For those unaware, Gen Z is the most recent generation of human offspring. There have been continuous reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment over the years targeting this generation.
49 people between the ages of 14 and 18 were surveyed on their experiences, and how physical attraction as well as background plays a role in this.
36 out of 41 females surveyed have been catcalled by the opposite sex whereas 3 out of 7 males surveyed have been catcalled by the opposite sex. 0 out of those 36 females think it is a good feeling whereas 2 out of 3 of those males think it’s a good feeling. Despite how many people disagree, sexism targets more females than males. When females are catcalled they think it’s normal because of the way they’re physically built but they hate it nonetheless. 11 of the 36 surveyed females that have been catcalled described their feeling as uncomfortable. 2 of the 36 said they feel like “a piece of meat.” 2 of the 36 described catcalling as disrespectful. 1 female describes her feelings about catcalling as “Like I’m only worth as much as my body looks.” Another female says it “Makes me feel Downgraded like all they care about is what’s on the outside instead of what’s on the inside.” Another female surveyed said she felt like “a walking vagina.”
Those surveyed were asked about their type; their type as in the type of build they find attractive. 26 of the 41 females surveyed identify as heterosexual. Multiple said they look for a male who is African, Caribbean, Hispanic, or Black. 21 of those 26 females look for a long-term relationship when they are single. 13 of the 26 females say their past relationships have overall ended poorly. 10 of the 26 females often don’t interact with those they find attractive out of fear and shyness.
17 of the 41 females surveyed identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. 13 of the 17 females have no racial preference while the others typically prefer someone Hispanic or Black. 13 of the 17 females surveyed seek long-term relationships when single. 11 of the 17 females say their relationships have overall ended poorly. One even said, “They broke up with me because I wouldn’t get in the bed with them.” 6 of the 17 often avoid interaction with attractive specimens due to shyness and awkwardness.
4 of the 7 males surveyed identify as heterosexual. 1 out of the 4 prefers certain races such as Hispanic, Caribbean, African, or Black whereas others have no preference. All 4 males look for long-term relationships when single. 2 of the 4 males say their past relationships have ended on a bad note. 3 of the 4 males would approach an attractive female while the other would allow the female to spark conversation.
3 of the 7 males identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. 2 of the 3 males prefer someone either Caucasian or Black whereas the other has no preference. When single, all 3 males seek long-term relationships. 2 of the 3 males say their past relationships have ended due to a mutual decision. All 3 males would gladly engage with attractive specimens.
Out of the 49 people surveyed, 31 allow their parents to influence the types of people they find attractive. 26 of the 49 have allowed their peers to influence their views on attractiveness. 17 allow their siblings to influence them. 21 are influenced by relatives. Social media influences 29 of the 49. 24 consider the news an influence.
Overall, the people of Generation Z aren’t all as shallow as they’re made out to be. Some genuinely care about the person behind the mask. They don’t just care about what’s on the outside. Although many advertise that they seek casual hookups or short-term relationships, most of them don’t. Most of them seek long-term relationships. Regardless of where they live, they all have different perspectives on what is categorized as attractive. Also, no matter the gender or sexuality, there are outside influences when it comes to attraction. Those in Gen Z know that more than anyone else. They try to believe that they are their own person who makes their own decisions and couldn’t care less about what anyone says but deep down, they care more than they think they do. When faced with so many options, one is bound to have a preference.