Why Gen Z Is Craving IRL Experiences More Than Ever
In a world built on scrolls, swipes, and screen time, Gen Z is proving that they need the community that comes from IRL experiences. In a powerful rebellion, they’ve broken what everyone expects of the internet-native generation and jumped headfirst into crafting, cooking, and slow hobbies. As it turns out, the generation known for going viral is also craving the analog.
The Rise of IRL Experiences
If you thought crafting was only reserved for the members of your grandmother’s retirement club, think again. Crafts that we once saw as ‘granny’ have now become the ‘it’ hobbies of Gen Z. In a recent survey we conducted, we found out that 67% of our Youthtellers consider themselves to be crafty, and part of that crafty-ness was inspired by social media. 78% said that watching others’ craft inspired them to take it up. Many of these hobbies are seen as an excuse to unplug, relieve stress, and express oneself.
What are the top crafts this generation is taking up? Anything slow. For them, this isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle geared towards relaxation, with 77.8% of our Youthtellers highlighting how it relieves their stress from school or work. As one 24-year-old from Baltimore put it: "They (crafts) are no longer seen as outdated but instead as a creative outlet and even a form of self-care."
Their top crafts?
Scrapbooking or journaling (73.3%)
Painting or drawing (71.1%)
Jewelry making (55.6%)
Knitting, crocheting, quilting, or sewing (44.4%)
Pottery, embroidery, and even candle or soap making were mentioned a few times as well
All in all, it’s these hobbies that point to the rise of the IRL experience over the popularity of a TikTok dance.
From Spring Break to a Chill Week: The Quiet Joy of Doing Less
When we asked about budgeting, Gen Z told us that they’re cutting back on fast fashion. But it turns out that they also chose to skip out on Spring Break as well. Many swapped the week of hard partying to relax at home. When we asked our Youthtellers about Spring Break, 41% of our respondents said they didn’t even think about Spring Break this year, and another 21% are intentionally skipping it. And for those who are traveling, the budget is modest with 35% only willing to spend under $200.
Instead, many are ignoring the idea of exotic destinations and choosing to spend time at home with friends or family in an effort to form even more meaningful IRL connections that feel real, low-pressure, and relaxing.
Malls Are Back. So Is Hanging Out.
While Millennials and Boomers might remember the mall as a 2000s-era battleground for finding new clothes, Orange Julius, and the best fast food, Gen Z is reclaiming it as a top-tier hangout. After questioning whether or not Gen Z hangs out anymore–and where they go if they do— we conducted a survey asking where they want their IRL experiences to be. The top answers? Malls and shopping centers (35%), fast food restaurants (22%), cafes (18%), or Arcades (15%).
These communal spots are fueling a revival of IRL experiences that don’t revolve around ticketed events or digital meetups. Instead, they’re spontaneous, affordable, and yes, aesthetically pleasing enough to make some cute videos of all your friends together.
Animals, Skincare, and Proof that Slower Living is in
Gen Z is also romanticizing a softer side of life, as country culture is beginning to be the new cool trend. The biggest part of this craze is the romanticization of owning small farm animals, with 56.3% saying that one day they want some of these small animals in their backyard. Think bunnies, ducks, and mini goats—not just dogs in sweaters. It’s the cottagecore dream come to life, rooted in the desire for grounding IRL experiences that connect them to nature.
Along with this, even skincare is becoming more about the moment than the outcome (of course, young people are still using retinol due to the fear of aging). 42.5% of Gen Z say they enjoy the ritual of skincare, not just the results. It’s yet another example of how this generation is transforming everyday activities into mini meditative practices.
What Brands Need to Know
Gen Z’s love and craving for IRL experiences isn’t a backlash against the digital world, it’s just proof that this is a generation that wants balance. They still love social media and their internet friends, but now the point isn’t to just doom scroll; they're using these apps to find offline hobbies, places to hang out, and more ways to connect with the people that make life truly matter. For brands, it is an invitation to create options for your loyal costumers that go beyond the screen. Think local cafe meet-ups, DIY craft kits, or simply new ways to celebrate analog joy on digital platforms.
When done right, blending the online and offline worlds can create the kind of IRL experiences that Gen Z craves—and shares.