# Generation Z > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Generation_Z > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Generation_Z.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z > Source revision: 1357095314 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|Cohort born from 1997 to 2012}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{hatnote group|{{redirect|iGen|the book|iGen (book){{!}}''iGen'' (book)}} {{other uses}} }} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=August 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Generations Sidebar}} {{Preview warning|Changes to cohort dates should only be done after agreeing on the talk page via [WP:CONSENSUS](/source/WP%3ACONSENSUS) that sources more frequently reflect a different date.}} '''Generation Z''', often shortened to '''Gen Z''' and informally known as '''Zoomers''', is the demographic [cohort](/source/Cohort_(statistics)) succeeding [Millennials](/source/Millennials) and preceding [Generation Alpha](/source/Generation_Alpha). Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as ending birth years, with the generation typically being defined as people born from 1997 to 2012.{{cite news |last=McFall |first=Marni Rose |date=August 4, 2025 |title=What Gen Z Thinks of Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ad |url=https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-poll-syndey-sweeney-american-eagle-2108433 |access-date=October 18, 2025 |work=Newsweek |quote=Gen Z, typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012}} Most members of Generation Z are the children of members of [Generation X](/source/Generation_X) and [older Millennials](/source/Xennials), and it is predicted that many will be the parents of members of [Generation Beta](/source/Generation_Beta).{{cite web |date=2025-01-19 |title=Welcome Gen Beta – McCrindle |url=https://mccrindle.com.au/article/generation-beta-defined/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=mccrindle.com.au |language=en-US}}{{cite web |last1=Samuel |first1=Sturgeon |title=A Snapshot Of Millennial Births |url=https://ifstudies.org/blog/a-snapshot-of-millennial-births |website=Institute of Family Studies |access-date=19 January 2019}} As children during the mid-late 2000s and 2010s, Generation Z was the first [social generation](/source/Generation) to grow up with [Web 2.0](/source/Web_2.0) and digital technology as an established commodity.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2024 |title=Gen Z {{!}} Years, Age Range, Meaning, & Characteristics {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Generation-Z |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=www.britannica.com}} From a young age, they have watched online videos and web series (often via [YouTube](/source/YouTube)),{{Cite web |last=MacKenzie |first=Jack |last2=Padilla |first2=Natalie |date=May 5, 2023 |title=How younger voters will impact elections: Meet the Plurals |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-younger-voters-will-impact-elections-meet-the-plurals/ |access-date=January 27, 2026 |website=Brookings}} and played online games. As adolescents and young adults in the 2010s and 2020s, members of the generation were dubbed "[digital native](/source/digital_native)s", even if they were not necessarily [digitally literate](/source/Digital_literacy) and might struggle in a digital or [virtual workplace](/source/virtual_workplace). Generation Z has been described as "better behaved and less [hedonistic](/source/Hedonism)" than previous generations.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2018 |title=Teenagers are better behaved and less hedonistic nowadays |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2018/01/10/teenagers-are-better-behaved-and-less-hedonistic-nowadays |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919200157/https://www.economist.com/international/2018/01/10/teenagers-are-better-behaved-and-less-hedonistic-nowadays |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2020 |newspaper=The Economist |department=International}}{{Cite news |last=Twenge |first=Jean |date=September 19, 2017 |title=Why today's teens aren't in any hurry to grow up |url=https://theconversation.com/why-todays-teens-arent-in-any-hurry-to-grow-up-83920 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115174603/https://theconversation.com/why-todays-teens-arent-in-any-hurry-to-grow-up-83920 |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |work=The Conversation}} They have fewer [teenage pregnancies](/source/Teenage_pregnancy), consume less [alcohol](/source/Alcoholic_beverage) (but not necessarily less of other [psychoactive drugs](/source/psychoactive_drugs)),{{Cite news |last=Schepis |first=Ty |date=November 19, 2020 |title=College-age kids and teens are drinking less alcohol – marijuana is a different story |url=https://theconversation.com/college-age-kids-and-teens-are-drinking-less-alcohol-marijuana-is-a-different-story-149895 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121005043/https://theconversation.com/college-age-kids-and-teens-are-drinking-less-alcohol-marijuana-is-a-different-story-149895 |archive-date=November 21, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2020 |work=The Conversation}}{{cite news |last=Hymas |first=Charles |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Generation Z swap drink for drugs as class A use by 16-24-year-olds rises by half in seven years |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/09/generation-z-swap-drink-drugs-class-use-16-24-year-olds-rises/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210113519/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/09/generation-z-swap-drink-drugs-class-use-16-24-year-olds-rises/ |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}{{cite news |last=Chandler-Wilde |first=Helen |date=August 6, 2020 |title=The future of Gen Z's mental health: How to fix the 'unhappiest generation ever' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/future-gen-zs-mental-health-fix-unhappiest-generation-ever/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/future-gen-zs-mental-health-fix-unhappiest-generation-ever/ |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=August 8, 2020 |work=The Daily Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} and are more focused on school and job prospects.{{Cite news |date=February 27, 2019 |title=Generation Z is stressed, depressed and exam-obsessed |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/02/27/generation-z-is-stressed-depressed-and-exam-obsessed |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328223442/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/02/27/generation-z-is-stressed-depressed-and-exam-obsessed |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |access-date=March 28, 2019 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}} They are also better at [delaying gratification](/source/delaying_gratification) than teens from the 1960s.{{cite journal |last1=Protzko |first1=John |title=Kids These Days! Increasing delay of gratification ability over the past 50 years in children |journal=Intelligence |date=May 2020 |volume=80 |article-number=101451 |doi=10.1016/j.intell.2020.101451}} [Sexting](/source/Sexting) became popular during Gen Z's adolescent years, although the long-term psychological effects are not yet fully understood.{{Cite journal |last1=Del Rey |first1=Rosario |last2=Ojeda |first2=Mónica |last3=Casas |first3=José A. |last4=Mora-Merchán |first4=Joaquín A. |last5=Elipe |first5=Paz |date=August 21, 2019 |editor-last=Rey |editor-first=Lourdes |title=Sexting Among Adolescents: The Emotional Impact and Influence of the Need for Popularity |department=Educational Psychology |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |volume=10 |issue=1828 |page=1828 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01828 |pmc=6712510 |pmid=31496968 |doi-access=free}} There is greater awareness and diagnosis of [mental health](/source/mental_health) conditions among Generation Z,{{Cite news|last=American Psychological Association|date=March 15, 2019 |title=Mental Health Issues Increased Significantly in Young Adults over Last Decade |work=Science Daily|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190315110908.htm|access-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=December 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220065704/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190315110908.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Schraer |first=Rachel |date=February 11, 2019|title=Is Young People's Mental Health Getting Worse? |publisher=BBC News |department=Health |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47133338|access-date=December 26, 2020 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105183557/https://www.bbc.com/news/health-47133338 |url-status=live}} and [sleep deprivation](/source/sleep_deprivation) is more frequently reported.{{Cite news |last=Twenge |first=Jean |date=October 19, 2017 |title=Teens Are Sleeping Less – But There's a Surprisingly Easy Fix |url=https://theconversation.com/teens-are-sleeping-less-but-theres-a-surprisingly-easy-fix-85157 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042641/https://theconversation.com/teens-are-sleeping-less-but-theres-a-surprisingly-easy-fix-85157 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 11, 2020 |work=The Conversation}} Moreover, the negative effects of [screen time](/source/screen_time) in the late 2010s were most pronounced in adolescents, as compared to younger children. [Youth subculture](/source/Youth_subculture)s have not disappeared, but they have been quieter.{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |date=March 20, 2014 |title=Youth Subcultures: What Are They Now? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/20/youth-subcultures-where-have-they-gone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122160414/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/20/youth-subcultures-where-have-they-gone |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news |last=Watts |first=Peter |date=April 10, 2017 |title=Is Youth Culture a Thing of the Past? |url=https://www.apollo-magazine.com/is-youth-culture-a-thing-of-the-past/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107035622/https://www.apollo-magazine.com/is-youth-culture-a-thing-of-the-past/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |work=Apollo}} [Nostalgia](/source/Nostalgia) is a major theme of youth culture in the 2010s and 2020s.{{Cite news |last=Arana |first=Ixone |date=October 14, 2023 |title=Modern Nostalgia: Why Do Young People Ache for a Past They Never Lived? |url=https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2023-10-14/modern-nostalgia-why-do-young-people-ache-for-a-past-they-never-lived.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |work=El Pais |department=Lifestyle}}{{cite web |author=Isabel Slone |date=March 10, 2020 |title=Escape Into Cottagecore, Calming Ethos for Our Febrile Moment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/style/cottagecore.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310092146/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/style/cottagecore.html |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |access-date=May 23, 2020 |work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)}} Meanwhile, Generation Z has been [active in politics around the world](/source/Generation_Z), particularly through youth-led movements with social media playing a major role in mobilization and communication. == Terminology == The name ''Generation Z'' is a reference to it being the second generation after [Generation X](/source/Generation_X), continuing the alphabetical sequence from Generation Y (Millennials).{{cite book|last=Shapiro|first=Jordan|title=The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World|year=2018|publisher=Little, Brown}}{{Page range too broad|date=January 2026}}{{cite web|website=Lexico|url=https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/generation_z|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817140603/https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/generation_z|archive-date=August 17, 2019|publisher=Oxford University Press|access-date=May 19, 2021|title=Generation Z}} Other names for the generation have included ''iGeneration'',{{cite news|last=Horovitz|first=Bruce|date=May 4, 2012|title=After Gen X, Millennials, what should next generation be?|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/gen-millennials-generation/story?id=16275187|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028125342/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/gen-millennials-generation/story?id=16275187|url-status=live}} ''Homeland Generation'',{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2014/10/27/introducing-the-homeland-generation-part-1-of-2/|title=Introducing the Homeland Generation (Part 1 of 2)|last1=Howe|first1=Neil|date=October 27, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2016|magazine=Forbes|archive-date=August 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823025922/https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2014/10/27/introducing-the-homeland-generation-part-1-of-2/|url-status=live}} ''[Digital Native](/source/Digital_Native)s'', ''Neo-Digital Natives'' (emphasizing the [shift from PC to mobile](/source/Post-PC_era) and text to video among this cohort),{{cite news|last1=Takahashi|first1=Toshie T|title=Japanese Youth and Mobile Media|url=https://www.academia.edu/350038|access-date=May 10, 2016|publisher=Rikkyo University|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926151426/https://www.academia.edu/350038/Japanese_Youth_and_Mobile_Media|url-status=live}} ''Pluralist Generation'', ''Internet Generation'',{{cite web|url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-311-x/98-311-x2011003_2-eng.cfm|title=Generations in Canada|website=www12.statcan.gc.ca|access-date=November 3, 2015|archive-date=September 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922235402/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/as-sa/98-311-x/98-311-x2011003_2-eng.cfm|url-status=live}} and ''Centennials''.{{cite web |last=Capatides |first=Christina |title=Meet Generation Z |date=September 22, 2015 |publisher=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/meet-generation-z/6/ |quote=Generation Z is also hugely synonymous with technology because Centennials grew up in the era of smartphones. In fact, most of today's youth can't even remember a time before social media. |access-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121020616/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/meet-generation-z/6/ |url-status=live}} The [Pew Research Center](/source/Pew_Research_Center) surveyed the various terms for this cohort on [Google Trends](/source/Google_Trends) in 2019, and found that in the U.S., ''Generation Z'' was overwhelmingly the most popular.{{Cite web |last=Dimock |first=Michael |title=Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Pew Research Center |date=January 17, 2019 |language=en-US}} The [Merriam-Webster](/source/Merriam-Webster) and [Oxford](/source/Oxford_Dictionaries_(website)) dictionaries both have official entries for ''Generation Z''.{{cite web|last=Dimmock|first=Michael|date=January 17, 2019|title=Defining generations: Where Millennials end and post-Millennials begin|url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/01/defining-generations-where-millennials-end-and-post-millennials-begin/|access-date=December 21, 2019|publisher=Pew Research Center|archive-date=January 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117042517/http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/03/01/defining-generations-where-millennials-end-and-post-millennials-begin/|url-status=live}} {{Quote box| | quote = "While there is no scientific process for deciding when a name has stuck, the momentum is clearly behind Gen Z." | author = ''Michael Dimmock, Pew Research Center'' | quoted = 1 | width = 28% | align = left }} Psychologist and author [Jean Twenge](/source/Jean_Twenge) also used the term, intending it as the title of her 2006 book about Millennials but changing the title to ''Generation Me'' at the insistence of her publisher. Twenge later used the term for her 2017 book on Gen Z, ''[iGen](/source/IGen_(book))''. Others also claim to have coined the name. Authors [William Strauss](/source/William_Strauss) and [Neil Howe](/source/Neil_Howe), creators of the [Strauss–Howe generational theory](/source/Strauss%E2%80%93Howe_generational_theory), adopted the term ''Homeland Generation'' (or ''Homelanders'') in 2005 after sponsoring a contest to name the post-Millennial group. The term ''Homeland'' refers to being the first generation to enter childhood after protective [surveillance state](/source/Mass_surveillance) measures, like the [Department of Homeland Security](/source/United_States_Department_of_Homeland_Security), were put into effect following the [September 11 attacks](/source/September_11_attacks). ''Zoomer'' is an informal term used to refer to members of Generation Z.{{cite web |date=October 2021 |title=Words We're Watching: 'Zoomer' |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-zoomer-gen-z |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211104338/https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/words-were-watching-zoomer-gen-z |archive-date=February 11, 2020 |access-date=October 25, 2021 |website=Merriam-Webster}}{{cite web |date=January 16, 2020 |title=zoomer |url=https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/zoomer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126150616/https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/zoomer/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=June 14, 2020 |website=Dictionary.com}}{{Cite web |title=Definition of ZOOMER |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Zoomer |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary}} It combines the shorthand ''Boomer'', referring to [Baby Boomers](/source/baby_boomers), with the "Z" from ''Generation Z''. ''Zoomer'' in its current incarnation skyrocketed in popularity in 2018, when it was used in a [meme](/source/internet_meme) on [4chan](/source/4chan) mocking Gen Z adolescents via a [Wojak](/source/Wojak) caricature.{{Cite web|last=Tiffany|first=Kaitlyn|date=February 3, 2020|title=The Misogynistic Joke That Became a Goth-Meme Fairy Tale|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/02/doomer-girl-meme-4chan-tumblr-wojak-history/605764/|website=The Atlantic|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604012415/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/02/doomer-girl-meme-4chan-tumblr-wojak-history/605764/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=January 21, 2020|title=ᐅ Zoomers – Meaning & origin of the term|url=https://www.slanglang.net/zoomers/|website=SlangLang|access-date=June 11, 2020|archive-date=June 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611011635/https://www.slanglang.net/zoomers/}} Merriam-Webster's records suggest the use of the term ''Zoomer'' in the sense of Generation Z dates to at least as early as 2016. It was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in October 2021 and to ''[Dictionary.com](/source/Dictionary.com)'' in January 2020.{{Cite web |title=Is Zoomer The Real Name For Gen Z? |url=https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/zoomer/ |access-date=April 28, 2023 |website=Dictionary.com |date=January 16, 2020 |language=en-US}} It is more commonly utilized as a neutral rather than disparaging description. In the past, ''Zoomer'' was occasionally used to describe particularly active Baby Boomers. == Date and age range definitions == The ''[Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary](/source/Merriam-Webster)'' defines Generation Z as "the generation of people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s".{{cite encyclopedia |title=Definition of Generation Z |dictionary=Merriam-Webster |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Generation%20Z |access-date=March 18, 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127155952/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Generation%20Z |url-status=live}} The ''[Oxford Dictionaries](/source/Oxford_Dictionaries_(website))'' define Generation Z as "the group of people who were born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, who are regarded as being very familiar with the internet".{{Cite web |title=Generation Z noun - Definition |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/generation-z?q=generation+z |website=Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionaries}} ''[Encyclopedia Britannica](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica)'' defines Generation Z as "the term used to describe Americans born during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Some sources give the specific year range of 1997–2012, although the years spanned are sometimes contested or debated because generations and their zeitgeists are difficult to delineate." The [Pew Research Center](/source/Pew_Research_Center) specifies that 1997 is the starting birth year for Generation Z, based on the "different formative experiences" of this cohort, such as new technological and socioeconomic developments, as well as growing up in a world after the [September 11 attacks](/source/September_11_attacks).{{cite web |last=Dimmock |first=Michael |date=January 17, 2019 |title=Defining generations: Where Millennials end and post-Millennials begin |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/ |access-date=December 21, 2019 |publisher=Pew Research Center |archive-date= |archive-url= }} Pew has not specified an endpoint for Generation Z, but used 2012 as a tentative endpoint for their 2019 report. Most news outlets, management and consulting firms, think tanks, and analytics companies frequently use the starting birth year of 1997, often citing Pew Research's 1997–2012 range.{{efn|Major news outlets using 1997 as the starting year include: * ''[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal)'', citing Pew{{Cite news |last=Zimmer |first=Ben |date=February 1, 2019 |title='Z' Is for the Post-Millennial Generation |language=en-US |work=[The Wall Street Journal](/source/The_Wall_Street_Journal) |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/z-is-for-the-post-millennial-generation-11549045923 |access-date=July 23, 2021 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801010510/https://www.wsj.com/articles/z-is-for-the-post-millennial-generation-11549045923 |url-status=live}} * [PBS](/source/PBS){{cite web |date=October 31, 2020 |title=How new Gen Z voters could shape the election |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-new-gen-z-voters-could-shape-the-election |access-date=July 23, 2021 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-US |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211125932/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/how-new-gen-z-voters-could-shape-the-election |url-status=live}} * [NBC News](/source/NBC_News), citing Pew{{cite web |title=Gen Z group seeks to flood anti-abortion websites after draft opinion overturning Roe |date=May 3, 2022 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gen-z-organization-enlisting-people-flood-anti-abortion-websites-leak-rcna27117 |access-date=May 20, 2022 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520010447/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gen-z-organization-enlisting-people-flood-anti-abortion-websites-leak-rcna27117 |url-status=live}} * [NPR](/source/NPR), citing Pew{{cite web |title=The first Gen Z candidates are running for Congress — and running against compromise |publisher=NPR |date=July 6, 2022 |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/07/06/1109193929/the-first-gen-z-candidates-are-running-for-congress-and-running-against-compromi |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728221227/https://www.npr.org/2022/07/06/1109193929/the-first-gen-z-candidates-are-running-for-congress-and-running-against-compromi |url-status=live |last=Moore |first=Elena}} * ''[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)''{{cite news |last=Astor |first=Maggie |date=November 9, 2022 |title=25-Year-Old Florida Democrat Secures Generation Z's First House Seat |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/08/us/politics/maxwell-frost-florida-house.html |access-date=December 12, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075822/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/08/us/politics/maxwell-frost-florida-house.html |url-status=live}} * ''[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)''{{cite news |title=Gen Z women are breaking into the venture-capital boys club |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/gen-z-venture-capital/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216224347/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/gen-z-venture-capital |url-status=live}} * ''[CNBC](/source/CNBC)''{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Ashton |date=June 15, 2022 |title=These are Gen Z's top work priorities—and remote isn't one of them |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/15/new-report-finds-the-top-work-preferences-amongst-gen-z-talent-.html |access-date=July 12, 2022 |publisher=CNBC |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712172404/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/15/new-report-finds-the-top-work-preferences-amongst-gen-z-talent-.html |url-status=live}} * ''[Bruce Tulgan](/source/Bruce_Tulgan) writing for [Forbes](/source/Forbes)''{{cite web |last=Tulgan |first=Bruce |title=Council Post: How Gen Zers Are Choosing Their Financial Services Provider And Why This Matters |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucetulgan/2023/02/23/what-makes-gen-z-different-and-not-so-different-from-older-employees/ |access-date=March 18, 2023 |website=Forbes |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318235905/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucetulgan/2023/02/23/what-makes-gen-z-different-and-not-so-different-from-older-employees/ |url-status=live}} * [''Time'' ''Magazine''](/source/Time_(magazine)){{cite magazine |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Homeownership May Seem Out of Reach for Generation Z. How You Can Prepare Now |url=https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/mortgage-news/homeownership-may-seem-out-of-reach-for-generation-z-how-you-can-prepare-now/ |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X |access-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806014210/https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/mortgage-news/homeownership-may-seem-out-of-reach-for-generation-z-how-you-can-prepare-now/ |url-status=live}} * [Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press), citing Brookings Institution{{cite web |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Sorry, boomers: millennials and younger are new US majority |url=https://apnews.com/article/seniors-baby-boomers-millennials-featured-u-s-news-757359e85c4d9f555469848b21df3ab4 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |publisher=AP News |archive-date=April 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424162917/https://apnews.com/article/seniors-baby-boomers-millennials-featured-u-s-news-757359e85c4d9f555469848b21df3ab4 |url-status=live}} * ''[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)'', citing Pew{{cite web |last=Hecht |first=Evan |title=What years are Gen X? What about baby boomers? When each generation was born. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/09/02/what-years-gen-x-millennials-baby-boomers-gen-z/10303085002/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075825/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2022/09/02/what-years-gen-x-millennials-baby-boomers-gen-z/10303085002/ |url-status=live}}|name=1997news}}{{efn|Think tanks and analytics companies that use 1997 as their start date include: * [Gallup](/source/Gallup%2C_Inc.){{cite web |date=August 26, 2020 |title=Create a Culture That Inspires: Generational Differences at Work |url=https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/318161/create-culture-that-inspires-generational-differences-work.aspx |access-date=June 21, 2021 |website=Gallup.com |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204714/https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/318161/create-culture-that-inspires-generational-differences-work.aspx |url-status=live}} * [William H. Frey](/source/William_H._Frey) of the [Brookings Institution](/source/Brookings_Institution){{cite web |last=Frey |first=William H. |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Now, more than half of Americans are millennials or younger |url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2020/07/30/now-more-than-half-of-americans-are-millennials-or-younger/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820183459/https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2020/07/30/now-more-than-half-of-americans-are-millennials-or-younger/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Frey |first=William H. |date=January 11, 2021 |title=What the 2020 census will reveal about America: Stagnating growth, an aging population, and youthful diversity |url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-the-2020-census-will-reveal-about-america-stagnating-growth-an-aging-population-and-youthful-diversity/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128160803/https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-the-2020-census-will-reveal-about-america-stagnating-growth-an-aging-population-and-youthful-diversity/ |url-status=live }} * Jason Dorsey of The Center for Generational Kinetics, citing Pew Research's 1997–2012 range in 2025{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Jason |date=2025-06-17 |title=Jason Dorsey Featured in Reader’s Digest on Generational Identity |url=https://jasondorsey.com/blog/featured-in-readers-digest-on-generational-identity/ |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=Jason Dorsey |language=en-GB}} * [University of Southern California](/source/University_of_Southern_California){{cite web |last=USC |first=libguides |title=Research Guides: Demographics: Age Groups |url=https://libguides.usc.edu/busdem/age |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=libguides.usc.edu}}|name=1997tanks}}{{efn|Management and consulting firms citing Pew's 1997 range include: * [Accenture](/source/Accenture){{cite web |last=Scislowicz |first=Chris |date=September 8, 2022 |title=How banks can embrace a Gen Z workforce |url=https://bankingblog.accenture.com/how-can-banks-embrace-a-growing-gen-z-workforce |access-date=April 15, 2023 |website=Accenture Banking Blog |language=en-US}} * [Deloitte](/source/Deloitte){{cite web |last1=Dunlop |first1=Amelia |last2=Pankowski |first2=Michael |title=Hey bosses: Here's what Gen Z actually wants at work |url=https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/blog-list/2023/gen-z-research-report.html |website=www.deloittedigital.com |access-date=April 15, 2023}} * [McKinsey](/source/McKinsey_%26_Company){{cite web |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2025/02/2025-02-25b.html |title=Gen Z: Leaders or laggards? |website=www.mckinsey.com |access-date=3 August 2025}}{{Cite web |last=Future of Wellness |first=McKinsey & Company |date=September 6, 2025 |title=Millennial and Gen Z Glow-Up |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/future-of-wellness-trends |access-date=September 6, 2025 |website=McKinsey Future of Wellness}} * [PricewaterhouseCoopers](/source/PricewaterhouseCoopers){{Cite web |last=PricewaterhouseCoopers |title=Reaching Gen Z online |url=https://www.pwc.com/mt/en/publications/other/reaching-gen-z-online.html |website=PricewaterhouseCoopers}} * [Ernst & Young](/source/Ernst_%26_Young){{Cite web |last=Ernst & Young |first=Robert Stover EY Americas Family Enterprise and Family Office |title=Understanding the value (and values) of Gen Z |url=https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/family-enterprise/understanding-the-value-and-values-of-gen-z |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=www.ey.com |language=en-US}} * [KPMG](/source/KPMG){{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Ariadne |date=2025-03-05 |title=Leading Across Generations: Bridging Age Gaps in the Workplace - KPMG Malta |url=https://kpmg.com/mt/en/home/insights/2025/01/leading-across-generations-bridging-age-gaps-in-the-workplace.html |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=KPMG |language=en-GB}} * [Ipsos](/source/Ipsos){{Cite web |date=2025-09-15 |title=Ipsos iris GenZ Category Report: A deep dive into online behaviour and attitudes. |url=https://iris-au.ipsos.com/ipsos-iris-genz-category-report-a-deep-dive-into-online-behaviour-and-attitudes/ |access-date=2025-10-03 |website=IRIS |language=en-US}} * [Ogilvy](/source/Ogilvy_(agency)){{cite web |last1=Buell Hirsch |first1=Peter |title=The Light at the End of the Tunnel: Marketing to Seniors {{!}} Ogilvy |url=https://www.ogilvy.com/ideas/light-end-tunnel-marketing-seniors |website=www.ogilvy.com |date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=April 15, 2023}}|name=1997firms}} [Statistics Canada](/source/Statistics_Canada) used 1997 to 2012, citing Pew Research Center, in a 2022 publication analyzing the [2021 Canadian census](/source/2021_Canadian_census).{{cite news |year=2022 |title=A generational portrait of Canada's aging population |publisher=Statistics Canada |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021003/98-200-X2021003-eng.cfm |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427124705/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/98-200-X/2021003/98-200-X2021003-eng.cfm |url-status=live}} The United States [Library of Congress](/source/Library_of_Congress) uses 1997 to 2012, citing Pew Research as well.