The factor that most affects Gen Z's happiness is related to "their sense of purpose at work or school" - Photo: Europosters.hu
A survey conducted by happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks in collaboration with Gallup Company and the Walton Family Foundation on more than 2.000 Gen Z young people from 12 to 26 years old has shown factors that increase their happiness level. Surname.
Living with purpose makes you happier
The survey shows that 73% of Gen Z consider themselves very happy, or somewhat happy.
Zach Hrynowski, author of the survey report and senior researcher at Gallup, said that when Generation Z reaches adulthood, from 18 years old and up, they have quite large differences in their levels of happiness.
Compared to people under 18 years old, young people of generation Z aged 18 and over also have a decreased level of happiness, because of factors belonging to spiritual values such as "feeling that life is meaningful and oriented". .
One of the survey's most important findings found that the factor that influences Gen Z's happiness the most has to do with their sense of purpose at work or school.
However, between 43 – 49% of Gen Z do not feel what they do every day is interesting, important or motivating, the report states.
In Brooks's course on happiness at Harvard University, he suggests viewing your happiness like an investment portfolio. Brooks advises investing in four areas, and one of them is finding meaningful work.
He encourages people to prioritize work that makes them feel fulfilled, even if it's not the highest-paying role.
David Spicer, 23, a high school English teacher, said working in the same school system where he was a student fueled his purpose.
Tell the page CNBC, Spicer shared that he liked being “in a position to solve certain situations that could make my own experience as a child better, such as teaching, or relationships with students.”
Even though he was 10 years older than the students, Spicer realized he had many things in common with the children, thereby connecting better. This increases the child's happiness level and his own in the learning and teaching process.
“I'm a Taylor Swift fan. I have a few students who are also fans of her. So right before spring break, I organized a class to watch and analyze Taylor's songs, instead of studying poetry," Spicer said.
Quality connection is important
The survey also found that in addition to purpose and meaning, the top factors influencing Gen Z's happiness include basic needs and safety; negative emotions and social pressures; positive social connections.
In particular, basic needs such as sleep and relaxation have a great impact on whether Gen Z is happy or not. In addition, young people also feel less positive when comparing themselves to others.
A key takeaway from the survey is that the happiest Gen Zers “are twice as likely to say they feel loved, supported and connected to those around them.”
Only about a third of Gen Z said they don't often feel supported or loved.
“There is a perception that Gen Z is truly connected, but are those connections of high quality? Are people giving you the love and support you really need?,” Hrynowski argues.
The report points out that social media may contribute to this. Gen Z has many online relationships with peers, but many of those connections may lack depth.
“Connections, especially on social media, Brooks calls 'junk food.' You might eat and feel full for 10 or 15 minutes, but you'll find yourself not being fulfilled in the way you need to be, in terms of real social connection,” Hrynowski said.
It's important for Gen Z to not rely solely on social media to interact with friends.
“People who spend more time with friends and loved ones” are more likely to feel long-term happiness, Hrynoski emphasized.
