GENERATION Z AND THE SPECIFICS OF BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

ABSTRACT

This article is devoted to the study of the features of building interpersonal relationships among generation Z (people born in the period from 1996 to 2010).  Let's contemplate at the factors that influence the formation of young people's views on love and friendship. The article touches upon the topic of the impact of digital technologies, social networks

The factors influencing the formation of generation Z's views on love, friendship and family, including the role of digital technologies, social networks and changing social norms, are considered.

Keywords: generation Z, relationships, social networks, interpersonal interaction, digitalization, sociality.

Generation Z, or zoomers, grew up in the digital age and in the popularity of online communication, which had a significant impact on their worldview, values, and socialization.

For zoomers, relationships play a multifactorial role, determining their social identity, emotional well-being, and self-esteem. On the one hand, Generation Z strives for deep and sincere connections based on common interests and values. On the other hand, Gen Z relationships are influenced by many factors, such as social media and online dating culture, which can lead to superficial connections and fear of missing out.

According to psychologists, zoomers (people born between 1996 and 2010) wait longer before entering into a romantic relationship. And, more importantly, they are quite happy alone.

Independence is more important than intimacy. For previous generations, teenage years was the time when people started dating and entering into romantic relationships. However, Generation Z teenagers seem to value independence more than intimacy, and this is how they express their individuality and personal expression. Economic and political instability also forces young people to seek self-sufficiency. They are afraid of being vulnerable, especially in an era of public criticism and social comparison.

In the past, loneliness was a sign of failure, meaning that a person was unable to build or maintain close relationships. People internalized these social judgments, which is probably one of the reasons why members of earlier generations reported dissatisfaction with living alone.

This means that netizens can decide for themselves whether to be single or not, without fear of discrimination from those whose opinion they value most.

Generation Z is generally more individualistic and values independence more than previous generations. You may have plans for your life, but if you're in a relationship, you also need to consider your partner's goals and make compromises. Zoomers seem to be less prone to this.

Young people study longer in school, start a career later, and wait longer to get married or start a family, even if they have a romantic partner. There is even evidence that adults are also waiting longer for the start of a sexual life.

In this regard, we should also note that attitudes towards sex have changed significantly over the past half century. Generation Z had become “liberated,” unlike their parents. This generation does not have any prejudices about premarital sex.

They have more free time for them, and don't rush into making commitments that will bind them.

We can probably expect members of Generation Z to start settling down around the age of 30, unlike their boomer parents, who tended to get married around the age of 20.

In the coming decades, it will be interesting to see whether Generation Z will stick to an outdated but traditional lifestyle, or whether its trajectory will lead to new, unexplored life paths.

References:

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2. Will Zoomers and millennials marry for love or money? // business.inquirer – 2006 – [electronic resource] — Access mode. — URL: https://business.inquirer.net/444976/will-zoomers-and-millennials-marry-for-love-or-money (дата обращения: 01.03.2025).
3. Gen Z’s Romance Gap: Why Nearly Half of Young Men Aren’t Dating // americansurveycenter – 2020 – [electronic resource] — Access mode. — URL: https://www.americansurveycenter.org/commentary/gen-zs-romance-gap-why-nearly-half-of-young-men-arent-dating/ (дата обращения: 01.03.2025).