{{cite web |last=Burclaff |first=Natalie |title=Research Guides: Doing Consumer Research: A Resource Guide: Generations |url=https://guides.loc.gov/consumer-research/market-segments/generations |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=guides.loc.gov}} The [U.S. Census](/source/U.S._Census) designates Generation Z as "the youngest generation with adult members (born 1997 to 2013)" in a 2022 report.{{cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Neil |last2=Hays |first2=Donald |last3=Sullivan |first3=Briana |date=August 1, 2022 |title=2019 Data Show Baby Boomers Nearly 9 Times Wealthier Than Millennials |url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/08/wealth-inequality-by-household-type.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801180726/https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/08/wealth-inequality-by-household-type.html |access-date=March 8, 2021 |website=United States Census Bureau |language=en-US |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |url-status=live}} The ''[Collins Dictionary](/source/Collins_Dictionary)'' defines Generation Z as people born between the mid-1990s and mid-2010s.{{cite web |title=Generation Z |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/generation-z |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017210453/https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/generation-z |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=Collins |date=February 13, 2020}} Australia's McCrindle Research uses 1995 to 2009 to define Gen Z.{{cite web |date=October 15, 2021 |title=The generations defined |url=https://mccrindle.com.au/article/topic/demographics/the-generations-defined/ |access-date=January 12, 2026 |website=McCrindle Research}}{{Cite web |date=2025-01-01 |title=Babies born in 2025 are part of a new generation - Gen Beta - CBS Miami |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/babies-born-in-2025-are-part-of-a-new-generation-gen-beta/ |access-date=2026-05-11 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} The [Statistics Bureau of Japan](/source/Statistics_Bureau_of_Japan) defined Generation Z as those born 1995 to 2010 in their 2020 Census.{{cite web |date=2022-05-12 |title=Japanese Generations: Boom, Bubble, and Ice Age |url=https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h00535/japanese-generations-boom-bubble-and-ice-age.html |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=nippon.com}} In her book ''[iGen](/source/IGen_(book))'' (2017), psychologist [Jean Twenge](/source/Jean_Twenge) defines the "iGeneration" as the cohort born 1995 to 2012.{{cite news |last=Twenge |first=Jean |date=August 15, 2017 |title=What generation do I belong to? What are the birth year cutoffs? |url=http://www.jeantwenge.com/faq-items/generation-belong-birth-year-cutoffs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330181643/http://www.jeantwenge.com/faq-items/generation-belong-birth-year-cutoffs/ |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |access-date=March 27, 2023 |work=Dr. Jean Twenge}} The [Australian Bureau of Statistics](/source/Australian_Bureau_of_Statistics) uses between 1996 and 2010 in a 2021 Census report.{{cite web |date=June 28, 2022 |title=2021 Census shows Millennials overtaking Boomers {{!}} Australian Bureau of Statistics |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2021-census-shows-millennials-overtaking-boomers |website=www.abs.gov.au |access-date=December 11, 2022 |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201051428/https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2021-census-shows-millennials-overtaking-boomers |url-status=live }} Individuals born in the Millennial and Generation Z [cusp years](/source/Cusper) have been sometimes identified as a "microgeneration" with characteristics of both generations. The most common name given for these cuspers is ''[Zillennials](/source/Zillennials)''.{{cite book |author1=Hannah L. Ubl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pZuqDgAAQBAJ |title=Managing Millennials For Dummies |author2=Lisa X. Walden |author3=Debra Arbit |date=24 April 2017 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-119-31022-8 |page=266 |chapter=Chapter 13: Making Adjustments for Ages and Life Stages}}{{cite web |title=The American Generations: Names, Years, & Key Differences {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Experience-the-American-Generations-Which-Generation-Are-You-2226598 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=www.britannica.com}} Individuals born on the cusp of Generation Z and Generation Alpha have been referred to as ''[Zalphas](/source/Zalphas)''.{{cite web |date=November 21, 2023 |title=What is a Zalpha? – McCrindle |url=https://mccrindle.com.au/article/what-is-a-zalpha/ |access-date=July 20, 2024 |website=mccrindle.com.au |language=en-US}} == Arts and culture == === Happiness and personal values === right|420x420px''[The Economist](/source/The_Economist)'' has described Generation Z as a more [educated](/source/Education), [well-behaved](/source/Behavior), [stressed](/source/Stress_(biology)) and [depressed](/source/Depression_(mood)) generation in comparison to previous generations. In 2016, the [Varkey Foundation](/source/Varkey_Foundation) and [Populus](/source/Populus_Ltd) conducted an international study examining the attitudes of over 20,000 people aged 15 to 21 in twenty countries. They found that 59% of Gen Z youth were happy overall with the states of affairs in their personal lives. The most unhappy young people were from [South Korea](/source/South_Korea) (29%) and [Japan](/source/Japan) (28%), while the happiest were from [Indonesia](/source/Indonesia) (90%) and [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria) (78%).{{cite news |last1=Broadbent |first1=Emma |last2=Gougoulis |first2=John |last3=Lui |first3=Nicole |last4=Pota |first4=Vikas |last5=Simons |first5=Jonathan |date=January 2017 |title=Generation Z: Global Citizenship Survey |url=https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820230036/https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=November 15, 2019 |publisher=[Varkey Foundation](/source/Varkey_Foundation)}} The best sources of happiness were being physically and mentally healthy (94%), having a good relationship with family (92%), and with friends (91%). In general, respondents who were younger and male tended to be happier. Religious faith was purportedly the least happiness-inducing. The top reasons for anxiety and stress were money (51%) and school (46%); social media and having access to basic resources (such as food and water) finished the list, both at 10%. Concerns over food and water were most serious in China (19%), India (16%), and Indonesia (16%); young Indians were also more likely than average to report stress due to social media (19%).{{cite report |last1=Broadbent |first1=Emma |last2=Gougoulis |first2=John |last3=Lui |first3=Nicole |last4=Pota |first4=Vikas |last5=Simons |first5=Jonathan |date=January 2017 |title=What the World's Young People Think and Feel: Generation Z – Global Citizenship Survey |publisher=Varkey Foundation |url=https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/_files/ugd/5c330e_82ec32d241814afea51acf290d070c82.pdf |pages=31–33 |access-date=24 October 2025 }} Important personal values of Gen Z are their families and themselves getting ahead in life (both 27%), followed by honesty (26%). Looking beyond their local communities came last at 6%. Familial values were especially strong in [South America](/source/South_America) (34%) while [individualism](/source/individualism) and the entrepreneurial spirit proved popular in [Africa](/source/Africa) (37%). People who influenced youths the most were parents (89%), friends (79%), and teachers (70%). Celebrities (30%) and politicians (17%) came last. In general, young men were more likely to be influenced by athletes and politicians than young women, who preferred books and fictional characters. Celebrity culture was especially influential in [China](/source/China) (60%) and [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria) (71%) and particularly irrelevant in [Argentina](/source/Argentina) and [Turkey](/source/Turkey) (both 19%). For young people, the most important factors for their current or future careers were the possibility of honing their skills (24%), and income (23%) while the most unimportant factors were fame (3%) and whether or not the organization they worked for made a positive impact on the world (13%). The most important factors for young people when thinking about their futures were their families (47%) and their health (21%); the welfare of the world at large (4%) and their local communities (1%) bottomed the list. According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, young adults living the Anglosphere (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States) were most prone to pessimism, a consequence of their deteriorating mental health and economic hardship.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Why are young adults in the English-speaking world so unhappy? |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0c628bdb-a3f6-47c1-9684-a47410bd4adf |access-date=December 31, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} === Common culture === The COVID-19 pandemic struck when the oldest members of Generation Z were just joining the workforce and the rest were still in school.{{Cite book |last=Twenge |first=Jean |author-link=Jean Twenge |title=Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future |publisher=Atria Books |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-9821-8161-1 |location=New York |chapter=Event Interlude: The COVID-19 Pandemic}} While Generation Z proved to be less resilient than older cohorts, their fundamental values did not change, and they remained open to change, such as the transition towards hybrid school and [remote work](/source/remote_work).{{Cite journal |last1=Harari |first1=Tali Te'eni |last2=Sela |first2=Yaron |last3=Bareket-Bojmel |first3=Liad |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Gen Z during the COVID-19 crisis: a comparative analysis of the differences between Gen Z and Gen X in resilience, values and attitudes |journal=Current Psychology |volume=42 |issue=28 |pages=24223–24232 |doi=10.1007/s12144-022-03501-4 |pmc=9362676 |pmid=35967492}} On average, Generation Z is more likely to value ambition, creativity, and curiosity than the general population, including Millennials. A 2020 survey conducted by the Center for Generational Kinetics, on 1,000 members of Generation Z and 1,000 Millennials, suggests that Generation Z still would like to travel, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the recession it induced. However, Generation Z is more likely to look carefully for package deals that would bring them the most value for their money, as many of them are already saving money for buying a house and for retirement, and they prefer more physically active trips. Mobile-friendly websites and social-media engagements are both important.{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Daniel |date=December 9, 2020 |title=5 Things Travel Advisors Need to Know About Generation Z |url=https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/5-Things-Travel-Advisors-Need-to-Know-About-Generation-Z |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075833/https://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/5-Things-Travel-Advisors-Need-to-Know-About-Generation-Z |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=December 27, 2020 |work=Travel Market Report}} They take advantage of the Internet to market and sell their fresh produce. In Western countries like the United Kingdom, teenagers now prefer to get their news from social-media networks such as [Instagram](/source/Instagram) and [TikTok](/source/TikTok) and the video-sharing site YouTube rather than more traditional media, such as radio or television.{{Cite news |last=Carnegie |first=Megan |date=August 8, 2022 |title=Gen Z: How young people are changing activism |url=https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220803-gen-z-how-young-people-are-changing-activism |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075814/https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220803-gen-z-how-young-people-are-changing-activism |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=August 22, 2022 |work=[BBC Worklife](/source/BBC_Online)}} [[File:LongWavesThreeParadigms.jpg|thumb|Generation Z comes of age during the [Information Age](/source/Information_Age), which has influenced not just their societies but also their lifestyle choices.]] Having a mobile device has become almost universal by the time the first wave of Generation Z reaches adolescence. Some even have their phones besides them in bed.{{Cite news |last=Coughlan |first=Sean |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Most children sleep with mobile phone beside bed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/education-51296197 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107145136/https://www.bbc.com/news/education-51296197 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |work=BBC News |department=Education}} But despite being digital natives, Generation Z also values in-person interactions and recognizes the limits of virtual communications. Among children and teenagers of the 2010s, much leisure time is spent watching television, reading, social networking, watching YouTube videos, and playing games on smartphones.{{Cite news |last=Dredge |first=Stuart |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Children's reading shrinking due to apps, games and YouTube |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/appsblog/2013/sep/26/children-reading-less-apps-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106214929/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/appsblog/2013/sep/26/children-reading-less-apps-games |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=The Guardian}} In recognition of the Internet culture of Generations Z and Alpha, the [Oxford English Dictionary](/source/Oxford_English_Dictionary) chose ''[brain rot](/source/brain_rot)'' as its word of the year in 2024.{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2024 |title=Brain rot' named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 |url=https://corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/ |access-date=November 23, 2025 |website=Oxford University Press}}{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Harry |date=December 2, 2024 |title='Brain rot': Oxford word of the year 2024 reflects 'trivial' use of social media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/dec/02/brain-rot-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024 |access-date=November 23, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} During the 2010s, [youth subculture](/source/youth_subculture)s that were as influential compared to what existed during the late 20th century and the first decade of the 21st became scarcer and quieter, at least in real life though not necessarily on the Internet, and more ridden with [irony](/source/irony) and [self-consciousness](/source/self-consciousness) due to the awareness of incessant peer surveillance. In Germany, young people are more interested in a more mainstream lifestyle with goals such as finishing school, owning a home in the suburbs, maintaining friendships and family relationships, and stable employment, rather than popular culture, glamor, or [consumerism](/source/consumerism).{{Cite news |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Germany's youth 'have lost their sense of fun', study finds |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20200724/german-youth-have-lost-their-sense-of-fun-study-finds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106174407/https://www.thelocal.de/20200724/german-youth-have-lost-their-sense-of-fun-study-finds |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2021 |work=The Local (Germany)|url-access=subscription}} ==== Nostalgia ==== thumb|Floral prints are enjoying a revival in the 2020s thanks to Generation Z. Boundaries between the different youth subcultures appear to have been blurred, and nostalgic sentiments have risen.{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |date=March 20, 2014 |title=Youth subcultures: what are they now? |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/20/youth-subcultures-where-have-they-gone |access-date=January 4, 2021 |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122160414/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/mar/20/youth-subcultures-where-have-they-gone |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Watts|first=Peter|date=April 10, 2017|title=Is Youth Culture A Thing of the Past?|work=Apollo|url=https://www.apollo-magazine.com/is-youth-culture-a-thing-of-the-past/|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107035622/https://www.apollo-magazine.com/is-youth-culture-a-thing-of-the-past/|url-status=live}} Although [nostalgia](/source/nostalgia) is normally associated with the elderly, this sentiment is now commonplace among those who came of age during the 2010s and 2020s. Struggling with present realities, Millennials and Generation Z long for the past, when life seemed simpler and less stressful, even if they have themselves never experienced it,{{Cite news |last=Arana |first=Ixone |date=October 14, 2023 |title=Modern nostalgia: Why do young people ache for a past they never lived? |work=El Pais |department=Lifestyle |url=https://english.elpais.com/lifestyle/2023-10-14/modern-nostalgia-why-do-young-people-ache-for-a-past-they-never-lived.html |access-date=December 4, 2023}} a phenomenon known as "anemoia" to psychologists.{{Cite news |date=April 1, 2026 |title=Why Gen Z is taking up boomer hobbies |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/04/01/why-gen-z-is-taking-up-boomer-hobbies |access-date=April 20, 2026 |work=The Economist}} For example, although an aesthetic dubbed '[cottagecore](/source/cottagecore)' in 2018 has been around for many years,{{cite web|last=Frey|first=Angelica|date=November 11, 2020|title=Cottagecore debuted 2300 years ago|url=https://daily.jstor.org/cottagecore-debuted-2300-years-ago/|access-date=May 6, 2021|website=JSTOR daily|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205094328/https://daily.jstor.org/cottagecore-debuted-2300-years-ago/|url-status=live}} it has become a subculture of Generation Z,{{cite web|last=Velasquez|first=Angela|date=June 10, 2020|title=In Times of Crisis, Gen Z Embraces Escapist Fashion|url=https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-trends/gen-z-fashion-cottagecore-sustainability-edited-elfin-fairies-gigi-hadid-215061/|website=Sourcing Journal|access-date=May 6, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119123033/https://sourcingjournal.com/denim/denim-trends/gen-z-fashion-cottagecore-sustainability-edited-elfin-fairies-gigi-hadid-215061/|url-status=live}} especially on various social media networks in the wake of the [mass lockdowns](/source/COVID-19_lockdowns) imposed to combat the spread of [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19).{{cite web |author=Amelia Hall |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Why is 'cottagecore' booming? Because being outside is now the ultimate taboo: The visual and lifestyle movement is designed to fetishise the wholesome purity of the outdoors |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/why-is-cottagecore-booming-because-being-outside-is-now-the-ultimate-taboo |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |location=London |access-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318160644/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/apr/15/why-is-cottagecore-booming-because-being-outside-is-now-the-ultimate-taboo |url-status=live}} It is a form of [escapism](/source/escapism) and aspirational nostalgia.{{cite web|author=Isabel Slone|date=March 10, 2020|title=Escape Into Cottagecore, Calming Ethos for Our Febrile Moment|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/style/cottagecore.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310092146/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/style/cottagecore.html |archive-date=March 10, 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)|access-date=May 23, 2020}} Nostalgic sentiments surged during and after the COVID pandemic.{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Leah |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Nostalgia marketing is powerful. 'Nowstalgia' might be even more compelling. |url=https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231215-nostalgia-marketing-is-powerful-nowstalgia-might-be-even-more-compelling |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=BBC Worklife}} [Vintage fashion](/source/Vintage_clothing), such as and floral patterns and [cardigan](/source/Cardigan_(sweater))s, is growing in vogue among Millennial and Generation Z consumers.{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Bel |date=November 26, 2020 |title=Why buying vintage clothes is 'the new luxury' |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201113-why-gen-z-and-millennials-go-wild-for-vintage-clothes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117004250/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201113-why-gen-z-and-millennials-go-wild-for-vintage-clothes |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |work=BBC Culture}} Hobbies and other activities previously associated with the elderly, such as baking, [knitting](/source/knitting), bird watching, or vacationing on [cruise ship](/source/cruise_ship)s, have returned to vogue among Generation Z. Spotify consumer data from 2022 suggests that Generation Z is most [nostalgic for the 1980s](/source/1980s_nostalgia). The [Netflix](/source/Netflix) science-fiction horror series ''[Stranger Things](/source/Stranger_Things)'' (2016–2025), popular among Generation Z, has revived interest in American aesthetics from the 1980s when their parents, [Generation X](/source/Generation_X), were young.{{Cite web |last1=Orazi |first1=Davide Christian |last2=Laer |first2=Tom van |title=It's not nostalgia. Stranger Things is fuelling a pseudo-nostalgia of the 1980s |url=http://theconversation.com/its-not-nostalgia-stranger-things-is-fuelling-a-pseudo-nostalgia-of-the-1980s-186389 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=The Conversation |date=July 10, 2022}} [1980s songs](/source/1980s_music) featured in the [''Stranger Things'' soundtracks](/source/Music_of_Stranger_Things) became popular among Generation Z, including "[Running Up That Hill](/source/Running_Up_That_Hill)" (1985) by [Kate Bush](/source/Kate_Bush), which has appeared in many TikTok videos.{{Cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |date=June 22, 2022 |title='The whole world's gone mad!' Kate Bush on Running Up That Hill's success |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jun/22/the-whole-worlds-gone-mad-kate-bush-on-running-up-that-hills-success |access-date=November 4, 2023 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} There is evidence that Generation Z is also nostalgic for the 1990s and 2000s, given the popularity of aesthetics such as [grunge](/source/grunge), [Y2K](/source/Y2K_(aesthetic)), and [Frutiger Aero](/source/Frutiger_Aero) among this cohort.{{cite web |last=Lefroy |first=Emily |date=January 20, 2023 |title=Gen Z is bringing 1990s grunge fashion back |url=https://nypost.com/2023/01/20/gen-z-is-bringing-1990s-grunge-fashion-back/ |access-date=January 27, 2026 |website=New York Post}}[https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gen-z-y2k-millennial-90s-fashion-nostalgia Why is Gen Z So Obsessed with Y2K Fashion?]. L'Officiel. April 16, 2024.{{cite news |last=Coromines |first=Laure |title=L'esthétique « Frutiger Aero », cette nostalgie d'un futur techno-écolo qui n'a jamais eu lieu |trans-title=The 'Frutiger Aero' aesthetic, this nostalgia for a techno-eco future which never happened |work=[Le Monde](/source/Le_Monde) |date=2024-09-07 |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/m-perso/article/2024/09/07/l-esthetique-frutiger-aero-cette-nostalgie-d-un-futur-techno-ecolo-qui-n-a-jamais-eu-lieu_6306608_4497916.html |language=fr |access-date=2025-02-22 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115210856/https://www.lemonde.fr/m-perso/article/2024/09/07/l-esthetique-frutiger-aero-cette-nostalgie-d-un-futur-techno-ecolo-qui-n-a-jamais-eu-lieu_6306608_4497916.html |archive-date=2024-11-15 |url-status=live |id={{ProQuest|3101497878}} }}[https://www.thevibes.com/articles/lifestyles/95040/why-are-gen-zers-so-obsessed-with-the-2000s-a-decade-they-barely-knew Why are Gen Zers so obsessed with the 2000s, a decade they barely knew?]. The Vibes. June 20, 2023.[https://mashable.com/article/gen-z-flip-phones-trend Is Gen Z bringing flip phones back?]. Mashable. November 10, 2021. Other trends of fashion and lifestyles among Generation Z include [VSCO girl](/source/VSCO_girl), [E-girl and E-boy](/source/E-kid), [Soft girl](/source/Soft_girl), and [many others](/source/2020s_in_fashion), which were made popular by TikTok, Instagram, [Pinterest](/source/Pinterest), influencers, and celebrities.{{cite web |last1=Ahmad |first1=Nawaz |last2=Salman |first2=Atif |last3=Ashiq |first3=Rubab |date=April 30, 2015 |title=The Impact of Social Media on Fashion Industry: Empirical Investigation from Karachiites |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=2603275 |via=papers.ssrn.com |ssrn=2603275}}{{cite web |last=Marvar |first=Alexandra |date=July 28, 2021 |title=The teen tycoons of Depop |url=https://www.theverge.com/22580446/depop-online-vintage-sales-business-algorithm-dangers |access-date=November 25, 2021 |website=The Verge}} In Japan, Generation Z experiences [Shōwa nostalgia](/source/Sh%C5%8Dwa_nostalgia),[https://dot.asahi.com/articles/-/230525?page=1 復刻した「昭和レトロ」にZ世代も昭和世代もメロメロ！その理由は？]. [AERA dot.](/source/w%3Aja%3AAERA_dot.) September 21, 2024.[https://mainichi.jp/articles/20211029/k00/00m/040/113000c たまごっち、写ルンです... 昭和から平成、レトロを楽しむZ世代]. Mainichi Shimbun. October 30, 2021. and they listen to the Shōwa-era music of [Akina Nakamori](/source/Akina_Nakamori), [Seiko Matsuda](/source/Seiko_Matsuda) and [Yōko Oginome](/source/Y%C5%8Dko_Oginome).[https://www.jprime.jp/articles/-/33348?display=b 松田聖子、中森明菜、松原みき、Z世代＆海外でも話題の「昭和歌謡」令和の時代に刺さるこれだけの理由]. [週刊女性Prime](/source/w%3Aja%3A%E9%80%B1%E5%88%8A%E5%A5%B3%E6%80%A7PRIME). September 12, 2024.[https://gendai.media/articles/-/110099?imp=0 映画の上映に熱狂の声続出…伝説のアイドル「中森明菜」が令和の若者にも支持されている理由]. 現代ビジネス. June 23, 2023. Also popular among Generation Z, both in and outside of the Home Islands, is Japanese music of 1970s and 1980s by artists such as [Mariya Takeuchi](/source/Mariya_Takeuchi)[https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/entertainment/what-is-city-pop-is-the-japanese-musical-genre-that-harry-styles-loves/ What exactly is City Pop, the Japanese music genre Harry Styles loves]. [Lifestyle Asia](/source/Lifestyle_Asia), via [AFP](/source/Agence_France-Presse). May 31, 2022.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/11/how-old-ambient-japanese-music-became-a-smash-hit-on-youtube/ How old, ambient Japanese music became a smash hit on YouTube]. [Ars Technica](/source/Ars_Technica). November 26, 2020. and [Masayoshi Takanaka](/source/Masayoshi_Takanaka).{{cite news |title=Gen Z sparks revival for Japanese guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka |url=https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW920501042026RP1/ |publisher=Reuters |date=April 1, 2026 |access-date=April 15, 2026}}{{cite news |last=Balmont |first=James |date=March 2, 2026 |title=‘Do what you really want to do while you’re still alive’: Masayoshi Takanaka, the Japanese guitar hero surfing a second wave in his 70s |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/mar/02/masayoshi-takanaka-japanese-guitar-hero-surfing-a-second-wave |access-date=April 15, 2026 |work=The Guardian}} ==== Film, television, and music ==== Viewership for children's cable networks such as [Disney Channel](/source/Disney_Channel), [Nickelodeon](/source/Nickelodeon), and [Cartoon Network](/source/Cartoon_Network) was strong in the mid-late 2000s, when older Gen Z members were children.{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/high-school-musical-2-aces-test-1117970479/ |work=Variety |first1=Rick |last1=Kissell |first2=Michael |last2=Schneider |title=''High School Musical 2'' aces test |date=August 18, 2007 |access-date=2012-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209232746/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117970479?refCatId=14 |archive-date=2012-02-09 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/01/19/nickelodeon-scores-record-breaking-night-with-brand-new-icarly-and-big-time-rush-debut/39381/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103220807/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/01/19/nickelodeon-scores-record-breaking-night-with-brand-new-icarly-and-big-time-rush-debut/39381/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |title=Nickelodeon Scores Record-Breaking Night with Brand-New ''iCarly'' and ''Big Time Rush'' Debut - Ratings |publisher=Zap2it |date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2014 |last=Gorman |first=Bill |website=TV By the Numbers}} However, ratings began to fall in the early 2010s; Nickelodeon experienced a sharp double-digit decline by the end of 2011, described as "inexplicable" by Viacom management.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/viacom-nielsen-investigating-inexplicable-nickelodeon-260149|title=Viacom, Nielsen Investigating 'Inexplicable' Nickelodeon Ratings Drop |last=Szalai |first=Georg |magazine=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter) |date=November 10, 2011}} This decline of [linear television](/source/Broadcast_programming) continued among [Generation Alpha](/source/Generation_Alpha) viewers in the 2020s, with the rise of streaming services.{{cite news |last=Low |first=Elaine |date=April 9, 2020 |title=Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and other kids cable channels see viewership declines as streaming grows |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-ent-cartoon-network-nickelodeon-see-viewership-declines-20200409-sa5z5zzrlzchzpxx34ejv77fe4-story.html |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107170801/https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-ent-cartoon-network-nickelodeon-see-viewership-declines-20200409-sa5z5zzrlzchzpxx34ejv77fe4-story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=December 29, 2020|title=Disney Channels Lose 33% Of Its Audience In 2020|work=What's on Disney Plus|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-channels-loses-33-of-its-audience-in-2020/|access-date=January 1, 2021|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101005804/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-channels-loses-33-of-its-audience-in-2020/|url-status=live}} Generation Z continues to enjoy comfort television shows from the 1990s and 2000s, such as ''[The Office](/source/The_Office_(American_TV_series))'' (2005–2013) and ''[Friends](/source/Friends)'' (1994–2004).{{Cite news |last=Coughlan |first=Sean |date=January 30, 2019 |title=The one about ''Friends'' still being most popular |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/education-47043831 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107232933/https://www.bbc.com/news/education-47043831 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=BBC News}}{{Cite web |title=These Are Gen Z & Millennials' 17 Favorite TV Shows Right Now |url=https://www.ypulse.com/article/2020/05/26/these-are-gen-z-millennials-17-favorite-tv-shows-right-now/ |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=YPulse}} In the United Kingdom, ''Friends'' was chosen by over 2,000 children and teenagers as their favorite program, according to a 2019 report by Childwise; most of these young people watched the series on Netflix rather than on television. Meanwhile, the animated series ''[Bluey](/source/Bluey_(TV_series))'' (2018–present), though made for preschool children, has been surprisingly well-received among teenagers and young adults because it portrays family life positively and makes them feel nostalgic.{{cite news |last=Mumphrey |first=Cheyanne |date=April 19, 2024 |title=Not a toddler, not a parent, but still love ''Bluey''? You're not alone |url=https://apnews.com/article/bluey-show-popularity-5271981ec52b9ce3b730ac70b0542947 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |publisher=Associated Press}}{{cite news |last1=Balanzategui |first1=Jessica |last2=Baker |first2=Djoymi |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Why are adults without kids hooked on ''Bluey''? And should we still be calling it a 'kids' show'? |url=https://theconversation.com/why-are-adults-without-kids-hooked-on-bluey-and-should-we-still-be-calling-it-a-kids-show-228610 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=The Conversation}} It also helps many Millennials and members of Generation Z heal [emotional wounds](/source/Emotional_injury) from their childhoods.{{cite magazine |last=Tait |first=Amelia |date=January 23, 2023 |title=The Internet Is Breeding Hordes of Adult ''Bluey'' Fans |url=https://www.wired.com/story/bluey-internet-fandom/ |access-date=May 8, 2025 |magazine=Wired}}{{cite news |first1=Geordie |last1=Gray|first2=Andrew |last2=McMillen |author2-link=Andrew McMillen |date=March 22, 2024 |title=We've seen the ''Bluey'' movie and yes it will make you cry |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/weve-seen-the-bluey-movie-and-yes-it-will-make-you-cry/news-story/c28f1107bde2bc838ab3e5b2773c6e2d|url-status=live |access-date=May 28, 2025 |newspaper=[The Australian](/source/The_Australian) |department=Weekend Australian Magazine}} [[File:‘LG Q7 BTS 에디션’ 예약 판매 시작 (42773472410) (cropped).jpg|thumb|K-pop acts such as [BTS](/source/BTS_(boy_band)) are popular among members of Generation Z around the world.]] For decades, Western popular culture had defined youth culture and rebelliousness around the world. But things changed with Generation Z, for whom East Asia is the source of cultural touchstones of the early twenty-first century.