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20-somethings have entered the chat—and they aren’t what you’d expect.
Less sex in movies. Living with parents after college—sometimes sans a driver’s license. Diminished desire to get hitched. More risk-averse. Electing to stay in rather than hit the town, then picking up such quiet hobbies as knitting, doing puzzles or consuming novels (aka their “grandma era”). If this sounds like your younger colleague or offspring, well… it’s because it is.
Turns out, these are all traits that track for 20-somethings—aka (mostly) Gen Z, topping out at age 26. When it comes to relationships, per UCLA’s recent report, a whopping 51.5% of those studied (24-year-olds through teens) prefer seeing content that represents platonic relationships in lieu of romance.
“I think movies and media in general are overdoing it on romance and forcing passion into everything when it’s not needed,” laments one 23-year-old we spoke to on the topic. “Sometimes friends are simply just friends, and I wish they would show the side that emulates reality more.”
Perhaps this sentiment, shared among many Z’ers, could contribute to this summer’s blockbuster hit Barbie’s success with the younger crowd, what with its depiction of meaningful female relationships from a woman’s perspective—and less of the superficial love drama.
“We know young people are suffering an epidemic of loneliness, and they’re seeking modeling in the art they consume,” notes UCLA study co-author Yalda T. Uhls in a recent Variety article. “While some storytellers use sex and romance as a shortcut to character connection, it’s important for Hollywood to recognize adolescents want stories that reflect the full spectrum of relationships.”
Beyond wishing for more wholesomeness on the screen, the gen also continues to live with their parents well into their 20s. In fact, per a recent RentCafe study, ~87% of Gen Z’ers in Raleigh still bunk at their childhood homes, likely due at least in part to financial concerns and the housing market. Fun fact: A deep dive on LinkedIn affirms many families’ holiday dinner conversations centered around whether those in their 20s will ever be able to afford a house in their lifetime—though Raleighites may have a leg up given recent research finding Raleigh remains one of the most affordable major metros.
As far as the social life for the average “Zoomer”—the gen nickname an intentional play on the activist-meets-PC Boomers they mirror—a scad of studies reveals the iGeneration finds it harder to connect with people in-person, experiences higher rates of loneliness and is disenchanted with the current nightlife experience, never mind the pandemic effect. And now that Gen Alpha is creating its own reputation and starting to bump its elders aside in terms of “cool factor,” it leaves us to wonder—what will the 30s have in store for Gen Z? Only time will tell…
Zensational Takeaways
- “Sober curious” or drinking less
- More likely to feel lonely
- Bunking with their parents into young adulthood
- Prefers more platonic relationship portrayed on screen
- Disillusioned with “going out” and opting for quieter hobbies
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