People born between the late 1990s and early 2010s represent Generation Z (or Gen Z), which is between millennials and Generation Alpha.
The youngest members of this generation are in middle school, while the oldest members will be entering the workforce and starting families in 2024.
They have some unique attributes.This article looks at their beliefs, relationships with social networks, and perceptions of the professional world through a statistical lens.
Key Generation Z statistics
Generation Z is more interested in Instagram and TikTok than other social media platforms. Here are a few important statistics you should look at to understand Gen Z's preferences.
- Over one-third of social media influencers are Gen Zs.
- 68.6 million Gen Zs live in the United States. They make up 20% of the population.
- Over half of North American Gen Z adults are enrolled in college.
- 38% of Gen Zs have entered the workforce, while 51% are still students.
- Gen Z’s greatest fear is climate change, with 44% expressing concern.
- Gen Z is more likely to receive therapy or mental health treatment than any other generation. 42% feel depressed or hopeless.
- In 2019, 44% lived with a parent who had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33% of Millennials in 2003.
- 40% of Gen Zs plan to leave their job within the next two years.
- Gen Z will become the first majority non-white generation in the US by 2026.
- Only 11% of Gen Zs are married or have children.
- 10% of eligible voters in the 2020 election were Gen Z.
Generation Z beliefs and concerns
These stats talk about what affects Gen Z and what influences them to make decisions. The stats below clearly show that Gen Zs are strongly inclined toward sustainable living.
At the same time, their mental health issues are concerning to see, but data says Gen Zs are most likely to seek psychological treatment.
- 55% of Generation Z are highly concerned about environmental issues. 71% have bought pre-owned clothing.
- About one-third of Gen Zs engaged in political activism in 2020, an increase of 9% from 2019. It should be noted that drastic race relation struggles combined with the COVID-19 had a non-quantifiable effect on activism across generations.
- 1 in 5 Gen Z high school students have seriously considered suicide. 15.7% have made a suicide plan, and 8.9% have attempted suicide.
61%
of Gen Z people recycle regularly, and 62% prefer buying from eco-friendly brands.
Source: Forbes
- About 3 in 5 Gen Zs report feeling nervous or anxious.
- 45% of Gen Zs describe their mental health as excellent or very good.
- Gen Z is the most likely age group to seek mental health treatment, with 37% having done so.
- Most Gen Zs don’t believe life will get better for future generations. 43% are optimistic, 32% think it will worsen, and 25% believe it will stay the same.
Gen Z and social media
These statistics demonstrate Gen Zs preferences when it comes to social networks. A decent share of this group influences people through social media platforms, earning a sizable revenue through sponsored posts.
Let’s get deeper insights into their relationship with social media and critical preferences.
- About 2 in 3 Gen Zs use Instagram daily. Whatsapp is used by 59%, and Facebook by 45% daily.
- Gen Z prefers Instagram over TikTok for most activities. They use Instagram more for posting content, product research, and messaging.
42%
of Gen Zs have taken a break from social media for at least 24 hours.
Source: EY
- Over one-third of social media influencers are Gen Zs. They command the highest fees for sponsored posts.
Generation Z in the workforce
Generation Z has clear expectations regarding the workplace. They’re primarily centered on work-life balance and good workplace culture. The work environment – hybrid or remote – also influences their decisions about choosing which companies to work with.
- 38% of Gen Zs have entered the workforce, while 51% are still students. Only 11% are married or have children.
- 3 in 10 Gen Zs feel financially insecure. 46% live paycheck to paycheck, and 26% doubt they will save enough for retirement.
- 40% of Gen Zs plan to leave their job within the next two years.
32%
of Gen Zs prioritize work-life balance when choosing an employer. Other factors include learning opportunities, high salaries, positive workplace culture, and career advancement.
Source: Deloitte
- 3 in 4 Gen Zs prefer hybrid or remote work arrangements. 63% want a hybrid work environment, while 12% prefer working remotely.
- 1 in 5 Gen Zs aim to be financially independent by age 30. Other top goals include having a fulfilling career and being surrounded by friends and family.
Other interesting insights into Gen Z
These statistics discuss some exciting choices that Gen Zs make in their lives. They will help you understand this group better.
- Almost one-third of Gen Zs worry about the cost of living.
- 98% of Gen Z individuals own a smartphone.
- 73% of Gen Z individuals watch video content on smartphones.
83%
of Gen Z women bought beauty products online in 2023.
Source: Statista
- 64% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for environmentally-friendly products.
- 54% of Gen Z hold some kind of investment.
Stay on target
These statistics help us understand Generation Z and discover their likes and dislikes. If you’re trying to target them with a marketing campaign or product, align your decisions with their choices to personalize the content better.
Learn more about mobile social networks you can use to target Generation Z in your marketing or product strategy.
Bet on Gen Z!