{{Cite news |date=October 30, 2025 |title=How East Asian pop culture is inspiring Gen Z protests |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2025/10/30/how-east-asian-pop-culture-is-inspiring-gen-z-protests |access-date=December 9, 2025 |work=The Economist}} This cohort has a strong affinity for South Korean popular music ([K-pop](/source/K-pop)) and Japanese animations ([anime](/source/anime)), as indicated by the size of their [fan communities](/source/Fandom) and viewership rates.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2025-05-23/crunchyroll-research-over-half-of-gen-z-globally-are-anime-fans/.224732 |title=Crunchyroll Research: Over Half of Gen Z Globally Are Anime Fans |website=[Anime News Network](/source/Anime_News_Network) |date=May 23, 2025}} Furthermore, certain icons of East Asian popular culture have become political symbols for [Gen-Z protesters](/source/Gen_Z_protests). Global demand for anime is projected to continue growing until at least 2030 due to interest among young people.{{cite news |last=Gillette |first=Felix |date=May 13, 2025 |title=Cartoon Network's Last Gasp |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-05-13/cartoon-network-and-adult-swim-struggle-to-survive-zaslav-and-streaming |access-date=May 14, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}} [Anime song](/source/Anime_song)s appeal to Generation Z worldwide.{{cite news |last=Haider |first=Arwa |date=July 10, 2025 |title='They scream the choruses': How Japanese anime songs became Gen Z's latest musical obsession |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20250709-how-japanese-anime-songs-became-gen-zs-latest-musical-obsession |access-date=April 15, 2026 |work=BBC Culture}} Generation Z has a plethora of options when it comes to music consumption, allowing for a highly personalized experience.{{cite journal |last1=ter Bogt |first1=Tom |last2=Canale |first2=Natale |last3=Lenzi |first3=Michela |last4=Vieno |first4=Alessio |last5=van den Eijnden |first5=Regina |date=June 9, 2019 |title=Sad music depresses sad adolescents: A listener's profile |journal=Psychology of Music |volume=49 |issue=2 |pages=257–272 |doi=10.1177/0305735619849622 |hdl=11577/3309842 |doi-access=free |hdl-access=free}} Spotify and terrestrial radio are the top choices for music listening,{{cite news |last=Hodak |first=Brittany |title=New Study Spotlights Gen Z's Unique Music Consumption Habits |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyhodak/2018/03/06/new-study-spotlights-gen-zs-unique-music-consumption-habits/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901114550/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brittanyhodak/2018/03/06/new-study-spotlights-gen-zs-unique-music-consumption-habits/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |access-date=March 6, 2018 |work=Forbes}} while YouTube is the preferred platform for music discovery. In mid-2023, Spotify reported more growth than expected in the number of subscribers among Generation Z.{{cite news |last=Carman |first=Ashley |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Spotify Users Top Expectations Thanks to Gen Z Listeners |url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/spotify-users-top-expectations-thanks-to-gen-z-listeners-1.1950239 |access-date=July 30, 2023 |work=Bloomberg}} Additional research showed that within the past few decades, popular music has gotten slower; that majorities of listeners young and old preferred older songs rather than keeping up with new ones; that the language of popular songs was becoming more negative psychologically; and that lyrics were becoming simpler and more repetitive, approaching one-word sheets, something measurable by observing how efficiently lossless compression algorithms (such as the [LZ algorithm](/source/Lempel%E2%80%93Ziv%E2%80%93Welch)) handled them.{{cite web |last=McAlpine |first=Fraser |date=February 12, 2018 |title=Has pop music lost its fun? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/fb84bf19-29c9-4ed3-b6b6-953e8a083334 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211083725/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/fb84bf19-29c9-4ed3-b6b6-953e8a083334 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |access-date=December 29, 2020 |publisher=BBC}} On the other hand, texture and rhythm are becoming more complex.{{cite journal |last=Leffer |first=Lauren |date=March 28, 2024 |title=Song Lyrics Really Are Getting Simpler and More Repetitive, Study Finds |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/song-lyrics-really-are-getting-simpler-and-more-repetitive-study-finds/ |journal=Scientific American |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401073137/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/song-lyrics-really-are-getting-simpler-and-more-repetitive-study-finds/ |archive-date=April 1, 2024}} Streaming services have made it extremely easy for listeners to sample songs; this is putting pressure on musicians to compose songs that are as easy to process and have as many hooks as possible. Sad music is quite popular among adolescents, though it can dampen their moods, especially among girls. ==== Reading habits ==== [[File:A young reader Reading Book.jpg|thumb|A teenage girl reading ''[Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire](/source/Harry_Potter_and_the_Goblet_of_Fire)'' in 2023]] According to a 2019 [OECD](/source/OECD) survey, members of Generation Z were spending more time on electronic devices and less time reading books than before,{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Leigh |date=December 3, 2019 |title=Education levels stagnating despite higher spending: OECD survey |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oecd-education/education-levels-stagnating-despite-higher-spending-oecd-survey-idUSKBN1Y70Q8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205193120/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oecd-education/education-levels-stagnating-despite-higher-spending-oecd-survey-idUSKBN1Y70Q8 |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |access-date=February 5, 2020 |publisher=Reuters |department=World News}}{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=Donna |date=February 29, 2020 |title=Children are reading less than ever before, research reveals |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/feb/29/children-reading-less-says-new-research |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101045021/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/feb/29/children-reading-less-says-new-research |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=The Guardian}}{{cite news |last=Sliwa |first=Jim |date=August 20, 2018 |title=Teens Today Spend More Time on Digital Media, Less Time Reading |url=https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/08/teenagers-read-book |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101124343/https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/08/teenagers-read-book |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |work=American Psychological Association}} with implications for their [attention span](/source/attention_span)s,{{cite web |title=Too Much Screen Time? |url=https://5210.psu.edu/too-much-screen-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417173522/https://5210.psu.edu/too-much-screen-time/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=March 31, 2021 |website=Penn State University}} [vocabulary](/source/vocabulary),{{cite news |last=Massey University |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Vocabulary on decline due to fewer books |url=https://phys.org/news/2010-09-vocabulary-decline-due.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126181459/https://phys.org/news/2010-09-vocabulary-decline-due.html |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |work=Phys.org |department=Social Sciences}}{{cite news |last=Adams |first=Richard |date=April 19, 2018 |title=Teachers in UK report growing 'vocabulary deficiency' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/apr/19/teachers-in-uk-report-growing-vocabulary-deficiency |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033525/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/apr/19/teachers-in-uk-report-growing-vocabulary-deficiency |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 11, 2020 |work=The Guardian}} [academic performance](/source/Academic_achievement),{{cite news |last=Busby |first=Eleanor |date=April 19, 2018 |title=Children's grades at risk because they have narrow vocabulary, finds report |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/child-vocabulary-literacy-reading-word-primary-schools-a8311676.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109024047/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/child-vocabulary-literacy-reading-word-primary-schools-a8311676.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=November 22, 2020 |work=The Independent |department=Education}} and future economic contributions. In [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand), child development psychologist Tom Nicholson noted a marked decline in vocabulary usage and reading among schoolchildren, many of whom are reluctant to use the dictionary. According to a 2008 survey{{update inline|date=March 2024}} by the National Education Monitoring Project, about one in five year-four and year-eight pupils read books as a hobby, a ten-percent drop from 2000. In the United Kingdom, children and teenagers of the 2010s reportedly spent more time playing video games and watching YouTube videos but less time reading. By 2022, Generation Z accounted for the majority of book purchases in that country.{{cite web |last1=Mac Donnell |first1=Chloe |date=February 9, 2024 |title='Reading is so sexy': gen Z turns to physical books and libraries |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/feb/09/reading-is-so-sexy-gen-z-turns-to-physical-books-and-libraries |access-date=January 5, 2025 |website=The Guardian}} However, teenage girls are much more likely than boys to read for pleasure. About one in three children struggle with finding something interesting to read. According to the [Progress in International Reading Literacy Study](/source/Progress_in_International_Reading_Literacy_Study) (PIRLS), fourth graders in 2016, in 13 out of 20 countries and territories surveyed, were markedly less enthusiastic about reading than their predecessors in 2001 while their parents were even less keen on reading than they were.{{Cite news |last=Barshay |first=Jill |date=May 17, 2021 |title=PROOF POINTS: Why reading comprehension is deteriorating |url=https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-why-reading-comprehension-is-deteriorating/ |access-date=August 7, 2023 |work=Hechinger Report}} Among members of Generation Z who read, [romantic fantasy](/source/romantic_fantasy) and Japanese comics ([manga](/source/manga)), such as ''[One Piece](/source/One_Piece)'' (1997–present) and ''[Naruto](/source/Naruto)'' (1999–2014), are some of the most popular.{{cite web |last=Waugh |first=J.R. |date=2025-10-06 |title=I'm Naruto's Biggest Fan, and It's Time to Admit One Piece Is Better |url=https://screenrant.com/naruto-one-piece-anime-better-op-ed/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=[Screen Rant](/source/Screen_Rant)}} Unlike older cohorts, they are fond of fan fiction and [escapism](/source/escapism).{{cite news |last=Roy |first=Nilanjana |date=May 15, 2025 |title=Gen Z are changing what it means to be a 'reader'|url=https://www.ft.com/content/41fc29dd-082f-4a4a-97f6-1d8e67a74eda |access-date=May 24, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} In particular, ''One Piece'' appeals to Generation Z because of the optimism, enthusiasm, and friendship of the main characters. In addition, [BookTok](/source/BookTok), a community on TikTok, has many members from Generation Z,{{cite web |last=Mathis |first=Joel |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Gen Z is bringing back reading |url=https://theweek.com/culture-life/books/gen-z-reading-book-club-booktok |access-date=January 5, 2025 |website=The Week}} especially teenage girls and young women.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Elizabeth A. |date=March 20, 2021 |title=How Crying on TikTok Sells Books |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/20/books/booktok-tiktok-video.html |access-date=June 5, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} BookTok has stimulated a revival of volitional reading among the young{{cite journal |last1=Asplund |first1=Stig-Börje |last2=Ljung Egeland |first2=Birgitta |last3=Olin-Scheller |first3=Christina |title=Sharing is caring: young people's narratives about BookTok and volitional reading |journal=Language and Education |date=3 July 2024 |volume=38 |issue=4 |pages=635–651 |doi=10.1080/09500782.2024.2324947}} and a surge in book sales for publishers.{{cite news |last=Flood |first=Alison |date=June 25, 2021 |title=The rise of BookTok: meet the teen influencers pushing books up the charts |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/25/the-rise-of-booktok-meet-the-teen-influencers-pushing-books-up-the-charts |access-date=June 5, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} {{Clear}} ==== Fan fiction ==== [[File:The Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond.jpg|thumb|246x246px|[Karen Gillan](/source/Karen_Gillan) (as [Amy Pond](/source/Amy_Pond)) and [Matt Smith](/source/Matt_Smith) (the [Eleventh Doctor](/source/Eleventh_Doctor)) on set for ''Doctor Who'' ("[The Eleventh Hour](/source/The_Eleventh_Hour_(Doctor_Who))"). Popular franchises such as ''Doctor Who'' have inspired numerous fan fiction stories written mostly by young female authors.]] During the first two decades of the 21st century, writing and reading [fan fiction](/source/fan_fiction) and creating [fandom](/source/fandom)s of fictional works became a prevalent activity worldwide. Demographic data from various depositories revealed that those who read and wrote fan fiction were overwhelmingly young, in their teens and twenties, and female.{{Cite news|last=Anderson|first=Porter|date=October 25, 2017|title=YA Reading and Writing Trends from Wattpad's 60 Million Users|work=Publishing Perspectives|url=https://publishingperspectives.com/2017/10/watpad-ya-trends-publishing-insights-millennials/|access-date=December 29, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107084418/https://publishingperspectives.com/2017/10/watpad-ya-trends-publishing-insights-millennials/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Clements |first=Mikaella |date=August 8, 2018 |title=From Star Trek to Fifty Shades: how fanfiction went mainstream |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/aug/08/fanfiction-fifty-shades-star-trek-harry-potter |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129083051/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/aug/08/fanfiction-fifty-shades-star-trek-harry-potter |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=December 29, 2020 |work=The Guardian}}{{Cite news|last=Aragon|first=Cecilia|date=December 27, 2019|title=What I learned from studying billions of words of online fan fiction|work=MIT Technology Review|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/12/27/131111/online-fan-fiction-learning-communities/|access-date=December 29, 2020|archive-date=December 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215165430/https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/12/27/131111/online-fan-fiction-learning-communities/|url-status=live}} For example, an analysis published in 2019 by data scientists [Cecilia Aragon](/source/Cecilia_Aragon) and Katie Davis of the site [FanFiction.Net](/source/FanFiction.Net) showed that some 60 billion words of contents were added during the previous 20 years by 10 million English-speaking people whose median age was 15{{frac|1|2}} years. Fan fiction writers base their work on various internationally popular cultural phenomena such as [K-pop](/source/K-pop), [anime](/source/anime), ''[Star Trek](/source/Star_Trek)'', ''[Harry Potter](/source/Harry_Potter)'', ''[Twilight](/source/The_Twilight_Saga_(film_series))'', ''[Star Wars](/source/Star_Wars)'', ''[Doctor Who](/source/Doctor_Who)'', and ''[My Little Pony](/source/My_Little_Pony%3A_Friendship_Is_Magic_fandom)'', known as '[canon](/source/Canon_(fiction))', as well as other things they considered important to their lives, like natural disasters. Much of fan fiction concerns the romantic pairing of fictional characters of interest, or '[shipping](/source/Shipping_(fandom))'.{{Cite news|last=Knorr|first=Catharine|date=July 5, 2017|title=Inside the racy, nerdy world of fanfiction|publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/05/health/kids-teens-fanfiction-partner/index.html|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107211231/https://www.cnn.com/2017/07/05/health/kids-teens-fanfiction-partner/index.html|url-status=live}} Aragon and Davis argued that writing fan fiction stories could help young people combat social isolation and hone their writing skills outside of school in an environment of like-minded people where they can receive (anonymous) constructive feedback, what they call 'distributed mentoring'. Informatics specialist Rebecca Black added that fan fiction writing could also be a useful resource for English-language learners. Indeed, the analysis of Aragon and Davis showed that for every 650 reviews a fan fiction writer receives, their vocabulary improved by one year of age, though this may not generalize to older cohorts.{{Cite news|last=Beck|first=Julia|date=October 1, 2019|title=What Fan Fiction Teaches That the Classroom Doesn't|work=The Atlantic|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/10/how-fanfiction-improves-writing/599197/|access-date=January 4, 2021|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104211916/https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/10/how-fanfiction-improves-writing/599197/|url-status=live}} On the other hand, children browsing fan fiction contents might be exposed to [cyberbullying](/source/cyberbullying), crude comments, and other inappropriate materials. {{Clear}} == Demographics == File:2017 world map, median age by country.svg|Median age by country in years in 2017. The youth bulge is evident in parts of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. File:World population pyramid (2018).jpg|Population pyramid of the world in 2018 {{as of|2020}}, although many countries have aging populations and declining birth rates, Generation Z was the largest generation alive.{{cite web|date=January 25, 2020|title=Generation Z is bigger than millennials — and they're out to change the world|url=https://nypost.com/2020/01/25/generation-z-is-bigger-than-millennials-and-theyre-out-to-change-the-world/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075848/https://nypost.com/2020/01/25/generation-z-is-bigger-than-millennials-and-theyre-out-to-change-the-world/|url-status=live}} ''Bloomberg'''s analysis of United Nations data predicted that, in 2019, members of Generation Z accounted for 2.47 billion (32%) of the 7.7 billion inhabitants of Earth, surpassing the Millennial population of 2.43 billion. The generational cutoff of Generation Z and Millennials for this analysis was placed at 2000 to 2001.{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Lee |last2=Lu |first2=Wei |date=August 20, 2018|title=Gen Z Is Set to Outnumber Millennials Within a Year |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/gen-z-to-outnumber-millennials-within-a-year-demographic-trends|access-date=August 31, 2021|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907135420/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-20/gen-z-to-outnumber-millennials-within-a-year-demographic-trends|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Forum|first=World Economic|date=August 27, 2018|title=Generation Z will outnumber Millennials by 2019|url=https://europeansting.com/2018/08/27/generation-z-will-outnumber-millennials-by-2019/|access-date=August 31, 2021|website=The European Sting – Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology |archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831234538/https://europeansting.com/2018/08/27/generation-z-will-outnumber-millennials-by-2019/|url-status=live}} === Africa === In 2018, Generation Z comprised the majority of the population of Africa.{{cite web|date=March 9, 2018|title=African Millennials: The Myths, The Reality|url=https://www.geopoll.com/blog/african-millennials-myths-reality/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=GeoPoll|language=en-US|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901005328/https://www.geopoll.com/blog/african-millennials-myths-reality/|url-status=live}} In 2017, 60% of the 1.2 billion people living in Africa fell below the age of 25.{{cite web|title=Africa's growing youthful population: reflections on a continent at a tipping point|url=http://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2017/africas-growing-youthful-population-reflections-continent-tipping-point|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=Mo Ibrahim Foundation |archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901012352/https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2017/africas-growing-youthful-population-reflections-continent-tipping-point|url-status=live}} In 2019, 46% of the South African population, or 27.5 million people, are members of Generation Z.{{Cite web|date=July 1, 2020|title=Gen Z population credit-active has reached 10% in Africa [Partnered Content]|url=https://ventureburn.com/2020/07/gen-z-population-credit-active-has-reached-10-in-africa/|access-date=September 1, 2021|website=Ventureburn|language=en-ZA|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901005328/https://ventureburn.com/2020/07/gen-z-population-credit-active-has-reached-10-in-africa/|url-status=live}} Statistical projections from the United Nations in 2019 suggest that, in 2020, the people of Niger had a median age of 15.2, Mali 16.3, Chad 16.6, Somalia, Uganda, and Angola all 16.7, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 17.0, Burundi 17.3, Mozambique and Zambia both 17.6. This means that more than half of their populations were born in the first two decades of the 21st century. These are the world's youngest countries by median age.{{Cite news|last=Myers|first=Joe|date=August 30, 2019|title=19 of the world's 20 youngest countries are in Africa|work=World Economic Forum|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/08/youngest-populations-africa/|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207031815/https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/08/youngest-populations-africa/|url-status=live}} === Asia === According to a 2022 [McKinsey & Company](/source/McKinsey_%26_Company) insight, Generation Z will account for a quarter of the population of the Asia-Pacific region by 2025, and possess a global spending power of approximately US$140bn by 2030.{{cite web |date=June 7, 2022 |title=Mind the Gap: What do Gen Zers in Asia want? |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2022/06/07/2022-06-07b.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129230054/https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/email/genz/2022/06/07/2022-06-07b.html |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=May 20, 2023 |website=www.mckinsey.com}} As a result of cultural ideals, government policy, and female modern medicine, there have been severe [gender population imbalances](/source/human_sex_ratio) in [China](/source/female_infanticide_in_China) and [India](/source/female_infanticide_in_India). According to the United Nations, in 2018, there were 112 Chinese males for every hundred females ages 15 to 29; in India, there were 111 males for every hundred females in that age group. China had a total of 34 million excess males and India 37 million, more than the entire population of Malaysia. Together, China and India had a combined 50 million excess males under the age of 20. Such a discrepancy fuels loneliness epidemics, human trafficking (from elsewhere in Asia, such as Cambodia and Vietnam), and prostitution, among other societal problems.{{Cite news|last1=Deyner|first1=Simon|last2=Gowen|first2=Annie|date=April 24, 2018|title=Too many men: China and India battle with the consequences of gender imbalance|work=South China Morning Post|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/2142658/too-many-men-china-and-india-battle-consequences|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926151041/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/2142658/too-many-men-china-and-india-battle-consequences|url-status=live}} File:Population pyramid of China 2016.png File:Population pyramid of India 2016.png File:Population pyramid of Japan 2016.png File:Population pyramid of Singapore 2016.png === Europe === Out of the approximately 66.8 million people of the UK in 2019, there were approximately 12.6 million people (18.8%) in Generation Z, if defined as those born from 1997 to 2012.{{cite web|title=UK generation population 2019|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/528577/uk-population-by-generation/|access-date=2021-09-01|website=Statista |archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901005327/https://www.statista.com/statistics/528577/uk-population-by-generation/|url-status=live}} Generation Z is the most diverse generation in the European Union in regards to national origin.{{Cite web|date=December 2020|title=Next generation or lost generation? Children, young people and the pandemic|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2020/659404/EPRS_BRI(2020)659404_EN.pdf|access-date=August 31, 2021|website=[European Parliament](/source/European_Parliament)|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831234538/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2020/659404/EPRS_BRI(2020)659404_EN.pdf|url-status=live}} In Europe generally, 13.9% of those ages 14 and younger in 2019 (which includes older Generation Alpha) were born in another EU Member State, and 6.6% were born outside the EU. In Luxembourg, 20.5% were born in another country, largely within the EU (6.6% outside the EU compared to 13.9% in another member state); in Ireland, 12.0% were born in another country; in Sweden, 9.4% were born in another country, largely outside the EU (7.8% outside the EU compared to 1.6% in another member state). In Finland, 4.5% of people aged 14 and younger were born abroad and 10.6% had a foreign-background in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://pxnet2.stat.fi/PXWeb/pxweb/fi/StatFin/StatFin__vrm__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11rt.px/|title=Väestö 31.12. Muuttujina Maakunta, Taustamaa, Sukupuoli, Ikä, Syntyperä, Vuosi ja Tiedot|access-date=March 30, 2022|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415184307/https://pxnet2.stat.fi/PXWeb/pxweb/fi/StatFin/StatFin__vrm__vaerak/statfin_vaerak_pxt_11rt.px/}} However, Gen Z from eastern Europe is much more homogeneous: in Croatia, only 0.7% of those aged 14 and younger were foreign-born; in the Czech Republic, 1.1% aged 14 and younger were foreign-born. Higher portions of those ages 15 to 29 in 2019 (which includes younger Millennials) were foreign born in Europe. Luxembourg had the highest share of young people (41.9%) born in a foreign country. More than 20% of this age group were foreign-born in Cyprus, Malta, Austria and Sweden. The highest shares of non-EU born young adults were found in Sweden, Spain and Luxembourg. Like with those under age 14, countries in eastern Europe generally have much smaller populations of foreign-born young adults. Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Latvia had the lowest shares of foreign-born young people, at 1.4 to 2.5% of the total age group. Population pyramid of France 2016.png Population pyramid of Greece 2016.png Population pyramid of Russia 2016.png === North America === {{See also|Aging of Canada|Aging of the United States}} Data from Statistics Canada published in 2017 showed that Generation Z comprised 17.6% of the Canadian population.{{Cite news|last=Patel|first=Arti|date=June 18, 2018|title=Generation Z: Make room for Canada's connected, open and optimistic generation|work=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4211788/generation-z/|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224195046/https://globalnews.ca/news/4211788/generation-z/|url-status=live}}right|550x550pxA report by demographer William Frey of the [Brookings Institution](/source/Brookings_Institution) stated that in the United States, the Millennials are a bridge between the largely white pre-Millennials (Generation X and their predecessors) and the more diverse post-Millennials (Generation Z and their successors).{{cite web|last=Frey|first=William H.|date=January 2018|title=The millennial generation: A demographic bridge to America's diverse future|url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/millennials/|access-date=September 9, 2019|website=The Brookings Institution|archive-date=August 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810104201/https://www.brookings.edu/research/millennials/|url-status=live}} Frey's analysis of U.S. Census data suggests that as of 2019, 50.9% of Generation Z is white, 13.8% is black, 25.0% Hispanic, and 5.3% Asian.{{Cite web|last=Frey|first=William|date=June 24, 2019|title=Less than half of US children under 15 are white, census shows|url=https://www.brookings.edu/research/less-than-half-of-us-children-under-15-are-white-census-shows/|access-date=December 4, 2020|website=Brookings Institution|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206090259/https://www.brookings.edu/research/less-than-half-of-us-children-under-15-are-white-census-shows/|url-status=live}} 29% of Generation Z are children of immigrants or immigrants themselves, compared to 23% of Millennials when they were at the same age.{{Cite news|last=Kight|first=Stef W.|date=December 14, 2019|title=Immigration is shaping the youngest generation of voters|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/immigration-gen-z-voters-2020-presidential-election-33ee50d5-2863-4ab3-b9e5-3444a2926e8b.html|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224214420/https://www.axios.com/immigration-gen-z-voters-2020-presidential-election-33ee50d5-2863-4ab3-b9e5-3444a2926e8b.html|url-status=live}} Members of Generation Z are slightly less likely to be foreign-born than Millennials;{{cite web|date=November 15, 2018|title=Early Benchmarks Show 'Post-Millennials' on Track to Be Most Diverse, Best-Educated Generation Yet|url=https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2018/11/15/early-benchmarks-show-post-millennials-on-track-to-be-most-diverse-best-educated-generation-yet/|access-date=May 11, 2019|website=Pew Research Center|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510072915/https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2018/11/15/early-benchmarks-show-post-millennials-on-track-to-be-most-diverse-best-educated-generation-yet/|url-status=live}} the fact that more American Latinos were born in the U.S. rather than abroad plays a role in making the first wave of Generation Z appear better educated than their predecessors. However, researchers warn that this trend could be altered by changing immigration patterns and the younger members of Generation Z choosing alternate educational paths.{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Hansi|date=November 15, 2018|title=Generation Z Is The Most Racially And Ethnically Diverse Yet|publisher=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/15/668106376/generation-z-is-the-most-racially-and-ethnically-diverse-yet|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806165523/https://www.npr.org/2018/11/15/668106376/generation-z-is-the-most-racially-and-ethnically-diverse-yet|url-status=live}} As a demographic cohort, Generation Z is smaller than the Baby Boomers and their children, the Millennials.{{Cite news|last=Kight|first=Stef W.|date=December 14, 2019|title=Young people are outnumbered and outvoted by older generations|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/2020-election-youth-vote-gen-z-895c7c4b-3ee2-4068-8b83-96178249d3f0.html|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224214437/https://www.axios.com/2020-election-youth-vote-gen-z-895c7c4b-3ee2-4068-8b83-96178249d3f0.html|url-status=live}} According to the [U.S. Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), Generation Z makes up about one quarter of the U.S. population, as of 2015.{{cite web|last=Dill|first=Kathryn|date=November 6, 2015|title=7 Things Employers Should Know About The Gen Z Workforce|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2015/11/06/7-things-employers-should-know-about-the-gen-z-workforce/|access-date=May 11, 2019|website=Forbes|archive-date=June 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605221717/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2015/11/06/7-things-employers-should-know-about-the-gen-z-workforce/|url-status=live}} There was an 'echo boom' in the 2000s; this boom certainly increased the absolute number of future young adults, but did not significantly change the relative sizes of this cohort compared to their parents.{{Cite news|last=Macunovich|first=Diane J.