In 2023, fast-fashion giant Shein invited influencers to tour their factories to quiet rumors about their production methods. Instead of good PR, the move sparked a massive backlash, exposing a strange disconnect: If Gen Z is the most connected generation in history, why is there such a gap between what they consume online and what they understand about the real world?
Based on the study “Gen Z: Social Awareness in Human Computer Interaction,” this research dives into the digital habits of 269 U.S. university students to find out. By analyzing everything from daily screen time and deep reading habits to trust in influencers, the study explores how digital immersion might actually be thinning our grasp on historical context and cross-cultural reality.
Key Areas of Focus:
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Influencer Impact
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The Literacy Gap
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Trust & Authority
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Cross-Cultural IQ
Originally Presented as: Gen Z: Social Awareness & Human Computer Interaction