Generation Z and their personal relationships

In the ever-changing 21st century, a new generation has emerged that is ready to change the way we see and interact with others. The aim of this article is to observe the intricacies and complexities of Generation Z's personal relationships. To study this particular generation in more detail, we conducted a quantitative study, a survey to be precise, and the results were interesting. We were able to observe how much value these people place on their personal relationships, how they maintain them, how they engage with each other and how important these relationships are to them personally. Personal connections were highly valued by the majority of participants and had a major impact on their lives. Most of them enjoy meaningful relationships and are satisfied with their circumstances. Despite the fact that this generation is chronically online, it seems to be much easier for most of them to build relationships offline, face-to-face. The ability to express ourselves better in person, the fact that we are social creatures, and the fact that real friendships can form and last much longer are just some of the reasons why some people find it easier to build relationships offline.

Keywords

Gen Z, personal relationships, quantitative research, survey, offline and online interactions, social dynamics

JEL Classification

J11, I31

References

Bulut, S., & Maraba, D. (2021). Generation Z and its perception of work through habits, motivations, expectations, preferences, and work ethics. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Research Study, 4(4), 1–5. https://crimsonpublishers.com/pprs/fulltext/PPRS.000593.php

Chillakuri, B., & Mahanandia, R. (2018). Generation Z entering the workforce: The need for sustainable strategies in maximizing their talent. Human Resource Management International Digest, 26(4), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-01-2018-0006

Deskbird. (n.d.). Gen Z and work-life balance: Their vision of work. https://www.deskbird.com/blog/gen-z-work-life-balance

Francis, T., & Hoefel, F. (2018). “True Gen”: Generation Z and its implications for companies. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/true-gen-generation-z-and-its-implications-for-companies

Harber, J. (2011). Generations in the workplace: Similarities and differences. https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2446&context=etd

Hendriana, E., Christoper, A., Zain, H. O. A., & Pricilia, N. (2023). The role of employer branding in work-life balance and employee retention relationship among Generation Z workers: Mediation or moderation? Journal of Theory and Applied Management, 16(1), 124–143. https://doi.org/10.20473/jmtt.v16i1.41703

McAllister, S. (2022). How is Gen Z changing the workplace? Zurich. https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2022/how-will-gen-z-change-the-future-of-work

Schawbel, D. (2014). Gen Z employees: The 5 attributes you need to know. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/gen-z-employees-the-5-attributes-you-need-to-know/236560

Singh, A. P., & Dangmei, J. (2016). Understanding the Generation Z: The future workforce. South-Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3(3), 1–5.

Sreekumar, D. (2023). What is quantitative research? Definition, methods, types, and examples. Researcher Life. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples/

Tulgan, B. (2013). Meet Generation Z: The second generation within the giant “Millennial” cohort [White paper]. RainmakerThinking, Inc. https://grupespsichoterapija.lt/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Gen-Z-Whitepaper.pdf

Turner, A. (2015). Generation Z: Technology and social interest. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 71(2), 103–113. https://doi.org/10.1353/jip.2015.0021

Wagh, S. (2022). Public health research guide: Primary & secondary data definitions. Research Guides. https://researchguides.ben.edu/c.php?g=282050&p=4036581

We Are Family. (2022). Together, but not together: Understanding how Generation Z socialises. https://we-are-family.global/blog/together-but-not-together-understanding-how-generation-z-socialises/

Western Governors University. (2021). Who is Gen Z and how will they impact the workplace. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/who-is-gen-z-how-they-impact-workplace1906.html