|date=September 8, 2015|title=Baby booms and busts: how population growth spurts affect the economy|work=The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/baby-booms-and-busts-how-population-growth-spurts-affect-the-economy-46056|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114162256/https://theconversation.com/baby-booms-and-busts-how-population-growth-spurts-affect-the-economy-46056|url-status=live}} According to a 2021 Gallup survey, 20.8%, or about one in five members, of Gen Z identify as [LGBTQ+](/source/LGBT).{{cite web|date=February 17, 2022|title=LGBT Identification in U.S. Ticks Up to 7.1%|url=https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx|access-date=February 20, 2022|website=Gallup.com |archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220112440/https://news.gallup.com/poll/389792/lgbt-identification-ticks-up.aspx|url-status=live}} File:Population pyramid of Canada 2016.png File:Population pyramid of the United States 2016.png File:Population pyramid of Mexico 2016.png {{Clear}} == Economic trends == === Consumption === As consumers, members of Generation Z are typically reliant on the Internet to research their options and to place orders. They tend to be skeptical and will shun firms whose actions and values are contradictory.{{Cite news |date=January 19, 2023 |title=How to sell to the young |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2023/01/19/how-to-sell-to-the-young |access-date=January 29, 2023}}{{Cite news |date=January 16, 2023 |title=How the young spend their money |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/business/2023/01/16/how-the-young-spend-their-money |access-date=January 29, 2023 }} Their purchases are heavily influenced by trends promoted by "[influencer](/source/influencer)s" on social media,{{Cite news |last=Reice |first=Alex |date=December 1, 2021 |title=The most eco-conscious generation? Gen Z's fashion fixation suggests otherwise. |work=The Week |url=https://theweek.com/culture/1007212/gen-zs-fast-fashion-hypocrisy |access-date=January 29, 2023 }}{{Cite news |last=Kale |first=Sirin |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Out of style: Will Gen Z ever give up its dangerous love of fast fashion? |work=The Guardian |department=Fashion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2021/oct/06/out-of-style-will-gen-z-ever-give-up-its-dangerous-love-of-fast-fashion |access-date=May 7, 2023}} as well as the [fear of missing out](/source/fear_of_missing_out) (FOMO) and [peer pressure](/source/peer_pressure).{{Cite news |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=February 21, 2023 |title=Gen Z is key to Apple's dominance, due to their fear of green bubbles |work=9to5Mac |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/21/gen-z-apple/ |access-date=May 7, 2023}} The need to be "[trendy](/source/trendy)" is a prime motivator. In the West, while majorities might [signal](/source/Virtue_signalling) their support for certain ideals such as "environmental consciousness" to pollsters, actual purchases do not reflect their stated views, as can be seen from their high demand for cheap but not durable clothing ("[fast fashion](/source/fast_fashion)"), or preference for rapid delivery. Despite their socially progressive views, large numbers are still willing to purchase these items when human rights abuses in the developing countries that produce them are brought up. However, young Western consumers of this cohort are less likely to [pay a premium](/source/Conspicuous_consumption) for what they want compared to their counterparts from emerging economies. In China, young people have less disposable income than before due to a slowing economy. Even so, while they are saving money on basic necessities, they are willing to spend more money on hobbies or items that make them feel happy.{{Cite news |last=Guo |first=Peter |date=June 28, 2025 |title=Young Chinese consumers are spending to feel good amid slower economic growth |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/china/young-chinese-consumers-are-spending-feel-good-slower-economic-growth-rcna213663 |access-date=June 29, 2025 |work=NBC News}} In culturally modernizing Saudi Arabia, where 63% of the population was under the age of 30 as of 2024, luxury brands have seen growth in the market aimed at young consumers, most of whom make online purchases and prefer products that not only reflects their cultural heritage but are also modern.{{Cite news |last=Law |first=Julienne |date=February 21, 2024 |title=Inside Saudi's luxury evolution: Gen Z, women, innovation lead |url=https://jingdaily.com/posts/saudi-arabia-luxury-consumers-women-youth |access-date=May 28, 2025 |work=Jing Daily}} In much of Western Europe, Generation Z faces economic stagnation or even falling standards of living. In the United Kingdom, Generation Z's general avoidance of alcohol and tobacco has noticeably reduced government revenue in the form of the [sin tax](/source/sin_tax).{{Cite news |last=Rees |first=Tom |date=March 25, 2023 |title=Gen Z's Clean Living Means £14 Billion in Lost 'Sin Tax' for UK |work=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-25/gen-z-s-clean-living-means-14-billion-in-lost-sin-tax-for-uk |access-date=March 27, 2023}} Indeed, many young Britons remain dependent on their parents to pay their bills in a stagnant economy and about a quarter spends virtually nothing on luxuries.{{Cite news |last=Borrett |first=Amy |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Does Gen Z have it tougher than previous generations? |url=https://www.ft.com/content/db076232-b674-485b-8693-a575caae4f06 |access-date=November 10, 2024 |work=Financial Times}} In Canada, Generation Z has been accruing significant debt purchasing luxuries such as concert tickets (to other countries) or designer clothing despite its economic precariousness, a phenomenon dubbed "doom spending" by economists and described as a "trauma response" by psychotherapists.{{Cite news |last=Shea |first=Courtney |date=October 14, 2025 |title=The Doom Spenders |url=https://macleans.ca/longforms/the-doom-spenders/ |access-date=November 18, 2025 |work=Maclean's}} But in the United States, young people enjoy much better economic prospects.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=January 24, 2025 |title=Gen Z Americans are leaving their European cousins in the dust |url=https://www.ft.com/content/25867e65-68ec-4af4-b110-c1232525cf5c |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} Due to their relatively high income, members of Generation Z in the U.S. have higher spending habits. According to new research, they rely on social media to make purchasing decisions, with health and beauty products being the most consumed category on these platforms.{{cite web |last=Roman |first=Edwin |date=2024-07-15 |title=Gen Z is projected to become the largest, wealthiest generation, according to report |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-is-projected-to-become-the-largest-wealthiest-generation-according-to-report-185059231.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}} As of the 2020s, an absolute majority of Gen-Z Latin Americans live in multi-person households, and for them, affordability is a constant worry.{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2025 |title=Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers trends in Latin America |url=https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/gen-z-millennials-gen-x-and-boomers-trends-in-latin-america/ |access-date=December 31, 2025 |website=Innova Market Insights}} ==== Food and drink choices ==== In Central Eastern Europe, inflation and [food insecurity](/source/Food_security) have become a serious source of distress among university students.{{cite journal |last=Jackson |first=Kevin |last2=Kelemen |first2=Zita |last3=Nagy |first3=Ákos |date=September 30, 2025 |title=Inflation, food insecurity, and mental health: Generation Z's burden in emerging Europe |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-025-05858-w#Sec19 |journal=Humanities and Social Sciences Communications |volume=12 |issue=1552 |doi=10.1057/s41599-025-05858-w |doi-access=free}} Due to the rising cost of living, young Canadians have been eating [fast food](/source/fast_food) less often. Instead, they are turning to buying groceries and cooking their own meals.{{Cite news |last=Benchetrit |first=Jenna |date=November 14, 2025 |title=Can meal deals bring Gen Z back to fast food chains? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6978258 |access-date=December 31, 2025 |work=CBC News}} However, they have also been accumulating significant (credit card) debt from frequently ordering food deliveries.{{Cite news |last=Sharratt |first=Anna |date=October 7, 2025 |title=Despite Gen Z's financial hurdles, some spend thousands a year on food delivery |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/article-gen-z-food-delivery-uber-eats-doordash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010085115/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/article-gen-z-food-delivery-uber-eats-doordash/ |archive-date=October 10, 2025 |access-date=December 31, 2025 |work=Globe and Mail}} In the United States, Generation Z has shown a high level of interest as well as [vegetarian](/source/Vegetarianism) and vegan food options, including [plant-based meat](/source/Meat_alternative).{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2018 |title=Aramark Brings Gen Z Food Trends To Life On College Campuses Nationwide |url=https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/aramark-brings-gen-z-food-trends-to-life-on-college-campuses-nationwide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102095733/https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/aramark-brings-gen-z-food-trends-to-life-on-college-campuses-nationwide/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=www.vendingtimes.com}}{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2022 |title=Gen Z is leading a generational shift in plant-based food purchasing |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/health-wellness/gen-z-leading-generational-shift-plant-based-food-purchasing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102101337/https://www.supermarketnews.com/health-wellness/gen-z-leading-generational-shift-plant-based-food-purchasing |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Supermarket News}} Latin American youths typically enjoy nuts and classic bakery products, such as [pan dulce](/source/pan_dulce). Across the world, Generation Z is noticeably less keen on drinking alcoholic beverages compared to the Baby Boomers, partly as a consequence of public-health warnings. In Australia, for instance, monthly consumption by people aged 18 to 24 halved between the early 2010s and early 2020s. In France, farmers in the [Bordeaux regions](/source/Bordeaux_wine_regions) have been replacing their grape vines with other crops due to cratering demand for alcohol among the young.{{Cite news |date=November 12, 2025 |title=The world has hit "peak wine" |url=https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2025/11/12/the-world-has-hit-peak-wine |access-date=December 30, 2025 |work=The Economist}} In Latin America, coffee and soft drinks are the preferred drinks of Generation Z. This does not mean that Generation Z is boycotting alcohol altogether, however. Some members of this cohort are looking for quality and novelty.{{Cite news |date=January 15, 2026 |title=Falling wine sales reflect a lonelier and more atomised world |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2026/01/15/falling-wine-sales-reflect-a-lonelier-and-more-atomised-world |work=The Economist |pages=54-5}} ==== Transportation choices ==== {{See also|Transit-oriented development}} Across the developed world, young people are noticeably less likely to get a driver's license or to own a car than older generations.{{Cite news |last=Herbert |first=Geraldine |date=May 24, 2025 |title=Is Generation Z really shunning cars and driving? |url=https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/05/24/is-generation-z-really-shunning-cars-and-driving |access-date=June 10, 2025 |work=Euronews}}{{Cite news |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Throughout the rich world, the young are falling out of love with cars |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2023/02/16/throughout-the-rich-world-the-young-are-falling-out-of-love-with-cars |access-date=June 10, 2025 |newspaper=The Economist}} This new trend is driven by the possibility of making online purchases, economic constraints, concerns for the environment, viability of alternatives to driving (walking, biking, [public transit](/source/Public_transport), and [ride sharing](/source/Ridesharing_company)), and growing restrictions on driving within urban areas. In the United States, however, decades of [auto-centric](/source/Car_dependency) urban development have led to under-investment in [walkable](/source/Walkability) neighborhoods, [bicycle lanes](/source/Bike_lane), and public transit, making it likely that most members of Generation Z will eventually become frequent drivers, like the Millennials before them, even if they [dislike cars](/source/Car-free_movement).{{Cite news |last=Zipper |first=David |date=March 1, 2023 |title=Gen Z's Turn Against Driving Is a Mirage |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-01/is-gen-z-really-done-with-driving-cars-don-t-bet-on-it |access-date=June 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}} === Employment === According to the [International Labor Organization](/source/International_Labour_Organization) (ILO), the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified [youth unemployment](/source/youth_unemployment), but unevenly.{{Cite news |last=Schlein |first=Lisa |date=August 11, 2022 |title=COVID-19 Wreaks Havoc on Youth Employment |work=VOA News |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/6697547.html |access-date=July 21, 2023}} By the mid-2020s, about a quarter of young people worldwide were neither in employment, in education, or training ([NEET](/source/NEET)). From the developed world to developing countries, many struggle to make a living in low-pay low-productivity jobs while dealing with high inflation. The [International Monetary Fund](/source/International_Monetary_Fund) (IMF) considers this global trend to pose not just a social risk but also a macroeconomic one that threatens the future of today's youths.{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Malcolm |last2=Ovaska |first2=Michael |last3=Munshi |first3=Neil |date=December 26, 2025 |title=Gen-Z Protest Sweep World As Young Face Future of AI, Robots, and Inequality |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2025-gen-z-protest-worldwide/ |access-date=December 26, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}} In the early 2020s, Chinese youths are finding that their university degrees offer little help in job hunting.{{Cite news |last=Tsoi |first=Grace |date=June 10, 2023 |title=Kong Yiji: The memes that lay bare China's youth disillusionment |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-65425941 |access-date=July 21, 2023}} In fact, due to the mismatch between education and the job market, those with no university qualifications are less likely to be unemployed.{{Cite news |date=May 31, 2023 |title=China's young want to work. For the government. |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2023/05/31/chinas-young-want-to-work-for-the-government |access-date=July 21, 2023}} By June 2023, China's unemployment rate for people aged 16 to 24 was about one fifth.{{Cite news |last1=Liang |first1=Annabelle |last2=Marsh |first2=Nick |date=July 17, 2023 |title=China youth unemployment hits high as recovery falters |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66219007 |access-date=July 21, 2023}} In South Korea, people below the age of 40 are increasingly interested in relocating from the cities, especially Seoul, to the countryside and working on the farm. Working in a [conglomerate](/source/Chaebol) like [Samsung](/source/Samsung) or [Hyundai Group](/source/Hyundai_Group) no longer appeals to young people, many of whom prefer to avoid becoming a workaholic or are pessimistic about their ability to be as successful as their fathers.{{Cite news |date=September 1, 2022 |title=Young Koreans are moving to the countryside to farm |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2022/09/01/young-koreans-are-moving-to-the-countryside-to-farm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903035039/https://www.economist.com/asia/2022/09/01/young-koreans-are-moving-to-the-countryside-to-farm |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |access-date=September 3, 2022 |newspaper=[The Economist](/source/The_Economist)}} In South and Southeast Asia, while there has been considerable economic growth, large numbers of young adults remain without jobs, especially in Indonesia, Nepal, and Bangladesh.{{Cite news |last=Schipani |first=Andres |date=September 15, 2025 |title=The Gen Z revolution spreading in Asia |url=https://www.ft.com/content/31ac1faf-9348-4ee1-a129-4be6f9dd002d |access-date=January 7, 2026 |work=Financial Times}} In a number of Western countries, the number of young adults who were NEET or stay-at-home parents has grown significantly between the 2010s and 2020s.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=November 14, 2025 |title=Young adults are growing increasingly economically dislocated |url=https://www.ft.com/content/bd61b6e2-d455-4f90-a5e3-648f30f0afc6 |work=Financial Times}} In Australia, Generation Z is much more likely to report feeling stress, fatigue, and [occupational burnout](/source/occupational_burnout) compared to older cohorts.{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Ally |date=December 2, 2025 |title=‘Happiness’ study reveals concerning issue impacting Aussie workplaces |url=https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/trends/happiness-study-reveals-concerning-issue-impacting-aussie-workplaces/news-story/672ecf4f6b063f2eefde447ccb7e1bab |access-date=May 31, 2026 |work=news.com.au}} In the United Kingdom, Generation Z is facing a [gig economy](/source/gig_economy) with precarious prospects and stagnant wages. Many young Europeans with high skills are leaving their home countries for places that offer more job opportunities, higher salaries, and lower taxes; they typically choose another country in Europe with a stronger economy or the United States.{{Cite news |last=Garcia |first=Pedro |date=February 24, 2025 |title=Countries compete to keep skilled young workers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj30xr1vy2lo |access-date=March 19, 2025 |work=BBC News}} In Canada, people aged 15 to 24 faced an unemployment rate of 12.2%, or more than twice that of prime working-age adults, as of 2025. Among university students, that number was over one fifth, the highest since the [Great Recession](/source/Great_Recession) of the late 2000s. Young graduates face not only a tough labor market, but also global trade wars, persistent inflation, industrial automation and artificial intelligence.{{Cite news |last1=Stawnychko |first1=Leda |last2=Ferguson |first2=Warren Boyd |date=June 29, 2025 |title=Gen Z is struggling to find work: 4 strategies to move forward |url=https://theconversation.com/gen-z-is-struggling-to-find-work-4-strategies-to-move-forward-259504 |access-date=June 29, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} In the United States, the youth unemployment rate (16–24) was 7.5% in May 2023, the lowest in 70 years.{{Cite news |last=Napolitano |first=Elizabeth |date=May 17, 2023 |title=The class of 2023 is entering the strongest job market in 70 years |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/youth-unemployment-70-year-low-epi-class-of-2023/ |access-date=July 21, 2023}} American high-school graduates could join the job market right away,{{Cite news |last=Moody |first=Josh |date=May 26, 2022 |title=A 5th Straight Semester of Enrollment Declines |work=Inside Higher Education |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/05/26/nsc-report-shows-total-enrollment-down-41-percent |access-date=August 21, 2022}} with employers offering them generous bonuses, high wages, and apprenticeship programs in order to offset the ongoing labor shortage.{{Cite news |last=Binkley |first=Collin |date=March 9, 2023 |title=Jaded with education, more Americans are skipping college |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/skipping-college-student-loans-trade-jobs-efc1f6d6067ab770f6e512b3f7719cc0 |access-date=March 9, 2023}} Generation Z in the United States as a group is projected to be richer than previous generations at the same age thanks to higher wage growth and [greater inheritance](/source/Great_Wealth_Transfer) from their parents and grandparents, who have accumulated enormous wealth.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Gen Z is projected to become the largest, wealthiest generation, according to report |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-is-projected-to-become-the-largest-wealthiest-generation-according-to-report-185059231.html |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Carbonaro |first=Giulia |date=March 19, 2025 |title=Gen Z To Become Richest Generation By 2035: Report |url=https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-become-richest-generation-2035-2046355 |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=Newsweek}} As of 2023, members of Generation Z in North America and especially developing Asian nations were a much more optimistic about their economic prospects and more likely to believe in the value of hard work than their counterparts in developed Asia, Western Europe, or Latin America.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2023 |title=Gen Z and Millennial consumers: what defines them and what divides them |url=https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/commentary/2023/gen-z-and-millennial-consumers-what-defines-them-and-what-divides-them/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |website=Nielsen IQ}} As workers, Generation Z tends to prioritize a financial security, meaning, and their own well-being. They also value a [work–life balance](/source/work%E2%80%93life_balance).{{Cite web |last=Faber |first=Elizabeth |date=2025 |title=2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey |url=https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/genz-millennial-survey.html |access-date=May 23, 2025 |website=Deloitte}} === Housing === For large swaths of Generation Z in the developed Anglosphere, home ownership remains a distant prospect. Due to [opposition from local property owners](/source/NIMBY), who view their homes not just as a place to live in but also a tool for wealth accumulation, new homes have not been built at a pace fast enough to satisfy demand, leading to critical shortages and high prices. This has had a demoralizing effect on young people in the English-speaking world, making them less willing to work hard and save money.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=November 28, 2025 |title=The housing crisis is pushing Gen Z into crypto and economic nihilism |url=https://www.ft.com/content/c17ac791-548f-4dfc-b456-70d054b2ffac |access-date=December 31, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} == Education == {{Main|Education of Generation Z}} East Asian and Singaporean students consistently earned the top spots in international standardized tests in the 2010s{{Cite news |last=Alphonso |first=Caroline |date=December 3, 2019 |title=Canadian high school students among top performers in reading, according to new international ranking |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-high-school-students-among-top-performers-in-reading/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203165458/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-high-school-students-among-top-performers-in-reading/ |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |access-date=November 13, 2019 |work=The Globe and Mail}}{{Cite news |last=DeSilver |first=Drew |date=February 15, 2017 |title=U.S. students' academic achievement still lags that of their peers in many other countries |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/02/15/u-s-students-internationally-math-science/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120124120/https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/02/15/u-s-students-internationally-math-science/ |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2020 |work=Pew Research Center}}{{Cite news |last1=Wai |first1=Jonathan |last2=Makel |first2=Matthew C. |date=September 4, 2015 |title=How do academic prodigies spend their time and why does that matter? |url=https://theconversation.com/how-do-academic-prodigies-spend-their-time-and-why-does-that-matter-46594 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123215628/https://theconversation.com/how-do-academic-prodigies-spend-their-time-and-why-does-that-matter-46594 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2020 |work=The Conversation}} and 2020s. Globally, [reading comprehension](/source/reading_comprehension) and [numeracy](/source/numeracy) have been declining. The OECD's [Program for International Student Assessment](/source/Programme_for_International_Student_Assessment) (PISA) tests administered in 2022 unveiled the continuation of a long-term decline in reading and mathematical skills since the early 2010s. In other words, the COVID-19 pandemic was only one contributing factor.{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Leigh |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Mathematics, reading skills in unprecedented decline in teenagers |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/mathematics-reading-skills-unprecedented-decline-teenagers-oecd-survey-2023-12-05/ |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=March 14, 2025 |title=Have humans passed peak brain power? |url=https://www.ft.com/content/a8016c64-63b7-458b-a371-e0e1c54a13fc |access-date=June 17, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} Even so, fifteen-year-old students (tenth graders) from Singapore, Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan were largely unaffected or even saw an improvement. Once high-performing European countries—Iceland, Sweden, and Finland—continued their years-long decline. The U.S. national average remained behind those of many other industrialized nations.{{Cite news |date=December 5, 2023 |title=OECD education survey shows 'unprecedented' drop in student performance |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20231205-oecd-education-survey-shows-unprecedented-drop-in-student-performance |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=France24}}{{Cite news |last=Saric |first=Ivana |date=December 5, 2023 |title=U.S. students' math scores plunge in global education assessment |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/12/05/us-students-pisa-global-assessment |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Axios}} frame By 2024, many places around the world have decided to ban [the use of mobile phones in the classroom](/source/Mobile_phone_use_in_schools) to help their students concentrate better.{{Cite news |last1=Stechyson |first1=Natalie |last2=Fraser |first2=Ashley |date=August 29, 2024 |title=There are cellphone bans in schools around the world. Do any of them work? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/cellphone-bans-schools-world-1.7304816 |access-date=October 26, 2024 |work=CBC News}} Different nations and territories approach the question of how to nurture gifted students differently. During the 2000s and 2010s, whereas the Middle East and East Asia (especially China, Hong Kong, and South Korea) and Singapore actively sought them out and steered them towards top programs, Europe and the United States had in mind the goal of inclusion and chose to focus on helping struggling students. In 2010, for example, China unveiled a decade-long National Talent Development Plan to identify able students and guide them into STEM fields and careers in high demand; that same year, England dismantled its [National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth](/source/National_Academy_for_Gifted_and_Talented_Youth) and redirected the funds to help low-scoring students get admitted to elite universities.{{Cite journal |last=Clynes |first=Tom |date=September 7, 2016 |title=How to raise a genius: lessons from a 45-year study of super-smart children |journal=Nature |volume=537 |issue=7619 |pages=152–155 |bibcode=2016Natur.537..152C |doi=10.1038/537152a |pmid=27604932 |doi-access=free}} Developmental cognitive psychologist David Geary observed that Western educators remained "resistant" to the possibility that even the most talented of schoolchildren needed encouragement and support and tended to concentrate on low performers. In addition, even though it is commonly believed that past a certain IQ benchmark (typically 120), practice becomes much more important than cognitive abilities in mastering new knowledge, recently published research papers based on longitudinal studies, such as the [Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth](/source/Study_of_Mathematically_Precocious_Youth) (SMPY) and the [Duke University Talent Identification Program](/source/Duke_University_Talent_Identification_Program), suggest otherwise. As of the 2020s, young women have outnumbered men in higher [education](/source/Education_of_Generation_Z) across the developed world, reversing a historical trend. At the same time, the number of men in their 20s who are in neither education, employment, or training ([NEET](/source/NEET)) has been rising. In France and the United Kingdom, this number has surpassed that of women.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=September 20, 2024 |title=Young women are starting to leave men behind |url=https://www.ft.com/content/17606f25-1d03-4f37-b7f4-f39989af9bde |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} Since the early 2000s, the number of students from emerging economies going abroad for higher education has risen markedly. This was a golden age of growth for many Western universities admitting international students.{{Cite news |last=Birrell |first=Hamish |date=November 17, 2020 |title=A golden age for universities will come to an end |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2020/11/17/a-golden-age-for-universities-will-come-to-an-end |access-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-date=December 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230222009/https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2020/11/17/a-golden-age-for-universities-will-come-to-an-end |url-status=live }} In the late 2010s, around five million students traveled abroad each year for higher education, with the developed world being the most popular destinations and China the biggest source of international students. In 2019, the United States was the most popular destination for international students, with 30% of its international student body coming from mainland China, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan.{{Cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Shin |date=November 4, 2020 |title=US visas for Chinese students tumble 99% as tensions rise |work=Nikkei Asia |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/US-visas-for-Chinese-students-tumble-99-as-tensions-rise2 |url-status=live |access-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206005858/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/US-visas-for-Chinese-students-tumble-99-as-tensions-rise2 |archive-date=February 6, 2021}} Among children of the Chinese ruling class ("[princelings](/source/princelings)"), attending elite institutions in the United States was commonplace and seen as a [status symbol](/source/status_symbol),{{Cite news |last1=Higgins |first1=Andrew |last2=Fan |first2=Maureen |date=May 19, 2012 |title=Chinese communist leaders denounce U.S. values but send children to U.S. colleges |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinese-communist-leaders-denounce-us-values-but-send-children-to-us-colleges/2012/05/18/gIQAiEidZU_story.html |access-date=May 17, 2023}} but [the deterioration of Sino-American relations](/source/Second_Cold_War) as exemplified by President Donald Trump's [entry restrictions on Chinese students](/source/Proclamation_10043) in addition to the complications produced by the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of Chinese students enrolling in many American colleges and universities. But even before the pandemic, undergraduate and graduate enrollments of native-born American citizens have both been in decline,{{Cite news |last=Nadworny |first=Elissa |date=May 25, 2018 |title=Why Is Undergraduate College Enrollment Declining? |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/05/25/614315950/why-is-undergraduate-college-enrollment-declining |access-date=November 28, 2019 |work=NPR |department=Education}}{{Cite news |last=Moody |first=Josh |date=May 26, 2022 |title=A 5th Straight Semester of Enrollment Declines |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/05/26/nsc-report-shows-total-enrollment-down-41-percent |access-date=August 21, 2022 |work=Inside Higher Education}} while [trade schools](/source/Vocational_school) continue to attract growing numbers of students due to a shortage of high-skilled [blue-collar worker](/source/blue-collar_worker)s.{{Cite news |last1=Steinberg |first1=Anya |last2=Nadworny |first2=Elissa |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Community college enrollment is down, but skilled-trades programs are booming |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/28/1086454046/2-year-skilled-trades-programs-booming |access-date=May 2, 2023 |work=NPR}}{{Cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Olivia |date=April 17, 2023 |title=While some students skip college, trade programs are booming |url=https://apnews.com/article/community-college-trade-school-075d7e7e2b0dc659920a9be6d054c8b2 |access-date=April 17, 2023 |work=Associated Press}} Since the 2000s, numerous institutions of higher learning have permanently closed.