A recent study by Google reveals what Gen Z thinks is "cool." It's important to study this because what kids think is "cool" represents their values, expectations and what appeals to them. It gives us a glimpse inside their minds.
As you look through these findings, it's important to remember that Gen Z has never known a world without the internet. Everything is just one click away. They've also never known a world without terrorism or global warming. They are the most informed while empathetic generation ever. They highly value information and connection as you'll see in the findings.
Social Media Rankings by Gen Z
- Instagram (59.6%)
- Snapchat (56.4%)
- Facebook (52.8%)
- Google (42.2%)
- Twitter (34.4%)
- Pinterest (26.6%)
- Steph Curry
- Emma Watson
- Selena Gomez
- Chance the Rapper
- Ariana Grande
- Twenty One Pilots
- Fall Out Boy
- Beyonce
- Drake
- The Beatles
- Cold Play
- Panic at the Disco
- ios (42.3%)
- Android (41.3%)
- none (9.6%)
- other (3.9%)
- windows (3.1%)
Shoes are the currency of Gen Z. Top 3 brands...
- Jordan
- Converse
- Vans
- The Legend of Zelda
- COD Black Ops
- Grand Theft Auto
- Pokemon
- Minecraft
- CS:Go
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Spotify
- Hulu
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Running
- Pizza
- Oreos
- Chips
- Ice cream
- YouTube
- Netflix
- Xbox
- Oreo
- GoPro
- Playstation
- Doritos
- Nike
- Chrome
- Chick-fil-a (Gen Z) vs. In-N-Out (Millennials)
- Coke cooler than Pepsi for both
- McDonalds is cooler for Millennials than for Gen Z
- Car brands are cooler for Millennials than for Gen Z
- Millennials think Telsa is cooler
- Uber is cooler for Millennials
- Xbox (Gen Z) vs. Playstation (Millennials)
Why Gen Z thinks YouTube is cool:
- variety
- breadth of videos available
- keeps connected and in the know from news to DIY videos to tutorials
- quick access to information
- fast, easy to use, reliable
- well priced
- well stocked
- variety of delicious flavors
- cute, funny marketing
1. How can we use these findings to better connect with today's kids?
2. How can we use these findings to more effectively communicate God's Word to kids?
3. What are we doing that today's kids would consider "not cool?" Are there any areas of our ministry that are dated and need to be brought up to speed?