Generation Z (hereafter Gen Z) is the cohort born between 1997 and 2012. As the cohort was raised in the age of the Internet, it is familiar with social media and is more connected to the world than any other generation. Gen Z, who values individuality, diversity, freedom, and individualism, is expressing their distinctive identity in various ways. Amid the growing interest in Gen Z, Gen Z’s study culture has also gained attention.
From library to cafesÂ
Kids these days no longer study in suffocating libraries. Libraries that require dead silence are deemed inappropriate to complete tasks on laptops, watch videos, do group assignments, and perform discussion-based activities. Instead, students found a new haven in coffee shops and study cafes that provide a more comfortable environment. Coffee shops are equipped with ambiance, coziness, and free space, gaining popularity as a substitute for libraries. Eventually, study cafes that specifically provide an environment to study have emerged. Combining the strengths of libraries and cafes, study cafes guarantee space solely for studying with comfort, ambiance, and food.
Ever since COVID-19, online libraries have also emerged. An online library known as Study Stream is a Zoom link accessible from all over the world. All participants mute themselves and study independently, yet merely being in the same virtual room motivates one another. Streaming 24 hours free of any time and space restrictions, Study Stream has spread its popularity across this generation.
Using social media as communitiesÂ
As digital natives, Gen Z fully utilizes smartphones even when studying. Gen Z uses study apps to measure and record the amount of time they studied and plan their agenda with the app. Unlike traditional paper planners that require everything to be written in detail, study apps can automatically track and analyze the study time, subjects, and grades, providing not only convenience but also an opportunity to improve grades. Additionally, certain study apps are active in building their own community, allowing users to create a bond and spread inspiration.
Gongstagram(study+instagram) is a particularly popular study method that utilizes online communities. By posting study notes, agendas, and study hours on Instagram, users get a sense of validation for their work. Gongstagram users say that they feel motivated to study more habitually as they need to post periodically. Gongstagram also includes time-lapse or live stream videos of users studying. Gen Z states that study streaming gives the feeling of studying with a large number of people while filming videos prevent them from slacking off. Users can also feel accomplished by looking at records of their Instagram posts and feel motivated to study harder. Hence, Gongstagram has established itself as part of Gen Z’s study culture.
Moreover, Gongstagram is not a trend distinctive to Gen Z in Korea. Study-related tags such as #studyaccount and #studywithme are increasing in America as well, with more eager to participate each day.
Indulging in study, utilizing YouTube
Kids these days search on YouTube instead of Google for information, signifying that more students are on Youtube than ever before. With the rising number of YouTube viewers, a plethora of education-related content found its way to reach Gen Z’s studying culture. Like Instagram, study vlogs are also a big trend on Youtube. Yet, a new study method has gained the attention of Gen Z.
This study method, called the ‘over-immersion’ method, displays certain images and background music through ASMR videos where viewers immerse into the atmosphere created by the video. For instance, with the white noise and image of their dream school, students study as part of that school; with palace images and classical music, viewers become the next in line for the royal heir; with the Harry Potter soundtrack and a Hogwarts image, viewers are Gryffindor students during final exam season. Gen Z claims that over-immersion study produces higher concentration, efficiency, and even a shred of fun. In fact, the claim turned out to be true. After becoming a Hufflepuff student during the finals, I was able to experience improved flow and concentration. I was not monotonously memorizing the material but found myself enjoying the process of studying.
Familiar with technology, Gen Z builds its own study culture through social media. Since COVID-19 restricted study spaces, Gen Z’s non-face-to-face study culture gained momentum to spread at an even faster pace. The free and diverse Gen Z, the ‘kids these days’, are trying their best to find the will and joy to study even in difficult times.
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K-UNIV Reporter
Zieun Ka
