Gen Z is a completely different generation from any we’ve seen before. Because of this, it seems this young generation is struggling when it comes to maintaining relationships. Here are 17 reasons why Gen Z relationships don’t last like those of older generations.
High Expectations for Perfection
Gen Z can be a little naive and lack experience when it comes to relationships, and they’re often looking for perfection, not realizing it doesn’t exist. They may see on social media their favorite influencer in what seems like a perfect relationship and want the same for themselves.
Digital Communication Over Personal Interaction
Gen Z relationships often don’t last because they lack personal interaction. For example, Chit Chat reports, “According to Webex research, over 70% of Gen-Z and millennials prefer communicating over digital channels.” This young generation is so obsessed with communicating digitally that they lack an understanding of having personal interactions.
Shift in Life Priorities
This is a generation that is maturing in life. They’re growing into adulthood and realizing what they want. They start to focus on careers or further education, and because of this, they lack the ambition to continue into a serious relationship, instead focusing on improving themselves.
FOMO
The fear of missing out is very common among Gen Z. There’s a feeling that they’re too young to be in serious relationships, and if they remain in them, then they miss out on everything fun that comes with being young and single.
Economic Pressures
Economic pressures are playing a part in why Gen Z relationships aren’t lasting. Being a young generation, Gen Z doesn’t necessarily have their finances together yet. The lack of job security and mounting student debt can make relationships too much of a risk to commit to.
Changing Views on Marriage
Gen Z has a completely different view of marriage than older generations. They don’t necessarily view marriage as a life milestone anymore. Many have this view due to parents or family members having marriages that don’t work out, and therefore don’t feel finding the ‘one’ is important.
Impact of Technology on Intimacy
Gen Z has more distractions than older generations did and technology is playing a big part in the lack of intimacy for Gen Z. According to the Center for Intimacy, Connection, and Change, “These digital distractions, when left unaddressed, may lead to feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction, creating barriers in our quest for meaningful connections with the ones we love.”
Desire for Instant Gratification
Older generations are much better at understanding delayed gratification compared to Gen Z. This younger generation instead looks for gratification immediately in a relationship, and if it’s not there, they move on. They don’t have the patience older generations have, and instead, they tend to quit if instant satisfaction isn’t achieved.
Relocation Opportunities
Gen Z tends to have more opportunities to work and travel compared to what the older generations had. This is negatively impacting their relationships, as Gen Z is willing to relocate for a job and leave their relationship behind. Those who commit to a long-distance relationship struggle to connect with a deeper meaning and often see their relationship fizzle out.
Broader Definitions of Relationships
Younger generations, Gen Z in particular, have a different view and definition of what relationships are compared to the older generations. They’re much more accepting of non-monogamous and fluid relationships. This allows them to experiment more but can have a detrimental impact on their ability to build deep, meaningful connections with a partner.
Increased Mental Health Awareness
The importance of mental health is much more apparent today for Gen Z growing up than it was for older generations. Mental health can have an impact on relationships today. Individuals may choose to prioritize their mental health first before committing to a long-term relationship.
Parental Influence Diminishing
The older generation may have felt pressure from parents or family members when growing up to settle and find a long-term relationship. This pressure isn’t there today, and parents are more focused on their children being happy and making the right choices for themselves in life.
Influence of Hookup Culture
According to Hidden Gem, the hookup culture has had many negative effects, such as a lack of emotional intimacy and meaningful connections. The popularity of casual dating and having regular hookups is damaging Gen Z’s abilities to have serious connections, and the digital world, with apps designed to connect people for casual dating, is normalizing this culture.
Availability of Online Dating Options
Online dating wasn’t around for older generations, but today it’s how many younger people, including Gen Z, choose to meet new people. Dating apps can connect people, but they can also have a negative impact on meaningful relationships. They can give a person too many choices, which can lead to indecision and a reluctance to commit.
Prioritization of Friendships Over Romantic Relationships
Some Gen Zers can view friendships as more important than their romantic relationships. This view sees them focusing on building robust friendships in their early lives instead. Gen Z feels friendships are more stable and less demanding compared to romantic relationships and therefore bring them more benefits.
Fear of Emotional Vulnerability
Pion reports, “Protecting one’s ‘peace’ is also a popular idea amongst this generation – essentially safeguarding their spiritual, mental and emotional health.” This means Gen Z has an issue with trusting others and prioritizes protecting themselves over opening up with their partner, creating issues in a relationship.
Shifts in Gender Roles and Expectations
The positive change in gender roles over the years has impacted younger generations. It’s become popular for all people, regardless of gender, to pursue careers. However, this can make it harder to maintain relationships and share responsibilities, especially compared to older generations, who tend to have set gender roles and expectations.
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