The connection between technology and younger generations, mainly Gen Z, has always been dynamic and evolving. From a young age, this generation was introduced to the internet and started surfing the web, apps, and social media feeds.
In 2024, Gen Zers will continue shaping the technological landscape with unique perspectives and preferences. So, it becomes essential to stay ahead and understand what emerging tech trends are capturing the attention of this generation.
They Are Digital Natives
Being introduced to the internet early, Gen Z is deeply tangled with technology. According to research by Jason Dorsey, over 95% of Gen Z have a smartphone, 83% have a laptop, 78% have a gaming console, and 57% have a desktop computer.
Millennials received their first cell phone between the ages of 16 and 20, whereas Gen Zers got theirs by 12. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are their first choice for communication. Apart from social media, 60% of Gen Zers stream music daily, 37% listen to podcasts weekly and spend around 3.4 hours per day streaming videos.
Gen Zers are Nostalgic for the 2000s
According to The Drum, Gen Zers look ahead to a better world and look in the past for belonging and comfort. They are bringing back trends like low-rise jeans and embracing vintage fashion from the past.
This nostalgia also widens towards tech, with a revival of interest in flip phones and wired headphones. Currently, the flip phone hashtag on TikTok has over 60 million views.
Many Gen Z’s Love Camera and Describe Themselves As Content Creators
According to Statista, more than 60% of Gen Z own or use a digital camera. It could be because many consider themselves video content creators. This is because Gen Zers don't only consume content but also create it.
When shopping for new tech, Genzinsights says that short video content is the most influential factor for Gen Z. This trend has influenced how brands market their products to Gen Z and create content that resonates with them.
Gen Z Loves Voice Typing and Messages
Voice messaging and typing have become popular communication methods among Gen Z. Apps like WhatsApp and Instagram have seen a huge increase in voice messages as they offer a more casual and efficient way to connect.
Voice messages are convenient when sending longer messages or when typing is difficult, like while driving or multitasking. However, they are also more time-consuming and could be difficult to understand in noisy environments.
Gen Zers Like Sharing Every Moment
As per a study by YPulse, 63% of Gen Z use Snapchat to share every moment of their life. In the app, shared snaps automatically disappear after 24 hours; this has appealed to their desire for privacy and authenticity.
Sending snaps to friends and maintaining snap streaks is a feature that tracks days of sending snaps. Gen Zers use Snapchat streaks as a measure of friendship, believing that the longer the streak, the more meaningful the relationship.