One-third of Gen Z would rather send a text than visit someone in person, and 42% of those aged 18-29 show they care by tagging someone in a meme, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. The research, commissioned by AXA Health as part of its Cover that Cares campaign, found that Gen Z now views a ‘checking in’ text or liking a post on social media as a bigger sign of care than being made a cup of tea.
Gen Z lead digital displays of affection
The poll revealed that 42% of those aged 18-29 show they care by tagging someone in a meme, compared to just 4% of Boomers. Additionally, 40% of Gen Z feel technology has had a positive impact on how they express care.
While Gen Z are more likely to turn to digital displays of affection, they are also the most likely to make a special effort for their loved ones, with 69% going out of their way to care for others. This drops to just 40% of Boomers.
Mixed views on in-person visits
The study found that visiting someone in person came out as the top way to express care across all generations (71%), but 27% think sending a gift can make up for not seeing someone face-to-face. While 31% of Boomers would rather visit someone in person than send them a text, the opposite was found for Gen Z, as 33% would rather send a text than visit someone in person (25%).
When it comes to hugs, Gen Z are the biggest fans, with 74% saying they’d give someone a cuddle. Ashley Banjo, founder and dancer of dance group Diversity, who is supporting the campaign alongside his mum Danielle, said: “I’m extremely lucky to have such a close relationship with my mum. I regularly pop over with the kids for a catch up, so while I’m all for younger generations sending memes and texts, I love to see my loved ones face-to-face.”
Reasons for not showing care
Of those who don’t often show care, feeling awkward (24%) was the most common reason, while others blamed the cost (19%) and it taking too much time (19%), according to the One Poll research. While friends (53%), spouses (46%) and children (46%) came out as the top people cared for most, 16% of people said they don’t feel cared for by others.
Heather Smith, CEO of AXA Health, said: “It’s brilliant to see how much importance Gen Z place on showing they care to the people they love, often through digital means, and how they clearly recognise that staying connected is vital. In a world where small acts can significantly boost mental and emotional wellbeing, it's clear that these moments of care are important and valued.”
The top 20 ways Gen Z show care include giving someone a hug (67%), visiting someone (65%), calling someone (62%), listening to someone (62%), cooking a meal for someone (54%), and direct messaging them on social media (53%). Other methods include buying them a drink (52%), buying them chocolate (52%), sending them a ‘checking in’ text (49%), liking their post on social media (48%), sending them a card (48%), planning a surprise for them (48%), making them a cup of tea or coffee (46%), buying them flowers (46%), buying them dinner (46%), making something for someone (46%), commenting on their social media post (45%), sending them a photo of you together (45%), reacting to their Instagram story (43%), and tagging them in a meme or reel (42%).
