by Kate Lewis for fluxo
Ranging from age 12 to 27 as of 2024, the majority of Gen Z has grown up online, on social media, and with effortless access to the internet. Combine that with a global pandemic, and what do you get?
A generation of extremely lonely and socially stunted people (I can say this, as a member of Gen Z myself).
For the elder Gen Z folks—where I fall—Instagram came out in middle school, and smartphones slightly before that. That’s a contentious, awkward time to begin with, but then add in the beast that the social media app was and continues to be? Diabolical for one’s… well, everything. But social development and self-esteem especially.
Now, add in the fact that about half of the generation grew up not knowing entire childhoods without smartphones and social media, plus a pandemic that required isolation for vital years of social development? AND we’re all entering the workforce at a time when remote and hybrid structures are coveted and pushed for by employees?
Of course the generations before us criticize our inability to socialize and lack of wanting a traditional office culture. We learned to be comfortable being alone. We know how to work from home because we had to do it for school already. We socialize largely from our phones because that’s what we were introduced to at a young age.
Our lives are largely online, from both a social (social media) and work (remote and hybrid structures) perspective. But in the last two years or so, Gen Z has started to seek out third places—spots to connect with others, socialize, and meet new people.
Notice how there’s been a huge boom in run clubs in cities like NYC? This is why. It’s a way to meet new people with similar interests while not having to go on dates or spend a stupid amount of money on New York City priced cocktails.
Run clubs, pickleball leagues, knitting clubs, board game cafes, even the celebrity look-alike contests that won’t stop popping up, everyone is looking for a way to gather and meet new people without the activities being centered around drinking and eating.
After years of isolation and now working remotely most days, Gen Z is craving community. In a city like New York City, where it can be difficult to make new friends despite living amongst thousands of people your age, community and third places to gather are so important for a healthy social life. Shared, in-person connection is finally being sought out on a wide scale by a generation who’s been comfortable being alone for far too long. Let’s embrace it, shall we?
