And who knows, maybe this is exactly the generation that needs to step up and volunteer.
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) in these trials. Plus, think of all the cool tech gadgets they'll give you for participating... just kidding, but that's not a bad perk 
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. I mean, sure some bad things have happened in the past but thats not gonna stop us from making progress. Theyre basically saying "we cant be bothered" and thats exactly what wont solve our health probs. I volunteered for medical trials in uni too, it wasnt all fun & games (i got a weird stitch implanted in my toe once) but it was worth it to contribute to somethin bigger than myself. Gen z should take the bull by the horns and get involved, even if its uncomfortable 
. And on the other, there's a legit risk of side effects that might not be noticeable until later down the line 
Like, I get what the researchers are saying... we need human testing for new meds, but come on! Have they seen how many Gen Z'ers have anxiety and depression already? 
It's not like we're asking for a participation trophy or anything... 
We want to help people, not become human guinea pigs. 
, but like honestly, some clinical trials are pretty sketchy 
) and researchers need human subjects 2 test new meds & identify potential risks 
. Its not all doom and gloom tho - I volunteered 4 medical trials as a journalist and it was worth it when I saw the impact of research findings 
. So Gen Z, just take off those pants and get involved in clinical trials... you never know what changes u might see in ur life 
. I'm sure the 6 people who ended up with severe swelling and life-threatening organ failure will be super grateful if Gen Z skips out on saving humanity. Like, who needs a functioning liver or limbs when you can make some sick beats for the next big TikTok trend? 
gotta feel for these youngins tho - gotta remember they're growin up w/ access to meds that are literally gonna save lives lol! can't just sit back & watch 'em miss out on a chance 2 make a difference. I got friends w/ cancer who've been on trials 2 try new treatments & it's like, u feel me? 
but at the same time gotta acknowledge the risks - no one wants 2 be that person w/ all those weird side effects 
Maybe we should be supporting them 2 get involved in trials rather than b scared of it? 
). Just take a deep breath and consider giving it a go. You never know what you might learn or achieve 
but hey at least u got paid & had some wild experiences 
i mean think about it if we don't participate in trials who's gonna test these new meds and find out their side effects? researchers need ppl to test stuff on so that they can make sure its safe for everyone 
. The pros and cons are complex and gen z should be able to weigh in on what feels right for them 
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It seems kinda random to me...
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. So yeah, Gen Z should definitely consider participating in trials – you might just change someone's life 
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. I mean, I've been in those shoes before (literally!) and while the pay might seem enticing, trust me when I say that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits 
. Can't we just focus on supporting researchers who are doing this work without putting our own bodies at risk? 