A recent survey conducted by Soul App, which involved around 3,500 platform users, revealed the complex relationship that Zoomers have with their interests. For Gen Z, hobbies are no longer viewed merely as something fun to do; instead, these interests serve a role within their emotional lives, social networks, and career paths. This complex relationship with their interests reflects a significant shift in how hobbies are perceived and practiced today.
Given their digital savviness, awareness of global issues, heightened professional competition, and fragmented social structures, Zoomers face unique pressures. They often seek refuge in hobbies, which they describe as a source of balance to cope with everyday stress. Whether engaging in creative activities like painting or physical pursuits like hiking, hobbies have become a widely recognized tool for emotional well-being.
Nearly 90% of Soul App’s survey participants reported having at least one hobby. Notably, close to 70% of respondents said they had three or more hobbies, indicating a high level of dedication to their interests in terms of both time and financial commitment.
From a mental health perspective, hobbies are regarded as valuable for self-expression and as a structured way to disconnect from daily stressors. Niche interests like anime fandoms, DIY crafting, and gaming are reported to provide deeper emotional fulfillment, allowing Gen Z to express creativity in personal ways, supporting their emotional resilience.
Hobbies offer more than personal satisfaction. In an era where digital interactions often replace physical gatherings, hobbies have become a central way to build and maintain social relationships. According to Soul App, Gen Z is using their hobbies as an opportunity to meet new people, both online and offline. The data showed that young people make around six new friends through shared interests. More than 20% of participants reported meeting over ten new people via their hobbies.
Digital platforms like Soul App play a pivotal role in facilitating these connections. Nearly 50% of respondents reported using online platforms to meet like-minded people who share their interests. Gen Z is clearly seeking out communities centered on common interests, often forming connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
This trend extends offline as well, with Gen Z leveraging hobbies to form in-person connections at events like anime conventions, DIY craft markets, or outdoor adventure meetups. These gatherings allow individuals to deepen their bonds with other hobbyists and build lasting friendships. Hobbies have increasingly become one of Gen Z’s primary methods of creating meaningful social connections in an otherwise isolating world.
Another key finding in Soul App’s report was Gen Z’s willingness to invest financially in their interests, contrasting sharply with the ways previous generations often approached hobbies as low-cost activities. According to Soul’s report, the average young person spends around 1,645 yuan per month on hobbies. Furthermore, 60% of respondents indicated that cost is not a priority when it comes to supporting their interests, with 8.33% stating that they are entirely unconcerned about expenses if the hobby aligns with their passions.
For Gen Z, hobbies are not seen purely as entertainment; they are viewed as meaningful investments in their emotional, social, and even professional lives. The rewards they derive often justify the financial commitment, explaining why this generation is willing to allocate a notable portion of their monthly income toward activities like anime merchandise, outdoor gear, or art supplies.
Furthermore, many Zoomers see the potential for turning hobbies into income streams. Around 10% of survey respondents reported earning money through their interests. More than 12% of respondents in Soul App’s 2024 Gen Z New Interests Report said they have turned their hobbies into full-time careers, with roles like avatar creation and fan art sales becoming increasingly popular ways to earn income.
This shift from hobbyist to professional is especially noticeable in niche fields such as cosplay, where interest-specific communities on platforms like Soul App provide ready-made audiences for creators. Gen Z’s comfort with the gig economy further encourages them to explore hobbies as primary or significant sources of income. For example, one survey participant reported earning approximately 50,000 yuan per month by monetizing their hobby.
In summary, Soul App’s survey underscores that Gen Z’s approach to hobbies reflects a broader societal shift in how personal interests are valued. No longer relegated to the periphery, hobbies have become integral to how young people navigate life. The survey further indicated that 42.4% of respondents have maintained long-lasting friendships through their hobbies, while 57.6% highlighted the emotional and mental health benefits of engaging in these activities.
Published by: Martin De Juan
