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Gen Z'S New Screen Dreams: More Cartoons, Less Romance
Gen Z's Entertainment Cravings Revealed
UCLA's Center for Scholars & Storytellers dropped some major insights on Wednesday with its annual Teens & Screens report. This year, the study titled "Get Real: Relatability on Demand" dives deep into what young media consumers truly want. The research showcases a clear desire for relatable and authentic representation across various media platforms.
Surveying 1,500 Americans aged 10 to 24, the study reflects the diverse landscape of Gen Z in the U.S. in terms of race, gender, and economic background. Conducted between August 13 and August 25, the survey highlights some surprising trends in media consumption habits among young people.
Animation Takes Center Stage
Forget the stereotypes – Gen Z isn't just about digging into social media. The survey found that 53% of young Americans are chatting more about movies and TV shows with friends than any social media content. And here's a twist: animation is in! A solid 48.5% of teens and young adults now prefer animated content over live action, marking a significant rise from last year.
"Young people are clearly craving shared experiences and authentic storytelling that they can discuss with their peers," says a spokesperson from the UCLA Center. This preference is also reflected in their top pastime – hitting the movies. Despite the digital age, going to theaters remains a favorite weekend activity, championing over gaming and concerts, if budget allows.
Rethinking Relationships Onscreen
When it comes to on-screen relationships, Gen Z has spoken: less is more. Romance was placed at the bottom of the plot interest list, with 60.9% of respondents preferring romantic stories to focus more on friendship than physical intimacy. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed feel there's just too much sexual content in today's media.
This shift in narrative preference is also evident as 59.7% want more stories centered on friendships. They seek narratives that focus on healthy conflict resolution and relatable characters. This marks a distinct turn from decades of Hollywood's reliance on risqué content to capture young audiences.
Hollywood, Take Note!
For years, the teen and young adult market has been the playground for Hollywood's bold storytelling, featuring films like "American Pie" and "Superbad." But the tide is changing. Gen Z is gravitating towards shows and movies that offer more than just escapism. They want authentic connections, relatable lives, and narratives that mirror their own experiences.
Reflecting on these trends, the Center for Scholars & Storytellers is hosting its Teens & Screens Summit at UCLA, where producer-director Greg Berlanti will be honored for his impact on social storytelling.
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Author: Imani
