Generation Z are frequently portrayed in headlines as lazy and incompetent, associating them with dwindling attention spans, poor literacy, and an unstoppable addiction to technology.
A large portion of the blame is attributed to the internet and its pervasiveness in our daily lives, with an increasing emphasis on the usage of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence technologies for everyday life.
ChatGPT, which landed on November 2022, is an AI chatbot with advanced natural-language processing that allows human-like conversations to complete various tasks.
• Read more: How Gen Z are you? The characteristics revealed
And it does much more than just respond to basic inquiries. ChatGPT can do maths, write essays, hold philosophical discussions, and even write code.
So we used this advanced technology to find out how it would define the more local Generation Z. Here is what it suggested:
How does ChatGPT define the average London Gen Z?
Average London Gen Z look
ChatGPT created a “vibe-y portrait” of the average London Gen Z emphasising that “London is wildly diverse and no one-size-fits-all”.
In terms of looks, ChatGPT says Gen Z are into their streetwear but with a twist, so imagine baggy jeans, vintage Nike, Adidas sports wear and cargos.
It adds that Gen Z usually buy these items and thrifts Y2K items from second-hand clothing apps like Depop and Vinted.
ChatGPT also mentions Gen Z love unexpected layering of high street items, in particularly from Zara and Urban Outfitters.
When it comes to shoes, ChatGPT is spot on with Air Force 1s, Dr Martens, chunky New Balances and Crocs.
And it wouldn’t be Gen Z if there were no mention of accessories: “tote bags with artsy prints, wired headphones (as a statement), silver jewelry, and claw clips or mullets depending on the gender vibes.”
Culture and interests
In terms of music taste, ChatGPT points out that Gen Z listens to a diverse selection.
“Everything from UK rap and drill to hyperpop, indie, Afrobeats, and K-pop. They'll have Skepta, PinkPantheress, and Fred again.. on the same playlist.”
Gen Z are well-known to dominate social media, but ChatGPT adds that each platform has a different use.
“Instagram is curated, TikTok is for chaos and trends, and BeReal still pops off — but only sometimes.”
They also dominate the world of memes, with fluency “in niche internet humor”.
Gen Z are also into the Netflix shows, like Sex Education, Top Boy, Euphoria and The Bear. Once they’re done watching, they head to watch YouTube deep dives and TikTok essays.
One common theme for Gen Z based in London even ChatGPT has picked up on is they are usually leftist.
“Generally left-leaning, socially conscious, and climate-anxious. Not afraid to call out brands, institutions, or each other.”
Gen Z lifestyle in London
Now, onto how Gen Z lives day by day in London.
Cafés are a bit part of Gen Z culture and, for those in London, some of the most popular locations to grab a coffee at include Hampstead Heath, Shoreditch or Brixton.
If Gen Z aren’t grabbing a drink, they might be “queuing for pop-ups and sample sales. Vintage markets are the weekend move”.
ChatGPT says Gen Z in London are “vegan-curious or fully plant-based”, or enjoy an oat milk flat white. In terms of food, Morley and a cheeky Nando’s gets a mention.
In terms of work and education, ChatGPT says “there is a mix of university students, creative freelancers, baristas with side hustles, or startup interns figuring it all out”.
Also, if you spot a cracked screen protector on someone’s iPhone, they more than likely belong to Gen Z and, if you went through their phone, it probably wouldn’t take long to find Pinterest downloaded.
