The proof is in the pudding: Gen Z likes to be online and YouTube is their platform of choice (for now). YouTube is typically associated with content that educates or entertains — whether it's “how to” videos, vlogs, or funny pranks.
According to the studies, 81 % of Gen Z admit Instagram and YouTube are their favorite platforms. The survey with Gen Z-ers helps businesses know which platform they are using the most.
According to a 2021 Consumer Culture Report by 5WPR, Gen Z is prioritizing electronics, technology, health, and wellness. Conversely, Millennials and those from older generations prioritize travel and experiences, home goods, and furniture.
Students fear a lack of finances and fulfilment
The greatest fears for Generation Z centre on not achieving their hopes and dreams for the future.
Provide clear career paths, mentorship programs, and training to help attract Gen Z to your company. These programs can prove to Gen Z candidates that you value them for the long-term potential they bring to your company, not just for their ability to fill an entry-level role.
Generation Z is generally alike to Millennials on political and social issues. Generation Z has been reported to be "progressive and pro-government", though this narrative has been challenged, particularly in Europe. The generation is largely in favor of LGBT rights, gender equality, and access to abortion.
Gen Z consumer characteristics
Gen Z'ers consumer characteristics tend to reflect their pragmatic approach to money and education. Other key influences are their affinity for technology, their belief in social causes, and a strong individualistic streak.
More “media” than “social,” if you will. Gen Z, on the other hand, uses TikTok as more than just an entertainment consumption platform; they use it to communicate. It is a medium for video-based dialogue, it's used to express opinions and build communities of like-minded individuals.
Indeed, Gen Z is the generation most motivated by building relationships—these young professionals highly value the connections they make at work.
In 2023, the Gen Z trend is towards more personalized and socially conscious brands. Their spending habits reflect a preference for brands that align with their values and utilize their preferred Generation Z social media platforms.
They're impulsive. Another weakness of Gen Z is that they can be quite impulsive. With instant gratification being so easily accessible, this generation has difficulty waiting for anything. They want what they want and they want it now!
Target Gen Alpha through social media and video marketing
Social media campaigns are essential to reach Gen Alpha. They spend a significant amount of time on platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, making these the ideal places to engage with them.
Gen Z has learned to think, learn, and communicate in an environment defined by wireless internet ubiquity, wholesale technology integration, infinite content, and immediacy.
Gen Z expects brands to be drivers of social change and look for fair labor practices, inclusivity and sustainability. There are several ways in which brands can create socially impactful content that focuses on how the people, environment and product are treated.
Why is Gen Z so obsessed with social media? Gen Z is so obsessed with social media because it allows them to connect and build friendships with people all over the world. It's a powerful tool for building community and sharing information. And it's a great way to stay connected with friends and family.
Gen Z has been called the 'most depressed generation' with the least positive outlook and diminished emotional and social well-being. They have more unmet social needs than any other generation. The statistics for their behavioural-health issues – mental and substance disorders – are alarming.
According to All About Cats, agoraphobia is Australia and the world's most common phobia, with 61.67 per cent of people identifying it as. Agoraphobia is a social phobia commonly understood as the fear of public spaces and crowds.
Gen Z also reported more unmet social needs than any other generation. Also referred to as social determinants of health or social needs, including income, employment, education, food, housing, transportation, social support, and safety. These basic needs, if unmet, can negatively affect health.
Like Millennial Pink, Gen Z colors favor the eye-popping Cyber Lime (forecasted to be big in 2024) and Digital Lavender, also aligned with inclusivity. “[Cyber Lime] can speak to all, which Gen Z is very sensitive to,” said Guilbert.