{{Cite news |last=Barshay |first=Jill |date=November 21, 2022 |title=PROOF POINTS: 861 colleges and 9,499 campuses have closed down since 2004 |url=https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points-861-colleges-and-9499-campuses-have-closed-down-since-2004/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |work=Hechinger Report}}{{Cite news |last=Surjadi |first=Milla |date=August 19, 2024 |title=A New Problem With Four-Year Degrees: The Surge in College Closures |url=https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/a-new-problem-with-four-year-degrees-the-surge-in-college-closures-7f68c4aa |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}} These trends have led to the speculation that the [higher-education bubble in the United States](/source/Higher_education_bubble_in_the_United_States) might deflate.{{Cite news |date=August 8, 2020 |title=Covid-19 will be painful for universities, but also bring change |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2020/08/08/covid-19-will-be-painful-for-universities-but-also-bring-change |access-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203001722/https://www.economist.com/leaders/2020/08/08/covid-19-will-be-painful-for-universities-but-also-bring-change |url-status=live }} But among the top colleges and universities, there is still growth in the number of applicants.{{Cite news |last=Dickler |first=Jessica |date=February 22, 2023 |title=More colleges set to close even as top schools experience application boom |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/22/more-colleges-to-close-even-as-top-schools-experience-application-boom.html |access-date=April 1, 2023 |work=CNBC}} This is due partly to students sending their applications to more schools for a chance of getting admitted{{Cite news |last=Kirshner |first=Jodie Adams |date=January 8, 2023 |title=Why Some Students Are Skipping College |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/01/student-college-debt-biden-cancellation-forgiveness/672655/ |access-date=May 26, 2023 |work=The Atlantic}} and because these institutions have not significantly expanded their capacities.{{Cite news |last1=Petrilli |first1=Michael J. |last2=Enamorado |first2=Pedro |date=March 24, 2020 |title=Yes, It Really Is Harder to Get into Highly Selective Colleges Today |url=https://www.educationnext.org/yes-it-really-is-harder-to-get-into-highly-selective-colleges-today-comparison-sat-scores-over-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024195730/https://www.educationnext.org/yes-it-really-is-harder-to-get-into-highly-selective-colleges-today-comparison-sat-scores-over-time/ |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2021 |work=Education Next}} Although international enrollments rebounded post-pandemic,{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Carolyn |date=March 25, 2025 |title=International students weigh new risks of pursuing higher education in the US under Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |work=Associated Press}} with a surge of students coming from India and sub-Saharan Africa,{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Nick |date=November 13, 2023 |title=With surge from India, international students flock to United States |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/11/13/us-colleges-international-students-increase-post-pandemic |access-date=October 26, 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} dependency on foreign students is a long-term liability for many American schools,{{Cite news |last=Seltzer |first=Rick |date=September 15, 2016 |title=The International Bubble |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/09/26/panelists-warn-international-student-bubble |access-date=May 17, 2023 |work=Inside Higher Education}} which now face a political zeitgeist that has turned against immigration. Meanwhile, in Canada, the government has cut the number of international student visas granted each year in response to growing public disapproval of current levels of immigration.{{Cite news |last1=Yousif |first1=Nadine |last2=Murphy |first2=Jessica |date=October 26, 2024 |title=How Canada soured on immigration |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9z5rpgkyeo |access-date=October 26, 2024 |work=BBC News}} The same thing happened in Australia.{{Cite news |last=Turnbull |first=Tiffany |date=November 16, 2024 |title='Dreams quashed': Foreign students and universities fear Australia's visa cap |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c207kgd4l22o |access-date=May 7, 2025 |work=BBC News}} Because China's expansion of higher education was done for political rather than economic reasons, the country is currently [overproducing university graduates](/source/Elite_overproduction), who are struggling to find [white-collar jobs](/source/White-collar_worker) that match their education.{{Cite news |last=Tong |first=Haoyu |date=July 19, 2023 |title=A Higher Education Bubble Stretches China's Blue-Collar Economy |url=https://thediplomat.com/2023/07/a-higher-education-bubble-stretches-chinas-blue-collar-economy/ |access-date=July 21, 2023 |work=The Diplomat}} In 2023, as many as one in five Chinese graduates struggled to find gainful employment.{{Cite news |last=Tsoi |first=Grace |date=June 10, 2023 |title=Kong Yiji: The memes that lay bare China's youth disillusionment |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-65425941 |access-date=July 21, 2023 |work=BBC News}} Enrollment in higher education was just under 60% during the early 2020s, compared to around 40% in the United States. In response, the government has recommended that students and their families consider vocational training programs to fill factory jobs.{{Cite news |last=Liu |first=Lucille |date=April 2, 2025 |title=China Tells Kids to Study Manufacturing to Fill Factory Jobs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-02/china-worker-shortage-has-xi-telling-kids-to-study-manufacturing |access-date=May 7, 2025 |work=Bloomberg}} == Health issues == === Mental === {{See also|Youth mental health crisis|Loneliness epidemic|Suicide contagion}} In general, teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable to depression and anxiety due to the changes to the brain during adolescence.{{cite journal |last1=Svoboda |first1=Elizabeth |title=Preemptive Measures |journal=Scientific American |date=December 2024 |volume=33 |issue=4s |page=50 |doi=10.1038/scientificamerican0124-50 |pmid=39017378 }} While materially well off, young people today commonly perceive the world in which they live to be highly precarious, complex, and ambiguous, which has a negative effect on their mental well-being.{{Cite journal |last=Wright |first=Megan |date=January–February 2025 |title=When Do You Become Grown-up? |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202501/what-it-means-to-be-an-adult-today |journal=Psychology Today |pages=27–29}} A 2025 survey found that 46% of American Generation Z members had been diagnosed with a mental health condition.{{Cite web |last=Colvin |first=Casey |date=2025-06-15 |title=State of Gen Z Mental Health 2025 - Harmony Healthcare IT |url=https://www.harmonyhit.com/state-of-gen-z-mental-health/ |access-date=2025-09-08 |language=en-US}} A 2020 meta-analysis found that the most common psychiatric disorders among adolescents were [ADHD](/source/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder), anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, and depression, consistent with a previous one from 2015. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) indicate that while the percentages of teenagers reporting mental-health issues (such as [psychological distress](/source/Mental_distress) and [loneliness](/source/loneliness)) remained approximately the same during the 2000s, they steadily increased during the 2010s.{{Cite book |last=Twenge |first=Jean |title=Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What The Mean for America's Future |publisher=Atria Books |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-9821-8161-1 |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 7: Generation Z}} While the COVID-19 pandemic has damaged the mental health of people of all ages, the increase was most noticeable for people aged 15 to 24. A 2021 [UNICEF](/source/UNICEF) report stated that 13% of ten- to nineteen-year-olds around the world had a diagnosed mental health disorder and that suicide was the fourth most common cause of death among fifteen- to nineteen-year-olds. It commented that "disruption to routines, education, recreation, as well as concern for family income, health and increase in stress and anxiety, [caused by the COVID-19 pandemic] is leaving many children and young people feeling afraid, angry and concerned for their future." It also noted that the pandemic had widely disrupted mental health services.{{Cite web |title=Preventing a Lost Decade: Urgent action to reverse the devastating impact of COVID-19 on children and young people |url=https://www.unicef.org/media/112841/file/UNICEF%2075%20report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075812/https://www.unicef.org/media/112841/file/UNICEF%2075%20report.pdf |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=11 December 2021 |publisher=[Unicef](/source/Unicef) |page=24}} [Anxiety over climate change](/source/Eco-anxiety) has compounded the problem.{{Cite journal |last1=Hickman |first1=Caroline |last2=Mark |first2=Elizabeth |display-authors=1 |date=December 2021 |title=Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey |journal=Lancet Planet Health |volume=5 |issue=12 |pages=e863–e873 |doi=10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3 |pmid=34895496 |hdl-access=free |hdl=10138/337441}} Though males remain more likely than females to commit suicide, the prevalence of suicide among teenage girls has risen significantly during the 2010s in many countries.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Suicide rates for girls are rising. Are smartphones to blame? |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/05/03/suicide-rates-for-girls-are-rising-are-smartphones-to-blame |access-date=May 5, 2023 |newspaper=The Economist}} For example, data from the British [National Health Service](/source/National_Health_Service) (NHS) showed that in England, hospitalizations for self-harm doubled among teenage girls between 1997 and 2018, but there was no parallel development among boys. In some Western countries—Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and parts of the United States—intervention programs have been set up to prevent depression among teenagers. However, funding has been limited. ==== Sleep deprivation ==== [Sleep deprivation](/source/Sleep_deprivation) is on the rise among contemporary youths,{{Cite journal|last1=Lo|first1=June|last2=Chee|first2=Michael WL|date=June 2020|title=Cognitive effects of multi-night adolescent sleep restriction: current data and future possibilities|journal=Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences|volume=33|pages=34–41|doi=10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.12.005|doi-access=free}}{{Cite journal|last=Kansagra|first=Sujay|date=May 2020|title=Sleep Disorders in Adolescents|journal=Pediatrics|publisher=American Academy of Pediatrics|volume=145|issue=Supplement 2|pages=S204–S209|doi=10.1542/peds.2019-2056I|pmid=32358212|doi-access=free}} due to a combination of poor [sleep hygiene](/source/sleep_hygiene), [caffeine](/source/caffeine) intake, beds that are too warm, a mismatch between biologically preferred sleep schedules at around puberty and social demands, [insomnia](/source/insomnia), growing homework load, and having too many [extracurricular activities](/source/extracurricular_activities).{{Cite news|last=University of Rochester|date=January 9, 2020|title=Parents aren't powerless when it comes to sleep-deprived teenagers|work=Science Daily|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200109130203.htm|access-date=January 1, 2021|archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417175707/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200109130203.htm|url-status=live}} Consequences of sleep deprivation include [low mood](/source/low_mood), worse [emotional regulation](/source/emotional_regulation), [anxiety](/source/anxiety), [depression](/source/Major_depressive_disorder), increased likelihood of [self-harm](/source/self-harm), [suicidal ideation](/source/suicidal_ideation), and [impaired cognitive functioning](/source/Cognitive_deficit). In addition, teenagers and young adults who prefer to stay up late tend to have high levels of anxiety, impulsivity, alcohol intake, and tobacco smoking.{{Cite news|last=University of Surrey|date=December 14, 2020|title=Young people who go to bed later drink and smoke more due to their impulsivity|work=Science Daily|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201214104708.htm|access-date=January 5, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075846/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201214104708.htm|url-status=live}} A study by Glasgow University found that the number of schoolchildren in Scotland reporting sleep difficulties increased from 23% in 2014 to 30% in 2018. 37% of teenagers were deemed to have low mood (33% males and 41% females), and 14% were at risk of depression (11% males and 17% females). Older girls faced high pressure from schoolwork, friendships, family, career preparation, maintaining a good [body image](/source/body_image) and good health.{{Cite news|date=January 30, 2020|title=Sleep deprivation makes Scots teenage girls' anxiety worse|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-51302485|access-date=December 4, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075815/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-51302485|url-status=live}} In Canada, teenagers sleep on average between 6.5 and 7.5 hours each night, much less than what the [Canadian Paediatric Society](/source/Canadian_Paediatric_Society) recommends, 10 hours.{{Cite news|last=McCue|first=Duncan|date=January 29, 2019|title=Lack of sleep is 'epidemic' among Canadian teens. Here's why it has doctors worried|publisher=CBC News|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/national-sleep-deprivation-teenagers-youth-learning-1.4929842|access-date=December 4, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075901/https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/national-sleep-deprivation-teenagers-youth-learning-1.4929842|url-status=live}} According to the [Canadian Mental Health Association](/source/Canadian_Mental_Health_Association), only one out of five children who needed mental health services received it. In Ontario, for instance, the number of teenagers getting medical treatment for self-harm doubled in 2019 compared to ten years prior. The number of suicides has also gone up. Various factors that increased youth anxiety and depression include over-parenting,{{Cite journal|last1=Curran|first1=Thomas|last2=Hill|first2=Andrew P|date=July 2022|title=Young people's perceptions of their parents' expectations and criticism are increasing over time: Implications for perfectionism|journal=Psychological Bulletin|volume=148|issue=1–2 |pages=107–128|doi=10.1037/bul0000347|doi-access=free|pmid=35357848 }} perfectionism (especially with regards to schoolwork),{{Cite journal|last1=Curran|first1=Thomas|last2=Hill|first2=Andrew P|date=January 2019|title=Perfectionism Is Increasing Over Time: A Meta-Analysis of Birth Cohort Differences From 1989 to 2016|journal=Psychological Bulletin|volume=145|issue=4 |pages=410–429|doi=10.1037/bul0000138|doi-access=free|pmid=29283599 }} social isolation, social-media use, financial problems, housing worries, and concern over some global issues such as climate change.{{Cite news|last=CBC Radio|date=December 13, 2019|title=The mental health crisis among young Canadians|work=CBC Radio|department=Sunday Magazine|url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-edition-for-december-15-2019-1.5393079/the-mental-health-crisis-among-young-canadians-1.5393085|access-date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075852/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/the-sunday-edition-for-december-15-2019-1.5393079/the-mental-health-crisis-among-young-canadians-1.5393085|url-status=live}} ==== Cognitive abilities ==== In many countries, Generation Z youth are more likely to be diagnosed with [intellectual disabilities](/source/Intellectual_disability) and [psychiatric disorders](/source/Mental_disorder) than older generations.{{cite journal |last1=Maulik |first1=Pallab K. |last2=Mascarenhas |first2=Maya N. |last3=Mathers |first3=Colin D. |last4=Dua |first4=Tarun |last5=Saxena |first5=Shekhar |title=Prevalence of intellectual disability: A meta-analysis of population-based studies |journal=Research in Developmental Disabilities |date=March 2011 |volume=32 |issue=2 |pages=419–436 |doi=10.1016/j.ridd.2010.12.018 |pmid=21236634 }}{{cite journal |last1=Buckley |first1=Nicholas |last2=Glasson |first2=Emma J |last3=Chen |first3=Wai |last4=Epstein |first4=Amy |last5=Leonard |first5=Helen |last6=Skoss |first6=Rachel |last7=Jacoby |first7=Peter |last8=Blackmore |first8=Amanda Marie |last9=Srinivasjois |first9=Ravisha |last10=Bourke |first10=Jenny |last11=Sanders |first11=Richard J |last12=Downs |first12=Jenny |title=Prevalence estimates of mental health problems in children and adolescents with intellectual disability: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry |date=October 2020 |volume=54 |issue=10 |pages=970–984 |doi=10.1177/0004867420924101 |pmid=32475125 |doi-access=free }} A 2010 meta-analysis by an international team of mental health experts found that the worldwide prevalence of [intellectual disability](/source/intellectual_disability) (ID) was around one percent. But the share of individuals with such a condition in low- to middle-income countries were up to twice as high as their wealthier counterparts. The researchers also found that ID was more common among children and adolescents than adults. A 2020 literature review and meta-analysis confirmed that the incidence of ID was indeed more common than estimates from the early 2000s. In 2013, a team of neuroscientists from the University College London published a paper on how neurodevelopmental disorders can affect a child's educational outcome. They found that up to 10% of the human population have specific learning disabilities or about two to three children in a (Western) classroom. Such conditions include [dyscalculia](/source/dyscalculia), [dyslexia](/source/dyslexia), [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder](/source/attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder) (ADHD), and [autism spectrum](/source/autism_spectrum) disorder.{{Cite news|last=University College London|date=April 18, 2013|title=Learning disabilities affect up to 10 percent of children|work=Science Daily|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418142309.htm|access-date=September 13, 2020|archive-date=March 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331050132/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418142309.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite journal |last1=Butterworth |first1=Brian |last2=Kovas |first2=Yulia |title=Understanding Neurocognitive Developmental Disorders Can Improve Education for All |journal=Science |date=19 April 2013 |volume=340 |issue=6130 |pages=300–305 |doi=10.1126/science.1231022 |pmid=23599478 |bibcode=2013Sci...340..300B }} A 2017 study from the Dominican Republic suggests that students from all sectors of the educational system utilize the Internet for academic purposes, yet those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to rank the lowest in terms of reading comprehension skills.{{Cite journal|last1=Amiama-Espaillat|first1=Cristina|last2=Mayor-Ruiz|first2=Cristina|year=2017|title=Digital Reading and Reading Competence – The influence in the Z Generation from the Dominican Republic|journal=Comunicar|language=es|volume=25|issue=52|pages=105–114|doi=10.3916/c52-2017-10|issn=1134-3478|doi-access=free|hdl=10272/14092|hdl-access=free}} A 2020 report by psychologist John Protzko analyzed over 30 studies and found that children have become better at [delaying gratification](/source/Delayed_gratification) over the previous 50 years, corresponding to an average increase of 0.18 standard deviations per decade on the IQ scale. This is contrary to the opinion of the majority of the 260 cognitive experts polled (84%), who thought this ability was deteriorating. Researchers test this ability using the [Marshmallow Test](/source/Stanford_marshmallow_experiment). Children are offered treats: if they are willing to wait, they get two; if not, they only get one. The ability to delay gratification is associated with positive life outcomes, such as better academic performance, lower rates of substance use, and healthier body weights. Possible reasons for improvements in the delaying gratification include higher standards of living, better-educated parents, improved nutrition, higher preschool attendance rates, more test awareness, and environmental or genetic changes. Some other cognitive abilities, such as simple reaction time, color acuity, working memory, the complexity of vocabulary usage, and three-dimensional visuospatial reasoning have shown signs of secular decline. In a 2018 paper, cognitive scientists [James R. Flynn](/source/James_Flynn_(academic)) and Michael Shayer argued that the observed gains in IQ during the 20th century—commonly known as the [Flynn effect](/source/Flynn_effect)—had either stagnated or reversed, as can be seen from a combination of IQ and Piagetian tests. In the Nordic nations, there was a clear decline in general intelligence starting in the 1990s, an average of 6.85 IQ points if projected over 30 years. In Australia and France, the data remained ambiguous; more research was needed. In the United Kingdom, young children experienced a decline in the ability to perceive weight and heaviness, with heavy losses among top scorers. In German-speaking countries, young people saw a fall in spatial reasoning ability but an increase in verbal reasoning skills. In the Netherlands, preschoolers and perhaps schoolchildren stagnated (but seniors gained) in cognitive skills. What this means is that people were gradually moving away from abstraction to concrete thought. On the other hand, the United States continued its historic march towards higher IQ, a rate of 0.38 per decade, at least up until 2014. South Korea saw its IQ scores growing at twice the average U.S. rate. The secular decline of cognitive abilities observed in many developed countries might be caused by diminishing marginal returns due to industrialization and to intellectually stimulating environments for preschoolers, the cultural shifts that led to frequent use of electronic devices, the fall in cognitively demanding tasks in the job market in contrast to the 20th century, and possibly [dysgenic](/source/Dysgenics) fertility.{{cite journal |last1=Flynn |first1=James R. |last2=Shayer |first2=Michael |title=IQ decline and Piaget: Does the rot start at the top? |journal=Intelligence |date=January 2018 |volume=66 |pages=112–121 |doi=10.1016/j.intell.2017.11.010 }} === Physical === thumb|Anatomical diagram of myopia, or nearsightedness A 2015 study found that the frequency of [nearsightedness](/source/Near-sightedness) has doubled in the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom) within the last 50 years. Ophthalmologist Steve Schallhorn, chairman of the Optical Express International Medical Advisory Board, noted that research has pointed to a link between the regular use of handheld electronic devices and eyestrain. The [American Optometric Association](/source/American_Optometric_Association) sounded the alarm in a similar vein.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-child-vision-problem-computer-balancing-20150716-column.html#nt=standard-embed|title=Too much screen time could be damaging kids' eyesight|last=Stevens|first=Heidi|date=July 16, 2015|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219163818/https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-child-vision-problem-computer-balancing-20150716-column.html#nt=standard-embed|url-status=live}} According to a spokeswoman, digital eyestrain, or [computer vision syndrome](/source/computer_vision_syndrome), is "rampant, especially as we move toward smaller devices and the prominence of devices increase in our everyday lives." Symptoms include dry and irritated eyes, fatigue, eye strain, blurry vision, difficulty focusing, headaches. However, the syndrome does not cause vision loss or any other permanent damage. To alleviate or prevent eyestrain, the [Vision Council](/source/The_Vision_Council) recommends that people limit screen time, take frequent breaks, adjust the screen brightness, change the background from bright colors to gray, increase text sizes, and blinking more often. Parents should not only limit their children's screen time but should also lead by example.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/25/digital-eye-strain/4491611/|title=Digital device use leads to eye strain, even in kids|last=Hellmich|first=Nanci|date=January 25, 2014|work=USA Today|access-date=September 8, 2019|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829014925/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/25/digital-eye-strain/4491611/|url-status=live}} While [food allergies](/source/Food_allergy) have been observed by doctors since ancient times and virtually all foods can be allergens, research by the [Mayo Clinic](/source/Mayo_Clinic) in Minnesota found they have been growing increasingly common since the early 2000s. Today, one in twelve American children has a food allergy, with peanut allergy being the most prevalent type. Reasons for this remain poorly understood.{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/10/03/the-prevalence-of-peanut-allergy-has-trebled-in-15-years?cid1=cust%2Fdailypicks1%2Fn%2Fbl%2Fn%2F2019103n%2Fowned%2Fn%2Fn%2Fdailypicks1%2Fn%2Fn%2FNA%2F319028%2Fn|title=The prevalence of peanut allergy has trebled in 15 years|last=Graphic Detail|date=October 3, 2019|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=October 3, 2019|department=Daily Chart|archive-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004004124/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/10/03/the-prevalence-of-peanut-allergy-has-trebled-in-15-years%3Fcid1%3Dcust/dailypicks1/n/bl/n/2019103n/owned/n/n/dailypicks1/n/n/NA/319028/n|url-status=live}} Nut allergies in general have quadrupled and shellfish allergies have increased 40% between 2004 and 2019. In all, about 36% of American children have some kind of allergy. By comparison, this number among the [Amish](/source/Amish) in Indiana is 7%. Allergies have also risen ominously in other Western countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, the number of children hospitalized for allergic reactions increased by a factor of five between 1990 and the late 2010s, as did the number of British children allergic to peanuts. In general, the better developed the country, the higher the rates of allergies.{{Cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/health/why-everybody-is-suddenly-allergic-to-everything|title=Why everybody is suddenly allergic to everything|date=July 30, 2019|work=National Post|access-date=November 24, 2019|department=Health|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926151054/https://nationalpost.com/health/why-everybody-is-suddenly-allergic-to-everything|url-status=live}} Reasons for this remain poorly understood. One possible explanation, supported by the U.S. [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases](/source/National_Institute_of_Allergy_and_Infectious_Diseases), is that parents keep their children "too clean for their own good". They recommend exposing newborn babies to a variety of potentially allergenic foods, such as peanut butter before they reach the age of six months. According to this "[hygiene hypothesis](/source/hygiene_hypothesis)", such exposures give the infant's immune system some exercise, making it less likely to overreact. Evidence for this includes the fact that children living on a farm are consistently less likely to be allergic than their counterparts who are raised in the city, and that children born in a developed country to parents who immigrated from developing nations are more likely to be allergic than their parents are. A research article published in 2019 in the journal ''[The Lancet](/source/The_Lancet)'' reported that the number of South Africans aged 15 to 19 being treated for [HIV](/source/HIV) increased by a factor of ten between 2010 and 2019. This is partly due to improved detection and treatment programs. However, less than 50% of the people diagnosed with HIV went onto receive antiviral medication due to social stigma, concerns about clinical confidentiality, and domestic responsibilities. While the annual number of deaths worldwide due to HIV/AIDS has declined from its peak in the early 2000s, experts warned that this venereal disease could rebound if the world's booming adolescent population is left unprotected.{{Cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/south-africa-teens-hiv-aids-surge-11963620|title=10-fold surge in South Africa teens treated for HIV: Study|date=October 2, 2019|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|access-date=October 16, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016143410/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/south-africa-teens-hiv-aids-surge-11963620}} Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that 46% of Australians aged 18 to 24, about a million people, were overweight in 2017 and 2018. That number was 39% in 2014 and 2015. Obese individuals face higher risks of type II diabetes, heart disease, [osteoarthritis](/source/osteoarthritis), and stroke. The Australian Medical Associated and Obesity Coalition have urged the federal government to levy a tax on sugary drinks, to require health ratings, and to regulate the advertisement of fast foods. In all, the number of Australian adults who are overweight or obese rose from 63% in 2014–15 to 67% in 2017–18.{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/almost-half-young-adults-now-overweight-or-obese-new-abs-data-shows-20190930-p52w8i.html|title=Almost half young adults now overweight or obese, new ABS data shows|last=McCauley|first=Dana|date=September 30, 2019|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018151657/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/almost-half-young-adults-now-overweight-or-obese-new-abs-data-shows-20190930-p52w8i.html|url-status=live}} === Puberty in girls === thumb|Some teenage girls enjoying the end of summer in Poland (2019). Pubertal onset has become sooner around the world. Globally, there is evidence that girls in Generation Z experienced [puberty](/source/puberty) at considerably younger ages compared to previous generations, with implications for their welfare and their future. The prevalence of [allergies](/source/allergies) among adolescents and young adults in this cohort is greater than in the general population. In Europe and the United States, the average age of the onset of puberty among girls was around 13 in the early 21st century, down from about 16 a hundred years earlier. Early puberty is associated with a variety of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression (as people at this age tend to strongly desire conformity with their peers), early sexual activity, substance use, tobacco smoking, eating disorders, and disruptive behavioral disorders. Girls who mature early also face higher risks of sexual harassment. Moreover, in some cultures, pubertal onset remains a marker of readiness for marriage, for, in their point of view, a girl who shows signs of puberty might engage in sexual intercourse or risk being assaulted, and marrying her off is how she might be 'protected'.{{Cite web|last=Lamothe|first=Cindy|date=June 12, 2018|title=The health risks of maturing early|url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180611-the-health-risks-of-girls-maturing-early|access-date=January 9, 2021|website=BBC Future|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125030648/https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180611-the-health-risks-of-girls-maturing-early|url-status=live}} To compound matters, factors known for prompting mental health problems are themselves linked to early pubertal onset; these are early childhood stress, absent fathers, domestic conflict, and low socioeconomic status. Possible causes of early puberty could be positive, namely improved nutrition, or negative, such as obesity and stress.{{Cite journal|last=Weir|first=Kirsten|date=March 2016|title=The risks of earlier puberty|url=https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/03/puberty|journal=Monitor|publisher=American Psychological Association|volume=47|issue=3|page=40|access-date=December 20, 2020|archive-date=September 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917125558/https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/03/puberty|url-status=live}} Other triggers include genetic factors, high [body-mass index](/source/Body_mass_index) (BMI), exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances that remain in use, such as [Bisphenol A](/source/Bisphenol_A) (found in some plastics) and [dichlorobenzene](/source/dichlorobenzene) (used in mothballs and air deodorants), and to banned but persistent chemicals, such as [dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane](/source/Dichlorodiphenyl_Trichloroethane) (DDT) and [dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene](/source/dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) (DDE), and perhaps a combination thereof (the 'cocktail effect').{{Cite journal|last1=Eckert-Lind|first1=Camilla|last2=Busch|first2=Alexander S.