New study says Gen Zers feel more lonely, isolated than they ever thought they would

Seven in 10 Gen Zers feel more lonely and isolated than they ever thought they would (69%), according to new research.A survey of 1,000 Gen Z respondents looked at their social habits, finding that connection matters to them, but adulthood has made it harder to come by than expected.Results found that even when around others, the average respondent feels lonely four days a week.Conducted by Talker Research for Life Time, the survey found that 60% see the lack of a dedicated social environment as part of the problem, agreeing they need a “third space” to make new friends.One way Gen Z sees opportunity to make more friends is through their health routines.While 52% usually work out alone, 83% say they’d be excited to combine fitness and friends more often.In fact, many already find that in their workout spot: 59% consider the place where they exercise a third space.Still, three-quarters of those surveyed also said that having a recurring place to show up would help them stay social (74%) and would also improve their mental wellbeing (72%).“We hear often from Gen Z that they’re more likely to stay consistent when they find a workout buddy or a group class they enjoy,” said Danny King, director of performance and recovery at Life Time.

“It’s encouraging to see so many recognize the value of combining fitness and friends.Showing up regularly with people you know helps build routines and relationships at the same time, and that supports mood, stress, and motivation.”But connecting can be a challenge.

While the large majority are interested in mingling more often (73%) and finding new friends (71%), new challenges seem to present themselves regularly.The average Gen Zer polled says they have three close friends, but nearly half (43%) say they have even fewer than that.One in six report seeing those friends just a couple of times per year, with some saying it’s even less often than that.Cost is the No.1 factor that gets in the way of Gen Z spending mo...