As millennials gradually step aside, a new generation takes the spotlight: Gen Z. With various definitions, Gen Z typically includes individuals born after 1997. These young consumers are capturing the attention of brands and marketers worldwide. In fact, according to Bloomberg, Gen Z is predicted to surpass millennials this year, constituting 32% of the global population. This blog post delves into the lifestyles, attitudes, and digital behaviors of Gen Z, shedding light on their influence and preferences.
Activism and Values: Similar to millennials, Gen Z is dubbed the “activist generation.” They actively strive for change in areas like sustainability, the environment, and animal welfare. Their commitment to causes goes beyond words, as they actively engage in initiatives promoting social and environmental responsibility.
Entertainment Enthusiasts: Gen Z places high importance on entertainment-related interests. Their “always-on” mentality translates into a significant amount of time spent consuming entertainment. This enthusiasm extends to social apps, which they use to enhance their entertainment experiences. Music, films/cinema, and gaming rank among their top interests, with gaming particularly capturing their attention, exceeding both the global average and millennials’ interest levels.
Digital Natives: Gen Z is truly the generation of digital natives. Growing up in a highly connected world, they have never experienced a time without the internet or smartphones. Technology is an integral part of their lives. A significant majority of Gen Z individuals report being constantly connected online, with their mobile phones holding greater importance to them than their wallets. Their seamless integration with technology sets them apart from previous generations.
Exercise and Sports: Fitness and sports play a vital role in Gen Z’s lives. With a strong interest in fitness, they engage in activities like running/jogging and playing sports regularly. Gen Z’s interest in sports extends to watching online or on TV, where they exhibit engagement with popular sporting teams.
Mobile Dependency: For Gen Z, smartphones are central to their daily routines. On average, they spend over four hours per day on their mobile devices, emphasizing their heavy reliance on this technology. This trend underscores the significance of mobile platforms in reaching and engaging with Gen Z consumers.
Purchasing Preferences: When it comes to major purchases, Gen Z shows a willingness to spend on entertainment, technology, and fashion. Key items they invest in include headphones, laptops, and computer games. In contrast to older consumer groups, Gen Z’s purchasing habits indicate a shift towards a health-conscious lifestyle, reflected in their reduced consumption of indulgent foods like soft drinks, cookies, and frozen foods.
Conclusion: Gen Z’s rise as a prominent consumer demographic brings forth unique trends and preferences that brands and marketers must consider. This generation’s commitment to activism, affinity for entertainment, seamless integration with technology, and health-conscious attitudes present opportunities for businesses to connect and resonate with Gen Z on a deeper level. By understanding and embracing Gen Z’s lifestyles, attitudes, and digital behaviors, brands can establish meaningful connections and cultivate brand loyalty among this influential cohort.
Data Source: The data regarding Gen Z trends was sourced from the esteemedGlobal Web Index (GWI)and theircomprehensive 2023 Global Trends Among Gen Z report.
