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What's interesting is that these factors aren't limited to Gen Z, but can help any of us become happier.
A survey conducted by happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks in collaboration with Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation on more than 2,000 Gen Z young people from 12 to 26 years old pointed out the factors that increase their happiness level.
Living with purpose makes you happier
The survey found that 73% of Gen Z consider themselves very happy, or somewhat happy.
As Generation Z reaches adulthood, from age 18 and up, there are significant differences in their happiness levels, said Zach Hrynowski, author of the survey report and senior researcher at Gallup.
Compared to people under 18, Gen Zers aged 18 and over also have a decrease in happiness, due to factors related to spiritual values such as "feeling that life has meaning and direction".
One of the most important findings of the survey revealed that the factor that most influences Gen Z's happiness is related to their sense of purpose at work or school.
However, between 43 and 49 percent of Gen Z don't feel like what they do every day is interesting, important, or motivating, the report states.
In Brooks's course on happiness at Harvard University, he suggests thinking of your happiness as an investment portfolio. Brooks recommends investing in four areas, and one of them is finding meaningful work.
David Spicer, 23, a high school English teacher, said working in the same school system where he was a student fueled his purpose.
Speaking to CNBC, Spicer shared that he likes being "in a position to address some situations that might make my own experience as a kid better, like teaching, or relationships with students."
Although he is 10 years older than his students, Spicer finds that he has a lot in common with them, which helps him connect better. This increases the children's happiness and his own in the learning and teaching process.
The survey also found that in addition to purpose and meaning, the top factors influencing Generation Z's happiness include basic needs and safety; negative emotions and social pressure; and positive social connections.
Among them, basic needs such as sleep and relaxation have a big impact on whether Gen Z is happy or not. In addition, young people also feel less positive when comparing themselves to others.
One key takeaway from the survey was that the happiest Gen Zers were “twice as likely to say they feel loved, supported and connected to the people around them.”
Only about a third of Gen Z say they don't often feel supported or loved.
“There’s a perception that Gen Z is really connected, but are those connections high quality? Are people giving you the love and support that you really need?” Hrynowski argues.
The report suggests that social media may be contributing to this. Gen Z has many online relationships with peers, but many of those connections may lack depth.
“Connections, especially on social media, are what Brooks calls ‘junk food.’ You can eat them and feel full for 10 or 15 minutes, but you’re not going to feel satisfied in the way you need to be, in terms of real social connection,” Hrynowski says.
It's important for Gen Z to not rely solely on social media to interact with friends.
“People who spend more time with friends and family” are more likely to feel happier in the long run, Hrynoski stresses.
TB (General)