
Published 31 March 2025
Gen Z (born 1996-2009, currently aged 16-29) is coming of age in a world that feels increasingly precarious. As a result, many are desperately seeking security and reassurance, whether that’s in fastidious money management, predictable career progressions, or cosy (not crazy) nights out.
Many Gen Zers are focusing on building stable, meaningful relationships and expanding their social circles. They value brands that host in-person events for face-to-face connections and are exploring new dating apps that enhance digital conversations. Interestingly, this generation is also embracing a more traditional and pragmatic view of marriage, challenging their reputation as rule breakers.
Many Gen Zers are focusing on building stable, meaningful relationships and expanding their social circles. They value brands that host in-person events for face-to-face connections and are exploring new dating apps that enhance digital conversations. Interestingly, this generation is also embracing a more traditional and pragmatic view of marriage, challenging their reputation as rule breakers.
While 86% of Gen Zers globally want their work to positively influence society (Deloitte, 2024), early career stages and economic uncertainty are often leading them to prioritise stability over values. Viewing flexible schedules as non-negotiable, Gen Zers also demand swift career growth and competitive compensation from day one.
Globally, Gen Z’s spending is expected to overtake that of the moneyed baby boomers by 2029, reaching $12tn in 2030 (Nielsen, 2024). Individually, however, many Gen Zers are fearful about their financial futures – leading some to mindful consumption, and others to reckless spending (as a coping mechanism).
Gen Zers are prepared to push the boundaries of self-care to safeguard their mental, physical and emotional health. From fitness raves to sleepmaxxing, they’re open to new (and unconventional) wellness-bolstering ideas and experiences. See also Gen Z Food & Drink Trends: 25/26 and Gen Z Fitness Trends: 24/25 for more youth-centred wellness insights.
Whether joining social hiking groups, hanging out at malls or making new friends at supper clubs, Gen Z craves uplifting tangible activities that allow them to forge meaningful interpersonal relationships. This is important considering the copious amounts of time this generation spends online. For more, see Gen Z Leisure Trends 25/26.



Offering access to over 350 consumer and cross-industry reports annually, Stylus Membership is your window to tomorrow’s most exciting opportunities.
We already arm more than 500 of the world’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies with the creative insights they need to make transformative business decisions.
We’d love to do the same for you.
Book a demo with us today to discover more.
Boredom is being reinvented. Once dismissed as an undesirable emotion, consumers are rediscovering the benefits of downtime and its essential role in a life of contentment and meaning. Stylus unpacks what's driving this cultural reassessment – and what it means for brands looking to connect with consumers in softer,...