|last3=Petersen|first3=Jørgen H.|last4=Biro|first4=Frank M.|last5=Butler|first5=Gary|last6=Bräuner|first6=Elvira V.|last7=Juul|first7=Anders|year=2020|title=Worldwide Secular Trends in Age at Pubertal Onset Assessed by Breast Development Among Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis|journal=JAMA Pediatrics|publisher=American Medical Association|volume=174|issue=4|pages=e195881|doi=10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5881|pmid=32040143|pmc=7042934}}{{Cite web|last=EarthTalk|date=October 19, 2013|title=Rises in Early Puberty May Have Environmental Roots|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rises-in-early-puberty-may-have-environmental-roots/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112014154/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/rises-in-early-puberty-may-have-environmental-roots/|archive-date=November 12, 2020|access-date=January 9, 2021|website=Scientific American}} A 2019 meta-analysis and review of the research literature from all inhabited continents found that between 1977 and 2013, the age of pubertal onset among girls has fallen by an average of almost three months per decade, but with significant regional variations, ranging from 10.1 to 13.2 years in Africa to 8.8 to 10.3 years in the United States. This investigation relies on measurements of [thelarche](/source/thelarche) (initiation of breast tissue development) using the [Tanner scale](/source/Tanner_scale) rather than self-reported [menarche](/source/menarche) (first menstruation) and MRI brain scans for signs of the [hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis](/source/Hypothalamic%E2%80%93pituitary%E2%80%93gonadal_axis) being reactivated. Furthermore, there is evidence that sexual maturity and psychosocial maturity no longer coincide; 21st-century youth appears to be reaching the former before the latter. Neither adolescents nor societies are prepared for this mismatch.{{Cite web |last1=Hanson |first1=Mark |last2=Gluckman |first2=Peter |author-link2=Peter Gluckman |date=30 November 2005 |title=New research shows how evolution explains age of puberty |url=https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2005/11/evolution-explains-age-of-puberty.page |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=University of Southampton}}{{Cite journal|last1=Hochberg|first1=Ze′ev|last2=Konner|first2=Melvin|year=2020|title=Emerging Adulthood, a Pre-adult Life-History Stage|journal=Frontiers in Endocrinology|volume=10|issue=918|page=918|doi=10.3389/fendo.2019.00918|pmid=31993019|pmc=6970937|doi-access=free}}{{Efn|More broadly, contemporary human females are evolving to reach menarche earlier and menopause later compared to their ancestral counterparts. See [Human evolution from the Early Modern Period to the present](/source/Recent_human_evolution).}} == Political views and participation == === Views and votes === {{Main|Political views of Generation Z}} As a group, Generation Z in Western countries was initially on the left to center-left of politics,{{Cite news |last=de Weck |first=Joseph |last2=Ferguson |first2=Niall |author-link2=Niall Ferguson |date=September 30, 2019 |title=European Millennials Are Not Like Their American Counterparts |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/09/europes-young-not-so-woke/598783/ |access-date=November 12, 2025 |work=The Atlantic}}{{Cite web |last1=Parker |first1=Kim |last2=Igielnik |first2=Ruth |date=May 14, 2020 |title=On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/ |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Pew Research Center}} but has been moving towards the right since the early 2020s.{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Gus |date=2025-02-27 |title=Meet the Zoomer Doomers: Britain's secret right-wing movement |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/meet-the-zoomer-doomers-britains-secret-right-wing-movement/ |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=The Spectator |language=en-GB |quote=Support for bracingly conservative positions among Gen-Z men isn't just a German phenomenon [...]. In Westminster and beyond, a new breed of young right-wing influencers is seeking to shift our politics.}} Moreover, there is a significant gender gap in political views among the young around the world.{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2024 |title=Why young men and women are drifting apart |url=https://www.economist.com/international/2024/03/13/why-the-growing-gulf-between-young-men-and-women |access-date=May 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Economist}} Polling on immigration in various countries receives mixed responses from Generation Z.{{cite news |last=Weale |first=Sally |date=February 8, 2017 |title=UK second only to Japan for young people's poor mental wellbeing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/feb/08/uk-second-japan-young-people-poor-mental-wellbeing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419183414/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/feb/08/uk-second-japan-young-people-poor-mental-wellbeing |archive-date=April 19, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2018 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)}}{{cite news |last1=Broadbent |first1=Emma |last2=Gougoulis |first2=John |last3=Lui |first3=Nicole |last4=Pota |first4=Vikas |last5=Simons |first5=Jonathan |date=January 2017 |title=Generation Z: Global Citizenship Survey |url=https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820230036/https://www.varkeyfoundation.org/media/4487/global-young-people-report-single-pages-new.pdf |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=November 15, 2019 |publisher=[Varkey Foundation](/source/Varkey_Foundation)}} Among developed democracies, young people's faith in the institutions, including their own government, has declined compared to that of previous generations. Among respondents aged 15–29, trust in their national governments was the lowest in Greece, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, and highest in New Zealand, Ireland, Finland, Lithuania, and Switzerland.{{Cite news |last1=Romei |first1=Valentina |last2=Munir |first2=Zehra |date=March 17, 2025 |title=Young Americans lose trust in the state |url=https://www.ft.com/content/44a7927b-66d7-4321-8425-08ed162a3994 |access-date=April 24, 2024 |work=Financial Times}} In many European nations, the economic crises of the late 2000s and early 2010s have shaken young voters' faith in the [welfare state](/source/welfare_state), which they view as something that mostly benefits old people. In Australia, where voting is compulsory, members of Generation Z as a group feel alienated by mainstream politics, about half vote only to avoid a fine.{{Cite news |last1=Ammassari |first1=Sofia |last2=McDonnell |first2=Duncan |last3=i Coma |first3=Ferran Martinez |date=April 6, 2025 |title=47% of Gen Z mainly vote to avoid a fine. It's a sign of younger Australians' discontent with democracy |url=https://theconversation.com/47-of-gen-z-mainly-vote-to-avoid-a-fine-its-a-sign-of-younger-australians-discontent-with-democracy-253120 |access-date=May 15, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} In tandem with more members of Generation Z being able to vote in [election](/source/election)s during the late 2010s and early 2020s, the youth vote has increased in both Europe and the United States.{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2019 |title=2019 EU elections: A pro-European and young electorate with clear expectations |url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190710IPR56721/2019-eu-elections-a-pro-european-and-young-electorate-with-clear-expectations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629192329/https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20190710IPR56721/2019-eu-elections-a-pro-european-and-young-electorate-with-clear-expectations |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |publisher=European Parliament}}{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Half of Youth Voted in 2020, An 11-Point Increase from 2016 |url=https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/half-youth-voted-2020-11-point-increase-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625234554/https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/half-youth-voted-2020-11-point-increase-2016 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=CIRCLE |publisher=Tufts University}} In Australia, Millennials and Generation Z outnumbered the Baby Boomers as voters by the [2025 federal election](/source/2025_Australian_federal_election).{{Cite news |last=Medhora |first=Shalailah |date=May 11, 2025 |title=The Coalition has a young person problem |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-12/the-coalition-has-a-young-person-problem/105276642 |access-date=May 15, 2025 |work=ABC News (Australia)}} By the mid-2020s, young adults on both sides of the North Atlantic have demonstrated a willingness to vote for the [populist right](/source/Right-wing_populism). In Europe, voters from Generation Z swung from favoring the Greens in the [2019 European Parliament election](/source/2019_European_Parliament_election)s to supporting parties of the (far) right in [2024](/source/2024_European_Parliament_election).{{Cite news |last1=Samuel |first1=Henry |last2=Jackson |first2=James |date=June 10, 2024 |title=How Europe's young voters flocked to the hard-Right |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/06/10/europe-young-voters-flocked-hard-right-elections/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614051041/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/06/10/europe-young-voters-flocked-hard-right-elections/ |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |access-date=June 15, 2024 |work=The Telegraph}}{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=December 30, 2024 |title=What the 'year of democracy' taught us, in 6 charts |url=https://www.ft.com/content/350ba985-bb07-4aa3-aa5e-38eda7c525dd |access-date=April 26, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} In the United States, while Generation Z might still support some left-wing causes like the Millennials,{{Cite news |last1=Yang |first1=John |last2=Baldwin |first2=Lorna |last3=Mufson |first3=Claire |date=September 8, 2024 |title=New book explores how Gen Z's politics differ from previous generations |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/new-book-explores-how-gen-zs-politics-differ-from-previous-generations |access-date=September 21, 2024 |work=PBS News Hour}} they have shifted noticeably towards the right since 2020 as their priorities change.{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Faith |date=November 4, 2024 |title=The Myth of Woke Gen Z |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/11/gen-z-woke-myth-election/680653/ |access-date=April 24, 2025 |work=The Atlantic}}{{Cite news |last=Adeosun |first=Adeola |date=March 22, 2025 |title=Democratic Pollster 'Shocked' At Gen Z's Conservative Shift |url=https://www.newsweek.com/democratic-pollster-shocked-gen-z-conservative-shift-2049107 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |work=Newsweek}} Polls consistently show that the [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) has been steadily hemorrhaging support among young adults during the late 2010s and early 2020s, even though they largely disapprove of the [Republican Party](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)).{{Cite news |last=Kahn |first=Chris |date=April 30, 2018 |title=Exclusive: Democrats lose ground with Millennials – Reuters/Ipsos poll |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-millennials/exclusive-democrats-lose-ground-with-millennials-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKBN1I10YH |access-date=July 23, 2019 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=December 16, 2021 |title=Young Americans are souring on Joe Biden |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/12/16/young-americans-are-souring-on-joe-biden |access-date=January 5, 2022 |newspaper=The Economist |department=Daily Chart}}{{Cite news |last=Barinka |first=Alex |date=January 23, 2023 |title=TikTok Bans at Major Colleges Aren't Going Over Well With Students |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-01-23/tiktok-bans-at-college-aren-t-going-over-well-with-students |access-date=January 23, 2023 |work=Bloomberg}} By the early 2020s, young voters in Europe have become increasingly concerned about the [rising cost of living](/source/2021%E2%80%932023_inflation_surge), violent crime, declining public services in rural areas, immigration, and the [Russo-Ukrainian War](/source/Russo-Ukrainian_War). In Canada, voters under the age of 30 are most worried about the housing shortage, the cost of living, and crime rates; they, especially men, favored the [Conservatives](/source/Conservative_Party_of_Canada) by a sizeable margin in [2025](/source/2025_Canadian_federal_election).{{Cite news |last=Yousif |first=Nadine |date=April 30, 2025 |title=Why young voters flocked to Canada's Conservatives |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6j9z3dqg8o |access-date=April 30, 2025 |work=BBC News}} In the United States, the single most important issue for Generation Z is the economy (including inflation; the costs of housing, healthcare, and higher education; income inequality; and taxes).{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2024 |title=What are we getting wrong about young voters?, with Cathy Cohen (Ep. 142) |url=https://news.uchicago.edu/what-are-we-getting-wrong-about-young-voters |website=Big Brains |publisher=University of Chicago}}{{Cite news |last=Habeshian |first=Sareen |date=May 7, 2024 |title=Exclusive poll: Most college students shrug at nationwide protests |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/poll-students-israel-hamas-protests |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=Axios}} Political scientist [Jean-Yves Camus](/source/Jean-Yves_Camus) dismissed the stereotype of young people altruistically voting for green or left-wing parties as misguided and outdated. Living as young adults in what they perceive as a volatile world, they crave security. Compared to older cohorts, young voters of the 2020s have grown up with dimmer economic prospects and as such are more likely to think of life as a [zero-sum competition](/source/Zero-sum_game) for [scarce](/source/Scarcity) resources and opportunities. Multinational polls conducted in the early 2020s reveal that with Generation Z, the age-old pattern of younger cohorts holding more liberal or progressive sociopolitical views than their elders is no longer true in general. Nevertheless, in Australia, not only does Generation Z start out as more liberal than their predecessors when they were at the same age, they also do not transition towards conservatism at the same rate as they get older. But these broad trends conceal a significant gender divide across the Western world, with young women (under 30) being left-leaning and young men being right-leaning on a variety of issues from immigration to sexual harassment.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=January 26, 2024 |title=A new global gender divide is emerging |url=https://www.ft.com/content/29fd9b5c-2f35-41bf-9d4c-994db4e12998 |access-date=January 26, 2024 |work=Financial Times}}{{Cite news |last=Otis |first=John |date=August 27, 2024 |title=The Gender Gap Among Gen Z Voters, Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/27/insider/the-gender-gap-among-gen-z-voters-explained.html |access-date=September 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times}} Both young men and young women are willing to vote for politically extreme parties or candidates. In the United Kingdom, while young adults are broadly left-leaning, young women are more likely to support the [Green Party](/source/Green_Party_of_England_and_Wales).{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2025 |title=The panic over a male crisis in Britain is overblown |url=https://www.economist.com/britain/2025/11/19/the-panic-over-a-male-crisis-in-britain-is-overblown |access-date=December 12, 2025 |work=The Economist}} In the United States, although a majority of male Zoomers voted for [Donald Trump](/source/Donald_Trump) in [2024](/source/2024_United_States_presidential_election), young women were more split.{{Cite news |last=Janfaza |first=Rachel |date=April 26, 2025 |title=The New Partisan Divide Is Old Gen Z vs. Young Gen Z |url=https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/26/two-gen-zs-young-conservative-polling-00307375 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=Politico Magazine}} Some individuals who support gender equality are hesitant to identify as "feminist" because there are different interpretations of what the term represents in contemporary society.{{Cite news |last=Petter |first=Olivia |date=March 19, 2025 |title='They are even less progressive than older generations': Why Gen Z is less woke than you think |url=https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/gen-z-woke-adolescence-regressive-views-study-b2717276.html |access-date=March 20, 2025 |work=The Independent}} Furthermore, the [backlash against feminism](/source/Antifeminism) among young men is quite strong in many countries; older men tend to hold similar views to women across age groups on this topic.{{Cite news |last=Omer |first=Nimo |date=February 2, 2024 |title=Friday briefing: Why the politics of young men and women are drifting further and further apart |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/02/first-edition-gen-z-men-women-political |access-date=May 26, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} Significant numbers of Gen-Z men support traditional gender roles,{{Cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Tory |date=April 20, 2025 |title=Australia's gen Z men more likely to hold sexist views, data shows, as 'manosphere' influences take hold |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/20/australias-gen-z-men-more-likely-to-hold-sexist-views-data-shows-as-manosphere-influences-take-hold |access-date=June 2, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} believe that it is much harder to be a man today, and that [women's emancipation](/source/Women's_rights) has gone too far and has come at their expense. This political sex gap has been noticeable since the 2000s, but has widened since the mid-2010s. This growing difference has also been observed among young adults in China and South Korea. Across the Western world, young men's socioeconomic status has been on the decline relative to young women's, something certain online influencers such as [Andrew Tate](/source/Andrew_Tate) exploit in order to cultivate in their followers a zero-sum mindset and a [deep resentment for women](/source/Misogyny). Anti-feminist circles—the [manosphere](/source/manosphere)—have attracted large numbers of Gen-Z men in Australia and South Korea.{{Cite news |last=Sang-Hun |first=Choe |date=January 1, 2022 |title=The New Political Cry in South Korea: 'Out With Man Haters'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/world/asia/south-korea-men-anti-feminists.html |access-date=May 26, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} This [polarization](/source/Group_polarization) of the sexes is exacerbated by social media. Politically engaged members of Generation Z are more likely than their elders to avoid buying from or working for companies that do not share their sociopolitical views, and they take full advantage of the Internet as activists. Consequently, maintaining a presence on social media networks, especially TikTok, is vital for politicians and political parties dependent upon the youth vote, such as the Left ([Die Linke](/source/Die_Linke)) and the [Alternative for Germany](/source/Alternative_for_Germany) (AfD), the two most popular German political parties among young voters in the [2025 federal election](/source/2025_German_federal_election).{{Cite news |last1=Chassany |first1=Anne-Sylvaine |last2=Stabe |first2=Martin |last3=Vincent |first3=Jonathan |date=February 24, 2025 |title=Five takeaways from Germany's historic election — in charts |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4bc5438f-2deb-4026-aa99-746a7d3f9284 |access-date=April 24, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} Social media are platforms using which those on the margins of politics can directly address the public, eroding the advantages of establishment figures. In fact, 2025 proved to be a turning point in Australian politics as the three major political parties—the [Labor Party](/source/Australian_Labor_Party), the [Liberal-National Coalition](/source/Coalition_(Australia)), and the [Green Party](/source/Australian_Greens)—all spent considerable resources campaigning on TikTok, vying for youth support. For their part, members of Generation Z are also influenced by the political views of the people they follow on social media. === Protests and riots === {{See also|Gen Z protests|Asian Spring}} File:1. Greta Thunberg in 2020.jpg|[Greta Thunberg](/source/Greta_Thunberg), a climate activist born in Sweden in 2003, led the [September 2019 climate strikes](/source/September_2019_climate_strikes) around the world. File:Amir Kabir University uprising September 2022 (4).jpg|Amirkabir University of Technology students [protest](/source/Mahsa_Amini_protests) against the hijab and the government in the aftermath of the [death of Mahsa Amini](/source/death_of_Mahsa_Amini) at the hands of the [Iranian morality police](/source/Iranian_Morality_Police) for allegedly violating the hijab code in 2022. File:2. Quota reform movement 2024 in Bangladesh.jpg|[Bangladesh](/source/Bangladesh)'s [Student–People's uprising](/source/Student%E2%80%93People's_uprising) in 2024 has been dubbed the world's first successful Generation Z–led revolution, ending [Sheikh Hasina](/source/Sheikh_Hasina)'s 15-year-long autocratic rule. File:Kenya 2024 protests (19).jpg|Gen-Z Kenyans take to the streets to [protest a tax hike](/source/Kenya_Finance_Bill_protests) in 2024. File:You're Being Brainwashed tour attendees (54034592043).jpg|Young Americans, seen here with [Make America Great Again](/source/Make_America_Great_Again) (MAGA) hats at a 2024 event, have been moving towards the political right since 2020. An early political movement primarily driven by Generation Z was [School Strike for Climate](/source/School_Strike_for_Climate) of the late 2010s. The movement involved millions of young people around the world who followed the footsteps of Swedish activist [Greta Thunberg](/source/Greta_Thunberg) to [skip school](/source/Truancy) in order to protest in favor of greater action on climate change.{{Cite web |last=Luce |first=Ivan De |date=September 20, 2019 |title=12 Gen Zers who skipped school to march across New York for the Global Climate Strike share why this is the most urgent issue of their generation |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/global-climate-strike-gen-zers-share-their-thoughts-2019-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214509/https://www.businessinsider.com/global-climate-strike-gen-zers-share-their-thoughts-2019-9 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Keegan |first=Hannah |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Greta Thunberg's effect on youth action on the climate crisis |url=https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/profile-greta-thunberg-school-strike-climate-change-global-warming-activist-time/336784 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203075821/https://www.stylist.co.uk/people/profile-greta-thunberg-school-strike-climate-change-global-warming-activist-time/336784 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=May 30, 2021 |website=Stylist}} Around the world, large numbers of people from this cohort feel angry, anxious, guilty, helpless, and sad about climate change and are dissatisfied with how their governments have responded so far. However, their consumption choices (see above) [reveal](/source/Revealed_preference) a [gap](/source/Value-action_gap) between their stated values and their activism. Generation Z continues to be highly active in politics during the 2020s.{{Cite news |last=Edwards |first=Samantha |date=December 16, 2025 |title=World War Z |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-gen-z-protests-2025-social-media-nepal-peru-indonesia-madagascar/ |access-date=December 16, 2025 |work=Globe and Mail}} In Iran, activists, most of whom women, took to the streets in 2022 to [voice their disapproval of their government](/source/Mahsa_Amini_protests) after 22-year-old [Mahsa Amini](/source/Death_of_Mahsa_Amini) died in [morality police](/source/Guidance_Patrol) custody; she was arrested for allegedly violating the state's Islamic dress code.{{Cite news |last=Rogin |first=Ali |date=October 1, 2022 |title=How Iran's Gen Z is leading protests in the streets and online |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-irans-gen-z-is-leading-protests-in-the-streets-and-online |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=PBS Newshour}} In Bangladesh, students overthrew the autocratic regime of Prime Minister [Sheikh Hasina](/source/Sheikh_Hasina) in the [July Revolution of 2024](/source/July_Revolution_(Bangladesh)), putting an end to what they deemed an unfair [quota system of the Bangladeshi civil service](/source/Quota_system_of_Bangladesh_Civil_Service) and [a massacre](/source/July_massacre).{{cite news |title=Bangladesh: how the 'gen Z revolution' forced the prime minister to flee – video explainer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/aug/08/bangladesh-how-the-gen-z-revolution-forced-the-prime-minister-to-flee-video-explainer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814005646/https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/aug/08/bangladesh-how-the-gen-z-revolution-forced-the-prime-minister-to-flee-video-explainer |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |access-date=August 13, 2024 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)}} In Kenya, young people, long faced with government corruption and economic precariousness despite being better educated than older generations, [protested the 2024 tax hikes](/source/Kenya_Finance_Bill_protests) of President [William Ruto](/source/William_Ruto).{{Cite news |last=Iraki |first=XN |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Kenya unrest: the deep economic roots that brought Gen-Z onto the streets |url=https://theconversation.com/kenya-unrest-the-deep-economic-roots-that-brought-gen-z-onto-the-streets-233463 |access-date=May 3, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} In 2025, Generation Z [took to the streets of Nepal](/source/2025_Nepalese_Gen_Z_protests) to protest a ban on social media platforms (which was later lifted) and the extravaganza and [nepotism](/source/nepotism) of the ruling class; they also [toppled](/source/Coup_d'%C3%A9tat) the communist government of Prime Minister [Sharma Oli](/source/K._P._Sharma_Oli).{{Cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Gopal |last2=Chitrakar |first2=Navesh |date=2025-09-09 |title=Young anti-corruption protesters oust Nepal PM Oli |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/young-anti-corruption-protesters-oust-nepal-pm-oli-2025-09-09/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |publisher=Reuters}}{{Cite web |last1=Scarr |first1=Charlotte |last2=Fraser |first2=Simon |last3=Ethirajan |first3=Anbarasan |date=September 9, 2025 |title=Nepal parliament set on fire after PM resigns over anti-corruption protests |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m4vjwrdwgo |access-date=September 22, 2025 |publisher=BBC News}} This cohort also demonstrated to voice their disapproval of their governments' corruption and economic mismanagement in Indonesia and the Philippines, taking advantage of social media to organize and plan their events.{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Tessa |date=September 24, 2025 |title=The Gen Z uprising in Asia shows social media is a double-edged sword |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4ljv39em7o |access-date=September 26, 2025 |work=BBC News}} In Morocco, Generation Z organized [civil disobedience](/source/civil_disobedience) on [Discord](/source/Discord) in response to inadequate public services, high unemployment, and high government spending on the [2030 FIFA World Cup](/source/2030_FIFA_World_Cup). In Madagascar, a [coup](/source/2025_Malagasy_coup_d'%C3%A9tat) by Generation Z, who felt upset by water and power shortages, unemployment, and the dilapidated state of universities, paved the way for Colonel [Michael Randrianirina](/source/Michael_Randrianirina) to declare himself the interim president.{{Cite news |date=October 15, 2025 |title=Gen Z revolution or military coup in Madagascar? |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2025/10/15/gen-z-revolution-or-military-coup-in-madagascar |access-date=October 31, 2025 |newspaper=The Economist}} In Peru, the president was impeached following [mass unrest](/source/2025_Peruvian_protests) in response to an unpopular pension reforms and violent crime. In 2025, [Bulgaria](/source/2025_Bulgarian_budget_protests) became the first European nation whose government was felled by members of Generation Z, who were upset by years of government dysfunction and corruption.{{Cite news |last=Jakes |first=Lara |last2=Dzhambazova |first2=Boryana |date=December 12, 2025 |title='Did We Do That?' Gen Z Protesters Help Tip Balance Against Bulgaria's Leaders |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/world/europe/bulgaria-young-protesters-gen-z.html |access-date=December 13, 2025 |work=The New York Times}} Protests in one country in many cases have inspired those in other places, facilitated by social media platforms. In all, with the notable exceptions of the United States and Israel, developing countries with low median ages—that is, youth bulges—are most at risk of a major protest by Generation Z. In many protests of Generation Z in the 2020s, the [Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger](/source/Straw_Hat_Pirates'_Jolly_Roger) from the manga series ''One Piece'' has become an international symbol of solidarity.{{Cite web |last=Harvey |first=Lex |date=September 20, 2025 |title=This Japanese manga flag has become a global protest symbol for Gen Z |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/asia/one-piece-flag-indonesia-nepal-protesters-intl-hnk-dst |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250920005309/https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/asia/one-piece-flag-indonesia-nepal-protesters-intl-hnk-dst |archive-date=20 September 2025 |access-date=3 October 2025 |website=[CNN](/source/CNN)}}{{Cite news |last=Bartlett |first=Kate |date=October 5, 2025 |title=Why Gen Z protesters worldwide are flying an anime pirate flag |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560980/gen-z-protesters-one-piece-pirate-flag |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005101441/https://www.npr.org/2025/10/05/nx-s1-5560980/gen-z-protesters-one-piece-pirate-flag |archive-date=5 October 2025 |access-date=5 October 2025 |work=[NPR](/source/NPR)}} This flag was first used in the protests in Indonesia,{{Cite web |date=October 3, 2025 |title=Hoist the jolly manga: Gen Z protesters rally to One Piece pirate flag |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251003-hoist-the-jolly-manga-gen-z-protesters-rally-to-one-piece-pirate-flag |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008032759/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251003-hoist-the-jolly-manga-gen-z-protesters-rally-to-one-piece-pirate-flag |archive-date=8 October 2025 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=[France 24](/source/France_24)}} but has since been spotted in Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Nepal, and Mexico.{{Cite news |last=Philips |first=Tom |date=November 16, 2025 |title=At least 120 hurt in gen Z protests over corruption and drug violence in Mexico |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/16/gen-z-protests-against-mexico-president-turn-violent-amid-anger-over-mayors-death |access-date=December 10, 2025 |work=The Guardian}} In South Korea, K-pop music, such as the song "[Into the New World](/source/Into_the_New_World)" (2007) by [Girls' Generation](/source/Girls'_Generation) was used in anti-corruption protests of 2016–17, despite its largely apolitical lyrics. It was also used in [pro-democratic rallies in Hong Kong](/source/2019%E2%80%932020_Hong_Kong_protests) in 2019–20 as well as in [Thailand in 2020-21](/source/2020%E2%80%932021_Thai_protests). == Religious tendencies == {{See also|Secularization|Desecularization|Postsecularism|Relationship between religion and science}} In the Middle East and North Africa, young people were much more pious in the early 2020s compared to the late 2010s.{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Michael |date=March 23, 2023 |title=MENA Youth Lead Return To Religion |url=https://www.arabbarometer.org/2023/03/mena-youth-lead-return-to-religion/ |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=Arab Barometer}} Young Latin Americans of the 2020s are markedly more likely to be irreligious than the previous decade, making their region as a whole more secular. Those with higher education are especially likely to be religiously unaffiliated. Nevertheless, belief in [astrology](/source/astrology) and spirituality remained common.{{Cite news |date=April 16, 2022 |title=Latin America is becoming more secular |url=https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2022/04/16/latin-america-is-becoming-more-secular |access-date=May 30, 2025 |newspaper=The Economist}} In Western Europe and North America, Generation Z is the least religious generation in history.{{cite news|first1=Christel J.