Gen Z Terms and Definitions Pew Research recently defined Gen Z as anyone born 1997 onwards. Gen Z grew up with technology, the internet, and social media, which sometimes causes them to be stereotyped as tech-addicted, anti-social, or “social justice warriors.”
They're generally more financially pragmatic than millennials, and they tend to be more risk averse. However, one thing they do have in common with millennials is a strong belief in social causes and corporate responsibility. This is in striking contrast to Gen Xers.
Gen Z consumers are more likely to buy sustainable, high-quality, products. 73% of Generation Z consumers are willing to pay 10% more for sustainable products, according to a report from First Insight. They value personalised products and are often drawn to brands that share their point of view on political issues.
One of the most common stereotypes surrounding Gen Z is their 'troubling obsession' with technology. While it's true that they are digital natives who have grown up with the internet and smartphones, you could argue that this is a tech evolution rather than a generational obsession.
In the short term, Gen Z's stress is leading to ambivalence and withdrawal in their professional lives. According to 2022 data from Gallup, they are the most disengaged group at work. They also report more overall stress and work-related burnout than other cohorts.
Both Gen Zers and Millennials in our survey cited the same top two issues: inflation and access to reproductive healthcare. However, there were some slight generational differences in the issues young people consider their main priorities.
Social media is a huge trend for this generation. Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are, by far, the most frequently used platforms. One-quarter of Gen Zers spend five hours or more per day on TikTok. TikTok continues to soar in popularity among members of Generation Z (4,600% in 5 years).
Provide clear career paths, mentorship programs, and training to help attract Gen Z to your company. These programs can prove to Gen Z candidates that you value them for the long-term potential they bring to your company, not just for their ability to fill an entry-level role.
Gen Z TikTokers aren't just downloading and absorbing content. They're creating it. 83% of TikTokers have created a video themselves. Since the platform makes it so easy to create, with intuitive in-app features and a simple interface, it's no wonder Gen Z are ready to put their content out there.
Common Mental Health Issues in Gen Z
Gen Z kids are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than their older counterparts. This is largely due to the excessive amounts of time they spend on social media, which can lead to feeling isolated, inadequate, and overwhelmed.
Gen Zs are growing up and coming of age in a time of heightened stress and anxiety. From violence and terrorism to a global pandemic, Zoomers have dealt with significant issues in a relatively short period of time.
Gen Z has learned to think, learn, and communicate in an environment defined by wireless internet ubiquity, wholesale technology integration, infinite content, and immediacy.
And it looks like Gen Z is indeed shaping up to be a homebody generation as well: Looking at their favorite activities by age, 13-18-year-olds are the most likely to say they “go out with friends” for fun in an average night, but playing video or mobile tops their list, followed by watching TV or movies.
They use traditional words (with brand new meanings) to describe the excitement, community, culture, an inside joke, and things unique to their age group. Gen Z ers are the ones setting mainstream trends, but they're super low-key about it.
In fact, research shows while texting may be the preferred method of communication for Gen Z, one-on-one communication is the most effective way to reach them. As leaders, it is important we remember to provide a personal touch in our communication with students.
The study found that about half (49%) of millennials surveyed want to work fully remote, whereas only 27% of Generation Z (Gen Zers) feel the same way; they're much more likely than average “to be seeking in-person” work opportunities.
Generation Z slang differs significantly from slang terminology of prior generations in history in that Gen Z was the first generation to grow up entirely within the internet age. Due to this, much of their slang originates from online media such as social media apps like TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch.
Generation Z (also known as the iGeneration, Zoomers, or Centennials) refers to those with birth years between 1995 and 2010. Generation Alpha encompasses those born between 2010 and 2025. Gen Z is the first digital native generation, while Gen Alpha is the first generation to grow up in an entirely digital world.
Barbiecore, plazacore, indie sleaze, weird girl and coastal grandma were just some of the fashion “aesthetics” to go viral in 2022. Slapping a punchy name on thematic fashion styles has become a Gen Z hallmark.
Pop artist Billie Eilish is arguably one of the most popular Gen Zers. By the age of 19, her album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? has been streamed billions of times and she has won multiple Grammys – five at the 2020 Grammy Awards alone.
As more members of Gen Z enter the workforce, it can feel like battle lines are being drawn between younger employees and more established workers. Managers routinely call this generation “entitled,” complaining that they can't complete simple tasks.