Recent research from Barna and Impact 360 Institute shows 85% of the Gen Z population says their generation spends too much time online.
Gen Z is known for spending too much time online, even being commonly referred to as “screenagers” by other generations, and the majority of Gen Z (85%) believes they spend too much time online.¹ According to EMarketer, 47.3% of Gen Z spends at least 3 hours per day on social media alone. A J.D. Power Report shows that Gen Z is using wireless networks more than 300 minutes per day on average.
What Gen Z Really Wants
However, the new research by Barna and Impact 360 Institute, reveals members of Gen Z “desire and need meaningful community”.² The new release of Gen Z Volume 3 shows most of Gen Z recognizes their generation has more access to technology than they really need. They are still interested in creating in-person relationships. “In fact, much of how Gen Z use (or misuse) technology may stem from a more holistic need for community”.³
A recent article from Psychology Today states, “Young adults feel overwhelmed by too much digital stimulation and the difficult experiences they have online”, but they do not know how to ask for help with this issue.
At Impact 360 we see that Gen Z is seeking to find belonging in community. As Christians, providing spaces for genuine interaction is a step we can take in guiding Gen Z toward a more fulfilling way of spending their time.
Gen Z is craving connection
As humans, being made in the Image of God, we need to belong to a community. Every generation in all human history has been in pursuit of belonging or finding their “tribe”. Gen Z is no different, they are just doing it through a largely disembodied means. Because of this, Generation Z is craving embodied new connection, but not always sure how to go about it. Look for an emerging trend building similar to the millennials obsession with experiences to help satiate this deep core desire.
Barna shares on this topic: “Gen Z perform a balancing act between connections made online and those cultivated in person. While many recognize the value of in-person relationships, it does not undermine their desire to stay digitally connected. Over half of Gen Z strongly agree that in-person relationships are more valuable than digital relationships (54%), and another three in 10 (30%) somewhat agree. Even though so many Gen Z spend time on social media sites and engaging with others online, over three in five strongly (27%) or somewhat agree (41%) “I wish I spent less time online.” This doesn’t mean Gen Z are not leaning into online community. Seven in 10 either strongly (29%) or somewhat (41%) agree that they have built a community of friends through online experiences.”
To gain more insights on Gen Z, purchase Gen Z Vol. 3 here
Learn more about Impact 360 Institute and our programs
¹ Gen Z Volume 3, p.65
² Gen Z Volume 3, p.65
³ Gen Z Volume 3, p.65