Generation Z Prioritizes Safety, Kindness, and Self-Acceptance

Recent survey findings from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA reveal that safety is the foremost priority for Generation Z, followed closely by kindness, self-acceptance, and enjoyment.

The survey, which engaged people aged 10 to 24, offers a unique window into the concerns and values shaping the perspectives of today’s youth.

Core Values of Generation Z

As analysts delve into the factors influencing the youth vote in the upcoming 2024 elections, this study provides pertinent context.

Yalda Uhls, an adjunct professor of psychology at UCLA and founder of CSS, highlights that young people are currently facing a cascade of crises.

Among these are rising incidents of school violence, environmental degradation, economic uncertainty, and the enduring impacts of a global pandemic.

Uhls points out that many young men, who have encountered various challenges for years, respond to messages that resonate with their core fears.

Hope and community messages can only take root when people feel secure and grounded.

The survey identifies empathy as a core value, with the desire to treat others kindly ranking as the second most important objective, just behind the need for safety.

This reinforces a commitment within Gen Z to values that counteract the narrative that their social media engagement is solely about aspiring to wealth and fame, echoing the lives of admired influencers.

The study also emphasizes the importance of enjoyment, self-acceptance, and physical fitness, reflecting a growing interest in both mental and physical health among young people.

The rise of fitness platforms like #FitTok and lighthearted movements such as #BratSummer further underscore this inclination toward wellness and recreation.

Shifting Priorities and Social Context

Interestingly, while safety stands out as a significant concern among young people overall, the values of kindness and self-acceptance gain traction as they transition into adulthood, indicating a potential shift in priorities.

Examining responses through the lens of race and ethnicity reveals that young people of color prioritize safety above all else.

In contrast, white and Latino participants tend to place greater emphasis on kindness than on safety.

This study also uncovers gender distinctions: boys are inclined to value enjoyment and kindness more, whereas girls and non-binary youth prioritize safety as their main concern.

These differences align with data from the Centers for Disease Control, which indicate that female and LGBTQ+ high school students face significantly higher rates of violence, mental health challenges, and suicidal thoughts compared to their peers.

Conclusion and Implications

Alisha Hines, CSS’s director of research, notes that the findings spotlight Gen Z’s quest for self-acceptance amid social media pressures while emphasizing health and enjoyment.

This reflects a mature and balanced outlook on life.

This survey bridges psychological research and media creation, aiming to cultivate a better environment for young people.

Uhls stresses the significance of research-driven insights and the dangers of stereotypes in shaping our understanding of today’s youth.

The aspirations of today’s teens are complex and meaningful, transcending prevailing social media narratives.

It is essential for adults to engage with young people in supportive ways, offering resources within schools, communities, and digital spaces.

This exploration is part of the 2024 Teens and Screens Report, an annual, comprehensive study of adolescent interactions with media.

The survey included 1,644 young people aged 10 to 24, with a varied age representation conducted in August 2024.

Study Details:

• Conducted by: Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA
• Link: Teens & Screens 2024 Report