|last1=Manning|access-date=November 14, 2022|title=Gen Z Is the Least Religious Generation. Here's Why That Could Be a Good Thing|url=https://psmag.com/ideas/gen-z-is-the-least-religious-generation-heres-why-that-could-be-a-good-thing|website=Pacific Standard|date=May 6, 2019 |archive-date=November 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114191920/https://psmag.com/ideas/gen-z-is-the-least-religious-generation-heres-why-that-could-be-a-good-thing|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Sherwood |first=Harriet |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Religion: why faith is becoming more and more popular |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/aug/27/religion-why-is-faith-growing-and-what-happens-next |access-date=June 19, 2019 |work=The Guardian}} More members of Generation Z describe themselves as nonbelievers than any previous generation and reject religious affiliation, though many of them [still describe themselves as spiritual](/source/Spiritual_but_not_religious).{{cite journal |first=Aprilfaye T. |last=Manalang |title=Generation Z, Minority Millennials and Disaffiliation from Religious Communities: Not Belonging and the Cultural Cost of Unbelief |url=https://www.religjournal.com/articles/article_view.php?id=159 |url-access=registration |journal=Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion |year=2021 |pages=1–24 |volume=17 |issn=1556-3723|id={{ProQuest |1646347}}{{EBSCOhost|154529170 |dbcode=a9h}}}} However, there is a significant gender gap in certain countries, such as Finland{{cite web |last=Terävä |first=Hanna |last2=Lampén |first2=Mårten |date=December 27, 2023 |title=Missio nuoret miehet |trans-title=Mission: Young Men |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20062327 |access-date=December 30, 2025 |website=Yle Uutiset |language=fi}} and the United States, where young women are secularizing faster than young men. Data from the [British Social Attitudes Survey](/source/British_Social_Attitudes_Survey) indicates that between the late 2010s and the mid-2020s, there has been an overall decline in the number of British adults attending church at least once a month. Compared with the national average, religious attendance among Britons aged 18 to 34 was even lower.{{cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Catherine |date=February 22, 2026 |title=We thought Gen Z had started going to church in droves. But the truth is more complicated |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0k1jddl51no |access-date=February 22, 2026 |publisher=BBC News}} According to British [Office for National Statistics](/source/Office_for_National_Statistics) (ONS), people under the age of 40 in England and Wales are more likely to consider themselves [irreligious](/source/Irreligion) rather than Christian, as of 2023.{{cite news |last1=Booth |first1=Robert |last2=Goodier |first2=Michael |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Census data suggests UK faces 'non-religious future', say campaigners |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/30/census-data-england-wales-uk-non-religious-future-campaigners |access-date=March 27, 2023 |work=The Guardian}} In Canada, 43% of people aged 15 to 35 were religiously unaffiliated in 2021. Young Canadian adults, who are much more likely to have higher education than their counterparts in other countries of the OECD in the 2020s, tend to have a negative opinion of religion, viewing it as incompatible with modernity.{{cite news |last=Watts |first=Galen |date=January 13, 2025 |title=How religion's brand became unpopular in Canada |url=https://theconversation.com/how-religions-brand-became-unpopular-in-canada-246858 |access-date=May 30, 2025 |work=The Conversation}} In the United States, although the long-term decline of religion has slowed during the 2020s, the generational shift in religiosity remains palpable.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Gregory A. |date=December 8, 2025 |title=Religion Holds Steady in America |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/12/08/religion-holds-steady-in-america/ |access-date=December 10, 2025 |work=Pew Research Center}} The United States saw one of the fastest declines of religion between the late 2000s and early 2020s, behind only Greece and Italy.{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Russell |date=November 13, 2025 |title=U.S. faith levels plummet to lowest on record |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/gallup-us-religion-plunge-shift-global-declines |access-date=December 30, 2025 |work=Axios}} Millennials and Generation Z are driving the trend.{{cite web |last=Cox |first=Daniel A. |date=March 24, 2022 |title=Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America |url=https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/generation-z-future-of-faith/ |access-date=March 27, 2023 |website=American Enterprise Institute}}{{cite news |last=Mallenbaum |first=Carly |date=February 26, 2025 |title=Non-religious 'nones' are on the rise, study shows |url=https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/us-christianity-decline-pew-study |access-date=May 4, 2025 |work=Axios}} Young women are leaving religion at a faster pace than young men,{{cite news |last=Contreras |first=Russell |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Young women grow less religious than young men |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/28/religion-poll-gen-z-men-women-gap |access-date=October 31, 2024 |work=Axios}} and have become no more religious than men, breaking a historical norm. [Atheism](/source/Atheism) is more common among Generation Z than in prior generations.{{cite web |access-date=November 14, 2022 |title=Atheism Doubles Among Generation Z |url=https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z/ |website=Barna Group |archive-date=October 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023100615/https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z/ |url-status=live}} == Risky behaviors == === Adolescent pregnancy === center [Adolescent pregnancy](/source/Teenage_pregnancy) has been in decline during the early 21st century all across the industrialized world, due to the widespread availability of contraception and the growing avoidance of sexual intercourse among teenagers. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, teenage parenthood has fallen 58% and 69%, respectively, between the 1990s and the 2020s.{{cite news |date=February 5, 2024 |title=Some good news about America's fertility problem |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2024/02/05/some-good-news-about-americas-fertility-problem |access-date=June 10, 2024 |newspaper=The Economist}} In New Zealand, the pregnancy rate for females aged 15 to 19 dropped from 33 per 1,000 in 2008 to 16 in 2016. Highly urbanized regions had adolescent pregnancy rates well below the national average whereas [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people) communities had much higher than average rates. In Australia, it was 15 per 1,000 in 2015.{{cite news |last=Cooke |first=Henry |date=May 16, 2017 |title=Teen birth rate halves since 2008 |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/92626913/teen-birth-rate-halves-since-2008|access-date=November 15, 2020|archive-date=November 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117010412/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/92626913/teen-birth-rate-halves-since-2008|url-status=live}} In the United States, teenage pregnancy rates continued to decline, reaching 13.5 in 2022, the lowest on record.{{cite news |last=Kekatos |first=Mary |date=June 1, 2023 |title=Teenage birth rates in the US reached historic lows in 2022, CDC report finds |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/teenage-birth-rates-us-reached-historic-lows-2022/story?id=99720479 |access-date=December 7, 2023}} Northern European countries, above all the Netherlands, have some of the world's lowest teenage pregnancy and abortion rates by implementing thorough [sex education](/source/sex_education).{{cite book |last1=Brenot |first1=Philippe |title=The Story of Sex: A Graphic History through the Ages |last2=Coryn |first2=Laetitia |publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-316-47222-7 |location=New York |page=187 |translator-last=McMorran |translator-first=Will}} === Alcoholism and substance use === 2020 data from the UK [Office for National Statistics](/source/Office_for_National_Statistics) (ONS) showed on a per-capita basis, members of Generation Z binged on alcohol 20% less often than Millennials. However, 9.9% of people aged 16 to 24 consumed at least one drug in the past month, usually cannabis, or more than twice the share of the population between the ages of 16 and 59. "Cannabis has now taken over from the opiates in terms of the most people in treatment for addiction," psychopharmacologist Val Curran of the [University College London](/source/University_College_London) (UCL) told ''The Telegraph''. Moreover, the quality and affordability of various addictive drugs have improved in recent years, making them an appealing alternative to alcoholic beverages for many young people, who now have the ability to arrange a meeting with a dealer via social media. Addiction psychiatrist Adam Winstock of UCL found using his Global Drug Survey that young people rated cocaine more highly than alcohol on the basis of value for money, 4.8 compared to 4.7 out of 10.{{cite news |last=Hymas |first=Charles |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Generation Z swap drink for drugs as class A use by 16-24-year-olds rises by half in seven years |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/09/generation-z-swap-drink-drugs-class-use-16-24-year-olds-rises/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210113519/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/12/09/generation-z-swap-drink-drugs-class-use-16-24-year-olds-rises/ |archive-date=December 10, 2020}} As of 2019, cannabis was legal for both medical and recreational use in [Uruguay](/source/cannabis_in_Uruguay), [Canada](/source/cannabis_in_Canada), and [33 states](/source/cannabis_in_the_United_States) in the US.{{cite journal |last1=Sohn |first1=Emily |title=Weighing the dangers of cannabis |journal=Nature |date=29 August 2019 |volume=572 |issue=7771 |pages=S16–S18 |doi=10.1038/d41586-019-02530-7 |pmid=31462789 |doi-access=free }} In the United States, Generation Z is the first to be born into a time when the [legalization of marijuana](/source/Decriminalization_of_non-medical_cannabis_in_the_United_States) at the federal level is being seriously considered.{{cite news|last=Ayesh|first=Rashaan|date=April 20, 2019|title=Survey: Gen Z twice as likely to use marijuana than national average|work=Axios|url=https://www.axios.com/gen-z-buys-more-marijuana-anyone-else-fb60a20f-df38-41c0-bc37-2b27557dfe38.html|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421202953/https://www.axios.com/gen-z-buys-more-marijuana-anyone-else-fb60a20f-df38-41c0-bc37-2b27557dfe38.html|url-status=live}} While adolescents (people aged 12 to 17) in the late 2010s were more likely to avoid both alcohol and marijuana compared to their predecessors from 20 years before, college-aged youths are more likely than their elders to consume [marijuana](/source/Cannabis_(drug)).{{cite news|last=Schepis|first=Ty|date=November 19, 2020|title=College-age kids and teens are drinking less alcohol – marijuana is a different story|work=The Conversation|url=https://theconversation.com/college-age-kids-and-teens-are-drinking-less-alcohol-marijuana-is-a-different-story-149895|access-date=November 21, 2020|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121005043/https://theconversation.com/college-age-kids-and-teens-are-drinking-less-alcohol-marijuana-is-a-different-story-149895|url-status=live}} Marijuana use in Western democracies was three times the global average, as of 2012, and in the U.S., the typical age of first use is 16.{{cite book |last1=Caulkins |first1=Jonathan P. |url=https://archive.org/details/marijuanalegaliz0000unse/page/16 |title=Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know |last2=Hawken |first2=Angela |last3=Kilmer |first3=Beau |last4=Kleiman |first4=Mark A.R. |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-19-991373-2 |page=[https://archive.org/details/marijuanalegaliz0000unse/page/16 16] |name-list-style=vanc}} This is despite the fact that marijuana use is linked to some risks for young people,{{Cite news |last=McCoppin |first=Robert |date=December 24, 2019 |title=Thinking of buying pot in Illinois on Jan. 1? Here's how experts say it could affect your health — for better and for worse |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-marijuana-illinois-health-effects-20191224-j2qafgizjbe5vibxrajgw7c6kq-story.html |access-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224160344/https://www.chicagotribune.com/marijuana/illinois/ct-marijuana-illinois-health-effects-20191224-j2qafgizjbe5vibxrajgw7c6kq-story.html |url-status=live }} such as in the impairment of cognitive abilities and school performance, though a causality has not been established in this case.{{cite journal |last1=Curran |first1=H. Valerie |last2=Freeman |first2=Tom P. |last3=Mokrysz |first3=Claire |last4=Lewis |first4=David A. |last5=Morgan |first5=Celia J. A. |last6=Parsons |first6=Loren H. |title=Keep off the grass? Cannabis, cognition and addiction |journal=Nature Reviews Neuroscience |date=May 2016 |volume=17 |issue=5 |pages=293–306 |doi=10.1038/nrn.2016.28 |pmid=27052382 |hdl=10871/24746 |hdl-access=free }} === Youth crime === During the 2010s, when most of Generation Z experienced some or all of their adolescence, reductions in youth crime were seen in some Western countries. A report looking at statistics from 2018 to 2019 noted that the numbers of young people aged ten to seventeen in England and Wales being cautioned or sentenced for criminal activity had fallen by 83% over the previous decade, while those entering the youth justice system for the first time had fallen by 85%.{{Cite web|date=January 30, 2020|title=Youth Justice Statistics 2018/19|url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/862078/youth-justice-statistics-bulletin-march-2019.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609091128/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/862078/youth-justice-statistics-bulletin-march-2019.pdf|archive-date=June 9, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=gov.uk|publisher=Youth Justice Board under the direction of the Ministry of Justice}} In 2006, 3,000 youths in England and Wales were detained for criminal activity; ten years later, that number fell below 1,000. In Europe, teenagers were less likely to fight than before. Research from Australia suggested that crime rates among adolescents had consistently declined between 2010 and 2019.{{Cite web|date=February 6, 2020|title=Youth Offenders|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4519.0~2018-19~Main%20Features~Youth%20Offenders~4|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609091129/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4519.0~2018-19~Main%20Features~Youth%20Offenders~4|archive-date=June 9, 2020|access-date=June 9, 2020|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics}} In a 2014 report, Statistics Canada stated that police-reported crimes committed by persons between the ages of 12 and 17 had been falling steadily since 2006 as part of a larger trend of decline from a peak in 1991. Between 2000 and 2014, youth crimes plummeted 42%, above the drop for ''overall'' crime of 34%. In fact, between the late 2000s and mid-2010s, the fall was especially rapid. This was primarily driven by a 51% drop in theft of items worth no more than CAN$5,000 and burglary. The most common types of crime committed by Canadian adolescents were theft and violence. At school, the most frequent offenses were possession of cannabis, common assault, and uttering threats. Overall, although they made up only 7% of the population, adolescents stood accused of 13% of all crimes in Canada. In addition, mid- to late-teens were more likely to be accused of crimes than any other age group in the country.{{Cite web|last1=Allen|first1=Marry K.|last2=Superle|first2=Tammy|date=February 17, 2016|title=Youth crime in Canada, 2014|url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2016001/article/14309-eng.htm|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Statistics Canada|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040309/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2016001/article/14309-eng.htm|url-status=live}} == Family and social life == === Upbringing === thumb|A man rides a multi-seated bicycle with two children (2007). In most developed countries, except France, parents have been spending more time with their children than in the past. Parents increasingly realize that in order to ensure their children have the best future attainable, they must have fewer of them and invest more resources per child.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Why family-friendly policies don't boost birth rates |url=https://www.ft.com/content/838eeb4e-3bff-4693-990f-ff3446cac9b2 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |work=Financial Times}} Sociologists [Judith Treas](/source/Judith_Treas) and Giulia M. Dotti Sani analyzed the diaries of 122,271 parents (68,532 mothers and 53,739 fathers) aged 18 to 65 in households with at least one child below the age of 13 from 1965 to 2012 in eleven Western countries—Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Slovenia—and discovered that in general, parents had been spending more and more time with their children. In 2012, the average mother spent twice as much time with her offspring than her counterpart in 1965. Among fathers, the average amount of time quadrupled. Nevertheless, women were still the primary caregivers. Parents of all education levels were represented, though those with higher education typically spent much more time with their children, especially university-educated mothers. France was the only exception. French mothers were spending less time with their children whereas fathers were spending more time. This overall trend reflected the dominant ideology of "intensive parenting"—the idea that the time parents spend with children is crucial for their development in various areas and the fact that fathers developed more egalitarian views with regards to gender roles over time and became more likely to want to play an active role in their children's lives.{{cite news |author=University of California, Irvine |date=September 28, 2016 |title=Today's parents spend more time with their kids than moms and dads did 50 years ago|work=Science Daily|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160928160716.htm|access-date=November 3, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030195725/https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160928160716.htm|url-status=live}} In the United Kingdom, there was a widespread belief in the early 21st century that rising parental, societal and state concern for the safety of children was leaving them increasingly [mollycoddled](/source/Helicopter_parent) and slowing the pace they took on responsibilities.{{Cite news|last=Jackson|first=Marie|date=February 8, 2011|title=Should a teenager be left to babysit a toddler?|language=en-GB|publisher=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-12380329|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416120518/https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-12380329|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Groskop|first=Viv|date=October 17, 2015|title=The real risk to our kids? Mollycoddling|url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/oct/18/real-risk-to-kids-play-mollycoddling|access-date=April 4, 2021|website=The Guardian |archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417170427/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/oct/18/real-risk-to-kids-play-mollycoddling|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Knight|first=India|date=March 2, 2008|title=Mollycoddle curse of the middle class|newspaper=[The Times](/source/The_Times) |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mollycoddle-curse-of-the-middle-class-fxn833rtq5t|access-date=April 4, 2021|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=April 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404221236/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mollycoddle-curse-of-the-middle-class-fxn833rtq5t|url-status=live}} The same period saw a rise in child-rearing's position in the public discourse with parenting manuals and reality TV programs focused on family life, such as ''[Supernanny](/source/Supernanny)'', providing specific guidelines for how children should be cared for and disciplined.{{Cite web|last=Karpf|first=Anna|date=April 19, 2013|title=Mothers on the naughty step: the growth of the parenting advice industry|url=http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/apr/19/mothers-naughty-step-donald-winnicott|access-date=April 4, 2021|website=The Guardian |archive-date=April 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417164912/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/apr/19/mothers-naughty-step-donald-winnicott|url-status=live}} According to Statistics Canada, the number of households with both grandparents and grandchildren remained rare but grew in the early 21st century. In 2011, five percent of Canadian children below the age of ten lived with a grandparent, up from 3.3% in the previous decade. This is in part because Canadian parents in the early 21st century could not (or believe they could not) afford childcare and often find themselves having to work long hours or irregular shifts. Meanwhile, many grandparents struggled to keep up with their highly active grandchildren on a regular basis due to their age. Because Millennials and members of Generation X tend to have fewer children than their parents the Baby Boomers, each child typically receives more attention from grandparents and parents compared to previous generations.{{cite news |last=Hutchins|first=Aaron|date=June 4, 2016|title=Why being a grandparent is more complicated than ever |work=Maclean's |department=Society|url=https://www.macleans.ca/society/life/grandparent-is-more-complicated/|access-date=February 25, 2020|archive-date=February 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225170527/https://www.macleans.ca/society/life/grandparent-is-more-complicated/|url-status=live}} === Friendships and socialization === According to the OECD PISA surveys, 15-year-olds in 2015 had a tougher time making friends at school than ten years prior. European teenagers were becoming more and more like their Japanese and South Korean counterparts in social isolation. This might be due to intrusive parenting, heavy use of electronic devices, and concerns over academic performance and job prospects. Despite being almost incessantly online, large swaths of Generation Z are willing and able to form offline or face-to-face social relationships.{{Cite journal |last=Cazan |first=Ioana-Ruxandra |date=2024 |title=Generation Z and Their Interpersonal Relationships |url=https://oaji.net/articles/2023/2340-1741262518.pdf |journal=Cactus Tourism Journal |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=54–64 |doi=10.24818/CTS/6/2024/1.06}} Although the sociocultural zeitgeist of social media platforms have a greater influence on them than their families and schools, authenticity is of great importance to them.{{cite journal |last=Tirocchi |first=Simona |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Generation Z, values, and media: from influencers to BeReal, between visibility and authenticity |journal=Frontiers in Sociology |volume=8 |article-number=1304093 |doi=10.3389/fsoc.2023.1304093 |pmid=38274837 |doi-access=free}} === Romance, marriage, and family === According to a 2014 report from [UNICEF](/source/UNICEF), some 250 million females were forced into marriage before the age of 15, especially in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Problems faced by [child brides](/source/Child_marriage) include loss of educational opportunity, less access to medical care, higher childbirth mortality rates, depression, and suicidal ideation.{{Cite web|last=United Nations Children's Fund|year=2014|title=Ending Child Marriage: Progress and Prospects|url=https://www.unicef.org/media/files/Child_Marriage_Report_7_17_LR..pdf|access-date=January 9, 2021|website=UNICEF|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727024931/https://www.unicef.org/media/files/Child_Marriage_Report_7_17_LR..pdf}} During the 2020s, young adults around the world are much more likely to be romantically unattached, either [by choice](/source/Singleton_(lifestyle)) or circumstance, than older living generations at the same age.{{Cite news |date=November 6, 2025 |title=All over the rich world, fewer people are hooking up and shacking up |url=https://www.economist.com/briefing/2025/11/06/all-over-the-rich-world-fewer-people-are-hooking-up-and-shacking-up |access-date=December 22, 2025 |work=The Economist}} This trend is most pronounced among urban, university-educated young women, and the poor.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=January 11, 2025 |title=The relationship recession is going global |url=https://www.ft.com/content/43e2b4f6-5ab7-4c47-b9fd-d611c36dad74 |access-date=May 26, 2025 |work=Financial Times}} East Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America saw the steepest declines compared to the 2000s. In Europe, Generation Z is noticeably less likely to be married or [living with a partner](/source/Cohabitation), compared to older cohorts. Many youths are also [uninterested in having children](/source/Voluntary_childlessness).{{Cite news |last1=Xinyu |first1=Du |last2=Yun |first2=Fang |date=October 11, 2021 |title=44% of China's Urban Young Women Don't Plan to Marry, Survey Says |url=https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1008664/44%25-of-chinas-urban-young-women-dont-plan-to-marry,-survey-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116191922/https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1008664/44%25-of-chinas-urban-young-women-dont-plan-to-marry,-survey-says |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |work=Sixth Tone}}{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Amelia |date=April 23, 2021 |title='I had second thoughts': the Gen Z-ers choosing not to have children |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/23/i-had-second-thoughts-the-gen-z-ers-choosing-not-to-have-children |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626034159/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/apr/23/i-had-second-thoughts-the-gen-z-ers-choosing-not-to-have-children |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=The Guardian |department=Lifestyle}}{{Cite news |last=Leanne |first=Italie |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Gen Z, millennials speak out on reluctance to become parents |url=https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-millennials-fcaa60313baf717312c6e68f12eb53ff |access-date=August 30, 2022 |work=Associated Press}} Some have pets instead.{{Cite news |last1=Choi |first1=Hayoung |last2=Park |first2=Minwoo |date=January 24, 2019 |title=Like a son but cheaper: harried South Koreans pamper pets instead of having kids |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-economy-pets/like-a-son-but-cheaper-harried-south-koreans-pamper-pets-instead-of-having-kids-idUSKCN1PI029 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Suzanne |date=June 4, 2024 |title=Gen Z Is Choosing Pets Over Children |url=https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-choosing-pets-over-children-1908186 |access-date=April 27, 2025 |work=Newsweek}} Social media, online dating sites, and political polarization are contributing factors to this social trend among Generation Z. In Australia, growing numbers of older teenage boys and young men have been avoiding romantic relationships altogether, citing concerns over the traumatic experiences of older male family members, including false accusations of sexual misconduct or loss of assets and money after a divorce.{{Cite news |last=Barraclough |first=Corrine |date=April 3, 2017 |title=First men, now boys are 'Going Their Own Way' |url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/teens/first-men-now-boys-are-going-their-own-way/news-story/7aa04498e3c2673ecd4f474573258b10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402042918/https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/teens/first-men-now-boys-are-going-their-own-way/news-story/7aa04498e3c2673ecd4f474573258b10 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=January 1, 2021 |work=News.com.au}} In China, young people nowadays are much more likely to deem marriage and children sources of stress rather than fulfillment. This trend is an extension of the "[lying flat](/source/Tang_ping)" movement, popular among Chinese youths.{{Cite news |last=Huifeng |first=He |date=January 6, 2022 |title=Why are China's Gen Z women rejecting marriage, kids more than their male counterparts? |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3162221/why-are-chinas-gen-z-women-rejecting-marriage-kids-more-their |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109010246/https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3162221/why-are-chinas-gen-z-women-rejecting-marriage-kids-more-their |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |access-date=January 9, 2022 |work=The South China Morning Post}} Pluralities of young urban residents of the 2020s told pollsters they were not planning to get married due to having trouble finding the right person, the high costs of marriage, or [skepticism of marriage](/source/Criticism_of_marriage). Across East Asia, young women are increasingly wary of marriage in their highly [patriarchal](/source/patriarchal) societies. As social scientist Wei-Jun Jean Yeung of the National University of Singapore explains, "The [opportunity cost](/source/opportunity_cost) of getting married may be high: women think that if they get married they may have to give up working to take care of their in-laws, parents and children, plus do housework." In India, Generation Z is more likely to adopt non-traditional relationships, such as open or casual ones, than prior cohorts due to changes in technology, cultural change, and a greater emphasis on self-growth and individual autonomy.{{cite journal |last1=Khatri |first1=Geetika |last2=Khalid |first2=Alia |last3=Sharma |first3=Pulkit |last4=Smriti |first4=Dr. |last5=Sharma |first5=Komal |title=Beyond Tradition: A study of relationship evolution in Millennials and Gen Z |journal=South Eastern European Journal of Public Health |date=26 November 2024 |pages=1239–1243 |doi=10.70135/seejph.vi.2400 |doi-access=free}} While urban university-educated young women of the 2010s and 2020s often hold gender-egalitarian views, this is not the case among young men. In China, for instance, men with higher education [view feminism as a threat](/source/Antifeminism). Among Australian teenagers and young men, many have joined the Men Going Their Own Way ([MGTOW](/source/Men_Going_Their_Own_Way)) community—an outgrowth of the [men's rights movement](/source/men's_rights_movement), but one that emphasizes detachment from women as a way to deal with the issues men face. In line with a fall in adolescent pregnancy in the developed world, which is discussed in more detail elsewhere in this article, there has also been a reduction in the percentage of the youngest adults with children. The [Office for National Statistics](/source/Office_for_National_Statistics) has reported that the number of babies born in the United Kingdom to 18-year-old mothers fell by 58% from 2000 to 2016, and the number born to 18-year-old fathers fell by 41% over the same period.{{cite web|title=Being 18 in 2018 – Office for National Statistics|url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/articles/being18in2018/2018-09-13|access-date=September 2, 2021|website=ons.gov.uk|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724235815/https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/articles/being18in2018/2018-09-13|url-status=live}} Pew Research reports that in 2016, 88% of American women aged 18 to 21 were childless as opposed to 80% of Generation X and 79% of Millennial female youth at a similar age.{{Cite web|date=November 15, 2018|title='Post-Millennial' Generation On Track To Be Most Diverse, Best-Educated|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/11/15/early-benchmarks-show-post-millennials-on-track-to-be-most-diverse-best-educated-generation-yet/|access-date=September 2, 2021|website=Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends Project|language=en-US|archive-date=September 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901091748/https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2018/11/15/early-benchmarks-show-post-millennials-on-track-to-be-most-diverse-best-educated-generation-yet/|url-status=live}} == Use of information and communications technologies == {{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 300 | total_width = | image1 = Children at school (8720604364).jpg | caption1 = Schoolchildren using a laptop computer in 2008; Generation Z was one of the first generations to have widespread access to the Internet at an early age. | image2 = LGD Gaming at the 2015 LPL Summer Finals.jpg | caption2 = Participants of a [video game competition](/source/Esports) in 2015. Most Generation Z grew up with [mobile](/source/mobile_game) and [online video gaming](/source/online_video_game). | image3 = 總統出席「中山女高畢業典禮」 (27295827192).jpg | caption3 = High school girls taking a group photo in 2016; 21st-century youths are highly reliant on their mobile devices. | alt2 = | image4 = IPhone Series.jpg | caption4 = The [iPhone](/source/iPhone) is one of the most ubiquitous mobile devices among Generation Z. | alt3 = }} Generation Z is one of the first cohorts to have [Internet technology](/source/Internet_technology) readily available at a young age.