24.03.2025 Media industry
Gen Z Will Force Brands to Tell the Truth. GWI Report and Forecasts
Krzysztof Fiedorek
They value authenticity and brand transparency, preferring socially engaged companies. Young people see technology as a tool for growth, not just entertainment. In relationships, they prioritize genuine connections despite being highly active online. What do we know about Gen Z, and what does this mean for marketing? And beyond.
Poczytaj artykuł
w wydaniu polskim
illustration: DALL-EThe report "Audiences to Watch: Gen Z in 2025", developed by Shauna Moran and Georgia Walsh from GWI, is based on 230,000 annual evaluation conversations with companies worldwide and provides intriguing insights into the young generation’s approach to consumption, values, and technology. Gen Z representatives are already having a massive impact on the market.
Consumers seeking authenticity
Gen Z is a generation that values brand authenticity and transparency. Unlike millennials, young people are not easily deceived by marketing tricks. The message must be genuine and engaging, and brands should clearly state their values.
| Value appreciated by Gen Z | Importance to the consumer |
|---|---|
| Authenticity | Very important |
| Action transparency | Crucial when choosing a brand |
| Social engagement | Desirable in brand strategy |
| Sustainability | Strongly influences decisions |
| Openness to change | Expected from brand leaders |
The report indicates that Gen Z avoids brands associated with unethical business practices. They prefer those that openly communicate their social and environmental actions. They expect brands to be authentic, even if it means showing their imperfections.
For companies, this means rethinking marketing strategies and focusing on authentic storytelling. Gen Z does not want perfect images but rather truth and values that reflect their beliefs.
Digital innovators and their approach to technology
Gen Z grew up in a digital environment, making technology a natural part of everyday life. However, unlike previous generations, young people see technology as a tool for self-development and broadening perspectives.
| Social platform | Main use | Popularity among Gen Z |
|---|---|---|
| Image creation, lifestyle | Very high | |
| TikTok | Entertainment, quick guides | High |
| YouTube | Education, podcasts, tutorials | Very high |
| Career development, networking | Medium |
The report’s key findings include intense use of social media platforms, but with a focus on authentic content. Young people use digital media not only for entertainment but also to learn new skills and gain knowledge.
Thus, technology is not just a form of fun—it is a tool for building careers and self-improvement. Brands that skillfully combine entertainment with education have a chance to capture the attention of this demanding generation.
Changes in interpersonal relationships
One of the most surprising findings of the report is Gen Z`s approach to relationships. Although social media has been part of their lives from an early age, young people are beginning to appreciate the value of face-to-face connections.
Despite their strong online presence, young people increasingly engage in local communities and offline activities. They seek balance between the digital world and reality. For many of them, direct contacts remain the most valuable.
New aesthetics and the need for truth
The aesthetics promoted by Gen Z differ significantly from the perfect images of previous decades. Young people prefer imperfect but real content—authentic photos, honest statements, and natural stories.
In advertising campaigns, Gen Z values:
- Simple, direct messages – without attempts to idealize reality.
- Stories inspired by real events – building brand authenticity.
- Transparency in actions – both in product aspects and brand values.
Brands need to rethink their approach to aesthetics and communication style if they want to earn this group’s trust. Even the best online campaign cannot replace authentic customer engagement.
What’s next?
Gen Z is a generation that demands changes not only in business but also in social values. The GWI report indicates that brands will need to adapt to new expectations to maintain their position.
Without authenticity, directness, and real social involvement, there is no chance of gaining the loyalty of young consumers. It’s a challenge that requires thoughtful strategy and openness to change.
The complete GWI report "Audiences to Watch: Gen Z" can be downloaded for free at
https://www.gwi.com/reports/gen-z
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Social Media in 2025. Generational Differences Are Crystal Clear
KFi
More and more people are saying they’re cutting back on time spent on social media. And while this doesn’t mean a mass exodus, the trend is clear. According to latest GWI report, 31% of users said they had reduced their social media use. There’s also a subtle frustration.
Can a Robot Be Good Boss? Researchers from SWPS Look for Answers
SWPS
A robot giving orders at work is no longer a science fiction scenario - it's a research topic. Scientists from SWPS University in Poland set out to find out whether a robot can effectively manage human workers.
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
See articles on a similar topic:
The Podcast Market in Poland. Research by Wprost and Tandem Media
Krzysztof Fiedorek
How many Polish internet users listen to podcasts? Where and how do we listen? How and why do we choose episodes? Two major studies on this topic were recently released. One by Wprost, the other by Tandem Media from Agora Radio Group. We present both for data comparison and insights.
Clickbait Uncovered. How Online Headlines Evolved Over 25 Years
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed 40 million headlines from the past 25 years. They are getting longer, more emotional, and negative, with a clear influence of clickbait style. Even reputable media use strategies and tricks to grab attention.
DAB+ Radio. What is Digital Radio Broadcasting?
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Digital radio broadcasting technology, compared to traditional analog radio, provides higher sound quality, better resistance to interference, and more additional features during transmission. However, it’s not without drawbacks and raises concerns among broadcasters.
Disinformation and Fake News. Experts Discuss Challenges for Journalists
RINF
The pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine, triggered a massive wave of disinformation in media and social channels. Experts at the Impact’22 Congress in Poznań and the European Economic Congress in Katowice discussed effective strategies to combat disinformation.
