Fear of missing out on 2021
Gen Z fears, dreams and expectations from the new year, in a nut shell
About the study:
New year’s eve is one day everyone celebrates with positivity and enthusiasm by letting go of the previous year’s grudges and sadness and welcoming a new year with a positive attitude and the year 2020 is no different. This is the year that has changed people’s lives and our Gen Z cannot wait to let go of this year and start 2021 with lots of new hopes and dreams, ready to tap into what they might have missed this year. The best way to celebrate the new year is to go out and party but it is also a fast way to spread COVID 19 this year. So, then what is Gen Z planning to do this year?
Using our core research capabilities, we surveyed to understand the following:
Has COVID affected the new year plans?
How is Gen Z planning to celebrate the coming of the new year?
How are people planning to stay safe during the party season?
Will virtual tools have a comeback in 2021?
1.The COVID effect
Not only COVID has taken a toll on the entire year but has also affected new year’s eve plans for most of Gen Z. 66% say that their new year plans have been affected due to COVID.
2. Gen Z is planning a toned down celebration
Celebrations are going to be quieter this year. Young people are noticeably more inclined to spend it with their immediate family and friends.
3. Virtually Celebrating New Year’s Eve
Even though 28% report that they are still not sure how they will celebrate the ending of 2020, 23% of the respondents mentioned that they will celebrate the ending of this year in person with their family and friends.
Using virtual tools became a lifeline in 2020 for those in lockdown during the early stage of the pandemic; and it looks like the shift from in-person to virtual hanging out is here to stay, for a while at least.
While 20% of Gen Z would like to celebrate the new year using virtual platforms, 29% state that they have decided to mix it up and celebrate both in-person and using a virtual platform.
4. Gen Z is pragmatically Optimistic
Most of the Gen Z are optimistic about 2021 but they will still be cautious and take precautions.
5. Gen Z is not yet ready to step out of the house
The overwhelming uncertainty of 2020 has made Gen Z unsure of making plans for the coming year. Very few are ready to step out of the comfort zone to go back to the old normal. There is one thing we can be certain of that they are still not ready to go out, hang out with friends, go out shopping, or on short-trips yet.
6. A continued virtual existence
Though interacting through virtual tools is not their first preference, it is clear that they will continue to use them. While they admit that it is not an ideal way of living, virtual tools have given them a sense of comfort in uncertain times, and opened doors that were not possible to open before.
There is no sign that the eve of the new year will look any different than any other evening in 2020, and the coming of the year will likely continue that way too.
Virtual tools are here to stay – Gen Z will continue to adapt to the modern methods of using virtual tools and will continue to use them for as long as they will feel comfortable.
Safety and caution will not be cast aside – People will continue to take precaution and maintain social distance. Many have realized the importance of a safe and clean environment and these practices will stretch to businesses for a long time. Even though 2020 is ending, Gen Z will continue the new normal and be cautious.
Celebrations are going to look a lot different – the FOMO might be treatable with virtual tools. The party-goers will think twice in the coming year.
Gen Z is a super dynamic and differentiated segment of our population, so Grapevine Insights routinely conducts dipsticks and studies to understand different aspects of their lives. We pride ourselves on delivering insights that are both powerful and actionable. If your business wants to learn more about how it could best interact with Gen Z, we can help. You can get in touch with us at kanika@thegrapevine.co.in