{{Cite journal|title = Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants Part 1|last = Prensky|first = Marc|year = 2001|journal = On the Horizon}} With the [Web 2.0](/source/Web_2.0) revolution that occurred throughout the mid-late 2000s and 2010s, they have been exposed to an unprecedented amount of technology in their upbringing, with the use of mobile devices growing exponentially over time{{vague|date=August 2025}}. Anthony Turner characterizes Generation Z as having a "digital bond to the Internet", and argues that it may help youth to escape from emotional and mental struggles they face offline.{{cite journal |last1=Turner |first1=Anthony |title=Generation Z: Technology and Social Interest |journal=The Journal of Individual Psychology |date=June 2015 |volume=71 |issue=2 |pages=103–113 |id={{Project MUSE|586631}} |doi=10.1353/jip.2015.0021}} According to U.S. consultants Sparks and Honey in 2014, 41% of Generation Z spend more than three hours per day using computers for purposes other than schoolwork, compared with 22% in 2004.{{cite web | url=http://fr.slideshare.net/sparksandhoney/generation-z-final-june-17/39-They_are_hyperaware_and_concernedabout | title=Meet Generation Z: Forget Everything You Learned About Millennials | publisher=Sparks and Honey | date=June 17, 2014 | access-date=December 16, 2015 | page=39 | archive-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222142710/http://fr.slideshare.net/sparksandhoney/generation-z-final-june-17/39-They_are_hyperaware_and_concernedabout | url-status=live}} In 2015, an estimated 150,000 apps, 10% of apps in [Apple](/source/Apple_Inc.)'s [App Store](/source/App_Store_(iOS)), were educational and aimed at children up to college level,{{cite web|title = Should CellPhones Be Allowed in School?|url = http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/tech-ed/should-students-use-their-smartphones-as-learning-tools/|website = education.cu-portland.edu|access-date = December 1, 2015|date = November 9, 2012|archive-date = December 8, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208042734/http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/tech-ed/should-students-use-their-smartphones-as-learning-tools/}} though opinions are mixed as to whether the net result will be deeper involvement in learning and more individualized instruction, or impairment through greater technology dependence{{cite web|title = Mobile and interactive media use by young children: The good, the bad and the unknown|url = http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-01/bumc-mai013015.php|website = EurekAlert!|access-date = December 1, 2015|archive-date = December 8, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208143746/http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-01/bumc-mai013015.php|url-status = live}} and a lack of self-regulation that may hinder child development. Parents who raise Gen Z children fear the overuse of the Internet, and dislike the ease of access to inappropriate information and images, as well as social networking sites where minors can gain access to people worldwide. Gen Z children, inversely, feel annoyed with their parents and complain about parents being overly controlling when it comes to their Internet usage.{{Cite journal|title = Internet use and developmental tasks: Adolescents' point of view|journal = Computers in Human Behavior|date = November 1, 2015|pages = 49–58|volume = 52|doi = 10.1016/j.chb.2015.05.029|first1 = Gabriella|last1 = Borca|first2 = Manuela|last2 = Bina|first3 = Peggy S.|last3 = Keller|first4 = Lauren R.|last4 = Gilbert|first5 = Tatiana|last5 = Begotti| hdl=2318/1526174 |hdl-access = free}} A 2015 study by [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft) found that 77% of respondents aged 18 to 24 said yes to the statement, "When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone," compared to just 10% for those aged 65 and over.{{Cite news|last=MacSpadden|first=Kevin|date=May 14, 2015|title=You Now Have a Shorter Attention Span Than a Goldfish|magazine=Time|url=https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/|access-date=December 9, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222032444/https://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/|url-status=live}} In a TEDxHouston talk, Jason Dorsey of the Center for Generational Kinetics stressed the notable differences in the way that Millennials and Generation Z consume technology, with 18% of Generation Z feeling that it is okay for a 13-year-old to have a smartphone, compared with just 4% for the previous generation.{{cite web|url=https://jasondorsey.com/tedx-talk-igen-gen-z/|title=Jason Dorsey TEDx Talk On Generation After Millennials: iGen Gen Z|website=Jason Dorsey|language=en-US|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806190630/https://jasondorsey.com/tedx-talk-igen-gen-z/|url-status=live}}{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=What do we know about the generation after millennials? {{!}} Jason Dorsey {{!}} TEDxHouston|date=November 18, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f16o9Q0XGE|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721111239/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f16o9Q0XGE|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|last=Dorsey|first=Jason|year=2016|title=iGen Tech Disruption|url=http://genhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/iGen-Gen-Z-Tech-Disruption-Research-White-Paper-c-2016-Center-for-Generational-Kinetics.pdf|journal=Center for Generational Kinetics|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731224635/http://genhq.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/iGen-Gen-Z-Tech-Disruption-Research-White-Paper-c-2016-Center-for-Generational-Kinetics.pdf|url-status=live}} An online newspaper about texting, [SMS](/source/SMS) and MMS writes that teens own cellphones without necessarily needing them; that receiving a phone is considered a rite of passage in some countries, allowing the owner to be further connected with their peers, and it is now a social norm to have one at an early age.{{cite web|url = http://textually.org/textually/archives/2005/03/007687.htm|title = Owning a cell phone is rite of passage for teenagers|date = March 28, 2005|access-date = December 7, 2015|website = Textuality.org|last = Regine|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151211130032/http://textually.org/textually/archives/2005/03/007687.htm|archive-date = December 11, 2015}} An article from the [Pew Research Center](/source/Pew_Research_Center) stated that "nearly three-quarters of teens have or have access to a [smartphone](/source/smartphone) and 30% have a basic phone, while just 12% of teens 13 to 15 say they have no cell phone of any type".{{cite web|url = http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015|title = Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015|date = April 8, 2015|access-date = December 5, 2015|website = Pew Research Center|publisher = Pew Research Center Internet Science Tech RSS|last = Lenhart|first = Amanda|archive-date = December 10, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151210142042/http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/|url-status = live}} These numbers are only on the rise and the fact that the majority own a cell phone became one of Generation Z's defining characteristics. The article states that "24% of teens go online 'almost constantly'." A survey of students from 79 countries by the OECD found that the amount of time spent using an electronic device has increased, from under two hours per weekday in 2012 to close to three in 2019, at the expense of extracurricular reading. Psychologists have observed that [sexting](/source/sexting), the transmission of sexually explicit content via electronic devices, has seen noticeable growth among contemporary adolescents. Older teenagers are more likely to participate in sexting. Besides some cultural and social factors such as the desire for acceptance and popularity among peers, the falling age at which a child receives a smartphone may contribute to the growth in this activity. However, while it is clear that sexting has an emotional impact on adolescents, it is still not clear how it precisely affects them. Some consider it a high-risk behavior because of the ease of dissemination to third parties leading to reputational damage and the link to various psychological conditions including depression and even suicidal ideation. Others defend youths' freedom of expression over the Internet. There is some evidence that at least in the short run, sexting brings positive feelings of liveliness or satisfaction. However, girls are more likely than boys to be receiving insults, social rejections, or reputational damage as a result of sexting.{{Cite journal|last1=Del Rey|first1=Rosario|last2=Ojeda|first2=Mónica|last3=Casas|first3=José A.|last4=Mora-Merchán|first4=Joaquín A.|last5=Elipe|first5=Paz|date=August 21, 2019|editor-last=Rey|editor-first=Lourdes|title=Sexting Among Adolescents: The Emotional Impact and Influence of the Need for Popularity|department=Educational Psychology|journal=Frontiers in Psychology|volume=10|issue=1828|page=1828|doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01828|pmid=31496968|pmc=6712510|doi-access=free}} === Digital literacy === Despite being labeled as [digital native](/source/digital_native)s, the 2018 [International Computer and Information Literacy Study](/source/International_Computer_and_Information_Literacy_Study) (ICILS), conducted on 42,000 eighth-graders (or equivalents) from 14 countries and education systems, found that only two percent of these people were [sufficiently proficient with information devices](/source/digital_literacy) to justify that description, and only 19% could work independently with computers to gather information and to manage their work.{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Valerie |date=November 16, 2019 |title=Today's kids might be digital natives — but a new study shows they aren't close to being computer literate |newspaper=The Washington Post |department=Education |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/11/16/todays-kids-may-be-digital-natives-new-study-shows-they-arent-close-being-computer-literate/?outputType=amp |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117165337/https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/11/16/todays-kids-may-be-digital-natives-new-study-shows-they-arent-close-being-computer-literate/?outputType=amp |archive-date=November 17, 2019}} ICILS assesses students on two main categories: Computer and Information Literacy (CIL), and Computational Thinking (CT). Countries or education systems whose students scored near or above the international average of 496 in CIL were, in increasing order, France, North Rhine-Westphalia, Portugal, Germany, the United States, Finland, South Korea, Moscow, and Denmark. Countries or education systems whose students scored near or above the international average of 500 were, in increasing order, the United States, France, Finland, Denmark, and South Korea.{{cite web |year=2019 |title=ICILS 2018 U.S. Results |url=https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/icils/icils2018/theme1.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105141034/https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/icils/icils2018/theme1.asp |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |website=National Center for Education Statistics}} By the early 2020s, many members of Generation Z were entering the digital workplace without some basic [ICT](/source/Information_and_communications_technology) skills, such as [touch typing](/source/touch_typing),{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=Georgia |date=August 24, 2024 |title=Gen Z-ers Are Computer Whizzes. Just Don't Ask Them to Type. |url=https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/gen-z-typing-computers-keyboards-c83d15f0 |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal}} though they can learn more quickly than older workers.{{Cite news |last=Demopoulos |first=Alaina |date=February 28, 2023 |title='Scanners are complicated': why Gen Z faces workplace 'tech shame' |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/feb/27/gen-z-tech-shame-office-technology-printers |access-date=May 13, 2023}} === Pornography viewing === While pornography is made for entertainment, teenagers are increasingly turning to it as a source of information on sexuality,{{Cite journal |last=Pickhardt |first=Carl E. |date=August 2023 |title=The Challenging Combination of Childhood Curiosity and Internet Access |url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/articles/202307/kids-online-what-concerns-experts-most |journal=Psychology Today |pages=34–5}} especially what to do during a sexual encounter, as teachers tend to focus on [contraception](/source/Birth_control). In fact, pornography is reaching an increasingly large youth audience — as young as people in their early teenage years – not only on social networks, but also on [dedicated websites](/source/Internet_pornography), thanks both to their access to electronic devices and the influence of their friends.{{Cite news |last=Kingson |first=Jennifer |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Social media's effects on teen mental health come into focus |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/01/11/social-media-children-teenagers-mental-health-tiktok-meta-facebook-snapchat |access-date=January 23, 2024 |work=Axios}} Although parents generally believe adolescents who view pornography for pleasure tend to be boys, surveys and interviews reveal that this behavior is also common among girls. A 2020 report by the [British Board of Film Classification](/source/British_Board_of_Film_Classification) (BBFC)—available only by request due to the presence of graphic materials—suggests that parents either are in denial or are completely oblivious to the prevalence of [pornography](/source/pornography) viewership by adolescents, with three quarters telling researchers that they did not believe their children consumed such material. Over half of the teenagers interviewed told researchers they had viewed pornography, though the actual number is likely higher due to the sensitivity of this topic.{{Cite news |last=Waterson |first=Jim |date=January 31, 2020 |title=Porn survey reveals extent of UK teenagers' viewing habits |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jan/31/porn-survey-uk-teenagers-viewing-habits-bbfc |url-status=live |access-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106143635/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2020/jan/31/porn-survey-uk-teenagers-viewing-habits-bbfc |archive-date=November 6, 2020}} Many interviewees told researchers they felt anxious about their [body image](/source/body_image) and the expectations of their potential sexual partners as a result of viewing, and their concerns over [sexual violence](/source/sexual_violence). About one-third of the British population watches these films, according to industry estimates. === Use of social media networks === [[File:Selfie au Palais des Beaux-Arts.jpg|thumb|Two young women taking a [selfie](/source/selfie) at the [Palais des Beaux-Arts](/source/Palais_des_Beaux-Arts_de_Lille) in [Lille](/source/Lille), France (2016)]]Members of Generation Z live during a time of widespread access to [social media](/source/social_media) platforms and have consequently integrated these into their daily lives, using them to not only communicate with friends and family but also interact with people they would otherwise never meet in the real world. Social media have become a tool for Generation Z to forge their personal identities.{{Cite web |title=Social Media and Teens |url=https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Social-Media-and-Teens-100.aspx#:~:text=Surveys%20show%20that%20ninety%20percent,media%20site%20at%20least%20daily. |access-date=March 28, 2023 |website=www.aacap.org}} Indeed, an absolute majority have used social media and are frequently online. However, one side effect of this trend is that they interact "face to face" less often, causing them to feel more lonely and left out.{{cite web|url=https://www.careerplanner.com/Career-Articles/Generations.cfm|title=The Generations – Which Generation Are You?|website=careerplanner.com|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507221727/https://www.careerplanner.com/Career-Articles/Generations.cfm|url-status=live}} Some also report online fatigue and want to spend less time on the Internet while others admit to having regrets about certain things they posted online.{{cite web |last1=J. Walter Thompson |title=CONSUMER INSIGHTS, J. WALTER THOMPSON INTELLIGENCE Meet Generation Z |url=http://www.jwt.com/blog/consumer_insights/meet-generation-z-in-j-walter-thompson-companys-latest-trend-report/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206195305/http://www.jwt.com/blog/consumer_insights/meet-generation-z-in-j-walter-thompson-companys-latest-trend-report/ |archive-date=February 6, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017}} Speed and reliability are important factors in their choice of social networking platform, and they make frequent use of [emojis](/source/emojis).{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Alex |date=September 18, 2015 |title=Move Over, Millennials, Here Comes Generation Z |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/20/fashion/move-over-millennials-here-comes-generation-z.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919162333/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/20/fashion/move-over-millennials-here-comes-generation-z.html |archive-date=September 19, 2015}} Unlike older generations, who prefer newspapers and television reports, Generation Z uses social media to access the news. Nevertheless, even though people aged 18 to 24 are heavily reliant upon social media networks, they have very little trust in them.{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Julie |date=November 18, 2021 |title=Young People Rely on Social Media, but Don't Trust It |url=https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/357446/young-people-rely-social-media-don-trust.aspx |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Gallup}}[[File:1TikTokBerlin.png|thumb|Teenagers producing a video for [TikTok](/source/TikTok) (2022)|left]] Once the single most popular social media site among teenagers, [Facebook](/source/Facebook) has been on the decline since the early 2010s. The share of teenagers using [Twitter](/source/Twitter) has fallen as well. At the same time, [YouTube](/source/YouTube) has claimed the top spot while [Snapchat](/source/Snapchat) and [Instagram](/source/Instagram) have also made significant gains.{{Cite news |last=Burn-Murdoch |first=John |date=December 20, 2024 |title=Why the TikTok era spells trouble for the establishment |url=https://www.ft.com/content/2262f82e-fb65-445b-b99c-b039c1b32ce9 |access-date=May 7, 2025 |work=The Financial Times}} During the late 2010s and early 2020s, [TikTok](/source/TikTok) exploded in usage among adolescents and has become the second most frequently used platform, surpassing Instagram in 2021.{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2021 |first=Garrett |last=Sloan |title=TikTok and Snapchat battle for Gen Z, as Instagram trails with kids |url=https://adage.com/article/media/tiktok-and-snapchat-battle-gen-z-instagram-trails-kids/2334756 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616000417/https://adage.com/article/media/tiktok-and-snapchat-battle-gen-z-instagram-trails-kids/2334756 |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2022 |website=Advertising Age}} According to Advertising Age, Generation Z finds Snapchat and TikTok appealing because videos, pictures, and messages send much faster on it than in regular messaging. Another reason for the popularity of these platforms among Generation Z is that their parents do not typically use them.{{cite news |last=Madden |first=Mary |display-authors=etal |date=May 21, 2013 |title=Teens, Social Media, and Privacy. |url=http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/21/teens-social-media-and-privacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206131805/http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/05/21/teens-social-media-and-privacy/ |archive-date=December 6, 2015 |access-date=December 10, 2015 |work=Pew Research Center}} As of 2022, TikTok has around 689 million active users, 43% of whom are from Gen Z.{{Cite web |title=Guide to understanding TikTok |url=https://www.socialboosting.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-understanding-tiktok-algorithm-content-and-more |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=socialboosting.com |date=February 7, 2022 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524180124/https://www.socialboosting.com/blog/a-complete-guide-to-understanding-tiktok-algorithm-content-and-more |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Gen Z takes TikTok seriously – news publishers should too |url=https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2022/03/03/gen-z-takes-tiktok-seriously-news-publishers-should-too |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=thedrum.com |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523145125/https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2022/03/03/gen-z-takes-tiktok-seriously-news-publishers-should-too |url-status=live}} So popular is TikTok among people under the age of 30 in Europe and North America that they typically ignore their own governments' concerns over issues of user privacy and national security.{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Natalie |date=March 12, 2023 |title=TikTok users shrug at China fears: 'It's hard to care' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64827885 |access-date=March 13, 2023 |work=BBC News}} Based on current growth figures, it is predicted that by the end of 2023, TikTok audience will grow by 1.5 billion active users, 70% of whom will be members of Generation Z.{{Outdated statistic}}{{Cite web |title=New Report Suggests TikTok Will Surpass 1.5 Billion Users in 2022 |url=https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/new-report-suggests-tiktok-will-surpass-15-billion-users-in-2022/610018/ |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=socialmediatoday.com |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524001752/https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/new-report-suggests-tiktok-will-surpass-15-billion-users-in-2022/610018/ |url-status=live}} === Effects of screen time === thumb|Two children on their electronic devices (2011) In his 2017 book ''Irresistible'', professor of marketing [Adam Alter](/source/Adam_Alter) argued that not only are children addicted to electronic gadgets, but their addiction jeopardizes their ability to read non-verbal social cues.{{Cite news|last=Stevens|first=Heidi|date=March 13, 2017|title='Irresistible' technology is making our kids miss social cues|work=Chicago Tribune|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-irresistible-tech-addiction-adam-alter-balancing-0313-20170313-column.html|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235924/https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/heidi-stevens/ct-irresistible-tech-addiction-adam-alter-balancing-0313-20170313-column.html|url-status=live}} A 2019 meta-analysis of thousands of studies from almost two dozen countries suggests that while as a whole, there is no association between screen time and academic performance, when the relation between individual screen-time activity and academic performance is examined, negative associations are found. Watching television is negatively correlated with overall school grades, language fluency, and mathematical ability while playing video games was negatively associated with overall school grades only. According to previous research, screen activities not only take away the time that could be spent on homework, physical activities, verbal communication, and sleep (the [time-displacement hypothesis](/source/time_displacement)) but also diminish mental activities (the passivity hypothesis).{{Cite journal |last1=Adelantado-Renau |first1=Mireia |last2=Moliner-Urdiales |first2=Diego |last3=Cavero-Redondo |first3=Iván |last4=Beltran-Valls |first4=Maria Reyes |last5=Martínez-Vizcaíno |first5=Vicente |last6=Álvarez-Bueno |first6=Celia |display-authors= |date=September 23, 2019 |title=Association Between Screen Media Use and Academic Performance Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis |journal=JAMA Pediatrics |publisher=American Medical Association |volume=173 |issue=11 |pages=1058–1067 |doi=10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3176 |pmc=6764013 |pmid=31545344 |hdl=10234/186798}} Furthermore, excessive television viewing is known for harming the ability to pay attention as well as other cognitive functions; it also causes behavioral disorders, such as having unhealthy diets, which could damage academic performance. Excessively playing video games, on the other hand, is known for impairing social skills and mental health, and as such could also damage academic performance. However, depending on the nature of the game, playing it could be beneficial for the child; for instance, the child could be motivated to learn the language of the game in order to play it better. Among adolescents, excessive Internet surfing is well known for being negatively associated with school grades, though previous research does not distinguish between the various devices used. Nevertheless, one study indicates that Internet access, if used for schoolwork, is positively associated with school grades but if used for leisure, is negatively associated with it. Overall, the effects of screen time are stronger among adolescents than children. Research conducted in 2017 reports that the social media usage patterns of this generation may be associated with loneliness, anxiety, and fragility and that girls may be more affected than boys by social media. According to 2018 CDC reports, girls are disproportionately affected by the negative aspects of social media than boys. Researchers at the University of Essex analyzed data from 10,000 families, from 2010 to 2015, assessing their mental health utilizing two perspectives: Happiness and Well-being throughout social, familial, and educational perspectives. Within each family, they examined children who had grown from 10 to 15 during these years. At age 10, 10% of female subjects reported social media use, while this was only true for 7% of the male subjects. By age 15, this variation jumped to 53% for girls, and 41% for boys. This percentage influx may explain why more girls reported experiencing cyberbullying, decreased self-esteem, and emotional instability more than their male counterparts.{{cite journal|last1=Booker|first1=Cara L.|last2=Kelly|first2=Yvonne J.|last3=Sacker|first3=Amanda|date=March 20, 2018|title=Gender differences in the associations between age trends of social media interaction and well-being among 10-15 year olds in the UK|journal=BMC Public Health|volume=18|issue=1|page=321|doi=10.1186/s12889-018-5220-4|pmc=5859512|pmid=29554883 |doi-access=free}} Other researchers hypothesize that girls are more affected by social media usage because of how they use it. In a study conducted by the [Pew Research Center](/source/Pew_Research_Center) in 2015, researchers discovered that while 78% of girls reported making a friend through social media, only 52% of boys could say the same.{{cite news|date=August 28, 2015|title=Men catch up with women on overall social media use|language=en-US|work=Pew Research Center|url=http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/08/28/men-catch-up-with-women-on-overall-social-media-use/|access-date=May 30, 2018|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513232100/https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/08/28/men-catch-up-with-women-on-overall-social-media-use/|url-status=live}} However, boys are not explicitly less affected by this statistic. They also found that 57% of boys claimed to make friends through video gaming, while this was only true for 13% of girls. Another Pew Research Center survey, conducted in April 2015, reported that women are more likely to use [Pinterest](/source/Pinterest), Facebook, and [Instagram](/source/Instagram) than men, which are visual-heavy sites. In counterpoint, men were more likely to utilize [online forums](/source/Internet_forum), [e-chat](/source/Online_chat) groups, and [Reddit](/source/Reddit) than women. [Cyberbullying](/source/Cyberbullying), an act of bullying using technology, is more common now than among Millennials. In 2015, it was reported as more common among girls, with 22% reporting it, compared to 10% for boys.{{cite web|title=Smartphones and Social Media|url=https://childmind.org/report/2017-childrens-mental-health-report/smartphones-social-media/|website=Child Mind Institute|access-date=May 7, 2018|archive-date=May 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507223839/https://childmind.org/report/2017-childrens-mental-health-report/smartphones-social-media/|url-status=live}} According to a 2020 report by the British Board of Film Classification, "many young people felt that the way they viewed their overall body image was more likely the result of the kinds of body images they saw on Instagram." == See also == {{Portal|1990s|2000s|2010s|2020s|Society }} * {{annotated link|9X Generation}} * {{annotated link|Boomerang Generation}} * {{annotated link|Gen Z stare}} * [Generation K](/source/Generation_K_(demographics)) – A demographic cohort defined by Noreena Hertz * [Generation Z in the United States](/source/Generation_Z_in_the_United_States) * [Glossary of Generation Z slang](/source/Glossary_of_Generation_Z_slang) * [List of generations](/source/List_of_generations) * [Post-90s](/source/Post-90s) and [Little emperor syndrome](/source/Little_emperor_syndrome) (China) * {{annotated link|Strawberry generation}} * {{annotated link|Thumb tribe}} == Notes == {{Notelist}} == References == {{Reflist}} == Further reading == * {{cite book | last1=Palfrey | first1=John | author-link=John Palfrey | last2=Gasser | first2=Urs | year=2008 | title=Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives | url=https://archive.org/details/borndigitalunder00palf | url-access=registration | publisher=Basic Books | isbn=978-0-465-00515-4|ref=none }} * {{Cite book|last1=Arum|first1=Richard|title=Academically Adrift – Limited Learning on College Campuses|url=https://archive.org/details/academicallyadri0000arum|url-access=registration|last2=Roksa|first2=Josipa|publisher=The University of Chicago Press|year=2011|isbn=978-0-226-02856-9|location=Chicago, Illinois|ref=none}} * {{cite book | last1=McCrindle| first1=Mark | last2=Wolfinger| first2=Emily | year=2014 | title=The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations | publisher=McCrindle Research|ref=none }} * {{cite book |last=Combi |first=Chloe |year=2015 |title=Generation Z: Their Voices, Their Lives |place=London |publisher=Hutchinson |oclc=91060|ref=none}} * {{Cite book|last1=Greenspan|first1=Louise|title=The New Puberty: How to Navigate Early Development in Today's Girls|last2=Deardorff|first2=Julianna|publisher=Rodale Books|year=2015|isbn=978-1-62336-598-1|ref=none}} * {{Cite book|last1=Katz|first1=Roberta|last2=Ogilvie|first2=Sarah |last3=Shaw |first3=Jane |last4=Wooodhead|first4=Linda|title= Gen Z, Explained: The art of living in a digital age|place=Chicago and London |publisher=University of Chicago Press|year=2021|isbn=978-0-226-79153-1|ref=none}} == External links == {{Wikiquote}} * [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/05/world/americas/05iht-diversity.1.6986248.html The Downside of Diversity]. Michael Jonas. ''The New York Times''. August 5, 2007. * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OQCxgNjbq8&t=0 The Next America: Modern Family]. Pew Research Center. April 30, 2014. (Video, 2:16) * [http://www.slideshare.net/sparksandhoney/generation-z-final-june-17 Meet Generation Z: Forget Everything You Learned About Millennials – 2014 presentation by Sparks and Honey] * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uugCRJXQXW0&t=0 Is a University Degree a Waste of Money?] CBC News: The National. March 1, 2017. (Video, 14:39) * [https://identityshifters.rpa.com/report-download/Identity-Shifters_An-RPA-Report.pdf A Generation Z Exploration] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002084002/https://identityshifters.rpa.com/report-download/Identity-Shifters_An-RPA-Report.pdf |date=October 2, 2024}}. ([https://identityshifters.rpa.com/ Web version]) Rubin Postaer and Associates (RPA). 2018. * [https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/12/21/131163/youth-essay-contest-adults-dont-understand-kid-technology/ We asked teenagers what adults are missing about technology. This was the best response]. Taylor Fang. ''MIT Technology Review''. December 21, 2019. * [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/to-learn-how-to-practice-humane-technology-look-to-the-amish/2020/02/17/c79fa0ba-36fc-11ea-bf30-ad313e4ec754_story.html The Amish use tech differently than you think. We should emulate them]. Jeff Smith. ''The Washington Post''. February 17, 2020. {{s-start}} {{succession box | before = [Millennials](/source/Millennials)
1981 – 1996 | title = Generation Z | years = 1997 – 2012 | after = [Generation Alpha](/source/Generation_Alpha)
early 2010s – 2020s }} {{s-end}} {{Generation|state=expanded}} {{Young adult development}} {{Authority control}} Category:Generation Z Category:20th century Category:21st century Category:1990s neologisms --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Generation Z](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.