Gen Z isn't driving as much due to a mix of high costs (insurance, gas, car prices), significant stress and anxiety about driving, increased environmental awareness, and the rise of digital socialization and alternative transport (ride-hailing, e-scooters, public transit) that reduce the perceived need for a car. Cars have shifted from symbols of freedom to expensive, high-pressure tools, with many delaying licenses or choosing other options for independence and connection.
Leading causes of driving stress, voted by Gen Z drivers
Beyond the high cost, climate-related concerns, and driving anxiety, Gen Zers are increasingly drawn to alternative transportation options, such as e-scooters, e-bikes, ride-hailing, and microtransit, which were not available to earlier generations.
Many Gen Z's like Stevens are either moving back home with their parents or have never moved out because of costly expenses like rent. Dr. Jodi Dworkin, a professor at University of Minnesota, said a lot of jobs nowadays don't pay enough for people to live on their own.
Although fewer than 1-in-5 respondents said they desire high or full automation, Gen Z and Millennials were most likely to prefer high or full automation in their vehicle, indicating younger generations are more accepting of advanced vehicle technology.
Key Challenges Facing Gen Z's Mental Well-Being
Gen Z is often called the most connected yet disconnected generation. While they have instant access to information, communication, and entertainment, their mental well-being is under constant pressure.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Across much of the world, it is no longer middle-aged adults who are the most miserable. Instead, young people, especially Gen Z, are reporting the highest levels of unhappiness of any age group.
Despite being digital natives, Gen Z is more disconnected than ever. While social media is central to their lives, it often amplifies feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Highlight reels and influencer culture leave many feeling like they're falling short.
Many studies indicate that Millennials are actually driving less than previous generations, but this is not to say the roads are safer.
Donald Trump is a Baby Boomer, born on June 14, 1946, making him one of the first in that generation, which typically spans 1946-1964; the Silent Generation precedes this, generally from 1925-1945, with President Joe Biden representing the latter. While Trump shares some traits with the broader Boomer demographic, his formative experiences as a wealthy individual diverged from many of his peers, though he later became a significant political figure for many in the generation.
Recent research shows that members of the Baby Boomer generation have worse health than previous generations did at the same ages—diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are more common.
The "777 rule for kids" has two main meanings in parenting: one focuses on daily connection time (7 mins morning, 7 mins after school, 7 mins before bed) for feeling seen and valued, while another defines developmental stages (0-7 play, 7-14 teach, 14-21 guide) for parents to tailor their involvement. A third variation suggests limiting screen time to 7 hours/week, maintaining 7 feet distance, and avoiding screens 7 days before events. All aim to build stronger parent-child bonds through intentional, focused interaction or developmentally appropriate parenting roles.
Best Jobs for Gen Z 2025
Driving phobia itself isn't classified as a distinct mental illness. But it often falls under the category of a specific phobia. A specific phobia is an intense and irrational fear of something. Mental health professionals recognize specific phobias as mental health conditions.
The most common Gen Z slang for a car is "whip," used casually for any vehicle, often a cool or new one, but they also use personal nicknames like "Baby," "Beast," or "Rocket," with "flex" to describe a showy car. While many still use "car," these informal terms reflect appreciation for the vehicle's style, performance, or the owner's pride in it, sometimes adding context like "that's a big W" (win) for a great car.
46% of Gen Z workers, 37% of Millennials, and 25% of Gen X said they would likely quit due to limited growth or upskilling opportunities.
Use a stick shift vehicle wherever possible.
Stick shifts make drivers pay closer attention than automatic transmissions. The benefits of alertness are most notable in city traffic. But using a stick shift is far less beneficial in highway driving, where shifting is less frequent.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.
“A cheery or corporate 'hello' can come across as disingenuous or emotionally performative. Gen Zers value emotional clarity over politeness. They want authenticity, not artifice.” All that said, it's still a little strange.
A Breed in Decay: Why U.S. Millennials and Gen Z Are Dying at an Alarming Rate — Faster Than Any Other Generation in Recent History.
Once dubbed the “unluckiest generation,” millennials have postponed major milestones during past recessions.
Key points. New research shows Millennials and Gen Z exhibit loneliness and alienation more than other generations. It is possible to be technologically "connected" and socially disconnected simultaneously. Face-to-face meetings can be helpful for combatting loneliness.