Report Reveals Nearly Half of Gen Z Leads a 'Double Life' Online

Boston Brand Media brings you the recent report which exposes that almost half of Generation Z engages in a 'double life' online, indicating a significant phenomenon of dual digital identities within this demographic.

53 percent of individuals from Generation Z express a greater comfort level with online communication compared to face-to-face interactions.

A recent survey revealed that almost half of Generation Z individuals maintain a dual online identity. This research, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Lenovo, involved 2,000 Americans spanning various age groups discussing their social media behaviors. Among Gen Z participants, 46 percent admitted to leading a 'double life' online, feeling that their digital personas significantly differ from their real-world selves. Additionally, 31 percent acknowledged keeping their online identities hidden from their families, while 53 percent expressed a preference for online communication over face-to-face interaction.

Despite nearly half of all survey participants acknowledging a disparity between their online and offline identities, the majority (68 percent) of those experiencing this divide belonged to Generation Z. Interestingly, individuals from other generations also admitted to similar online behaviors, with 38 percent of millennials, 18 percent of Gen Xers, and eight percent of baby boomers admitting to living a 'double life' on the internet. Additionally, 27 percent of millennials confessed to concealing their online identities from their families.

Boston Brand Media also found when considering the ease of online versus offline conversations, 49 percent of millennials and 35 percent of Gen Xers found online dialogue preferable, contrasting with only 23 percent of baby boomers who shared this sentiment.

Regarding the willingness to express opinions online, 21 percent of respondents preferred sharing their ambitions digitally rather than in person. Similarly, 19 percent felt comfortable sharing fears or insecurities online, and an equal percentage expressed openness about their political beliefs.

Comparing their online personas to their offline selves, 20 percent of respondents noted clearer preferences in their digital identities. Some participants observed that their online personas harbor distinct likes, dislikes, and more contentious opinions compared to their real-life selves.

OnePoll's survey, conducted on behalf of Lenovo's "Work for Humankind" project, titled "Meet Your Digital," investigates the divergence between online and real-world identities. Utilizing advanced AI and a range of smart devices, Lenovo explores this phenomenon, aiming to bridge the gap between digital and physical realms.

Lenovo's website explains how the company utilizes technology to animate digital personas into interactive 3D avatars, facilitating genuine conversations with loved ones. This initiative reflects Lenovo's commitment to leveraging technology for fostering meaningful connections and societal good.

Discussions about Generation Z's technology habits are not uncommon. Earlier this year, on X, previously identified as Twitter, user Max Burns ignited a viral debate concerning the iPhone's "Do Not Disturb" feature. Burns claimed that "Gen Z kids" frequently keep this feature activated, suggesting they avoid the anxiety of answering phone calls.

While some members of Generation Z resonated with the tweet, others countered it, highlighting their use of the "Do Not Disturb" feature to evade spam calls rather than phone call anxiety.

Nevertheless, the notion of phone call anxiety among Gen Z is not baseless. A study conducted in 2023 by CommBank and More discovered that only one in 10 Gen Z Australians preferred speaking to family or friends via phone. Furthermore, 87 percent of participants in the study acknowledged resolving conflicts over text rather than through phone calls, with 49 percent admitting to feeling anxious during phone conversations.

Source: independent‍