Facing a Fast-Paced, Digital World: Gen Z’s Perception of Social (Media) Groups

Abstract Stereotypes, understood as mental shortcuts, help individuals to perceive and evaluate their social environment. According to the stereotype content model (Fiske et al. in J Personality Soc Psychol 82:878–902, 2002), social groups are assessed based on perceived warmth and competence, determining whether they serve as role models or are rejected. As some beliefs about social groups evolve, insights into young adults’ current perceptions of their social environment are essential to develop contemporary strategies for sensitizing them to stereotypes or engaging them in various areas of life such as work. This paper examines the perceptions of social groups (i.e., warmth, competence, closeness) among young adults belonging to Generation Z (born between 1996 and 2010, considered “digital natives”) across three key areas of their lives: (1) social media (e.g., gamers), (2) employment and career (e.g., career women), and (3) diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g., individuals with disabilities), at two different time points (during and after the Covid-19 pandemic) using two unrelated samples ( N S1 = 246; N S2 = 78; ages 18–24). Findings are reflected in relation to prior studies that assessed similar perceptions among Generation Y (born between 1981 and 1995; in Germany, the first generation since reunification facing developmental tasks such as acquiring skills and building social ties). Results highlight both similarities and differences between the two generations and across time points. Cautiously, positive developments can be assumed: Compared to previous studies, individuals with disabilities seem to be perceived as more competent and career women as warmer at both measurement times, suggesting an increasing awareness of social diversity.