The CEO and founder of Soul Zhang Lu has astutely used the predominantly Gen Z user base of the social platform to understand how Chinese Gen Z thinks, feels, and lives. The research wing of the social networking app has conducted multiple surveys to do so and released numerous reports that include the findings.
The latest among these is the 2025 Gen Z Social Trend Report, developed in collaboration with Fudan University. This report explores Gen Z’s perspectives on love, companionship, emotional intelligence, self-expression, and more.
Soul Zhang Lu’s Survey Reveals
Soul Zhang Lu’s team collected responses from over 11,000 users and supplemented these with user-generated content on the platform. Data was analyzed based on:
- Trending hashtags
- User engagement with specific keywords
- Survey responses
This approach helped researchers uncover fascinating insights into Gen Z’s evolving emotional and social behavior.
Silent Connections: A New Way to Socialize
Gen Z has embraced “SilentConnect,” a live event that enables participants to share ambient sounds like:
- Rainfall
- Breathing
- Rustling leaves
- Cityscapes
- Typing sounds
This initiative fosters emotional expression and companionship without words. The SilentConnect event garnered over 800 million viewers in 2024 and continues to grow in popularity in 2025. This trend highlights Gen Z’s innovative approach to forming deep connections without verbal communication.
Gen Z’s Take on Romantic Relationships
Love and romance remain important topics among Gen Z. On Soul Square, romantic relationships were a discussion point for nearly 4 million users. Researchers discovered that 86% of surveyed singles desired to transition from solitude to a romantic connection.
Despite the longing for love, many Gen Z individuals, particularly women, prioritize personal growth and career aspirations over relationships. Meanwhile, men cite financial concerns and past experiences as reasons for staying single.
Relationship Preferences Among Gen Z
| Factor | Women’s Perspective | Men’s Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Staying Single | Career growth, self-discovery | Financial concerns, past experiences |
| Socializing | Balanced approach, prefers emotional security | Prefers deep emotional connections without constant attention |
| Preferred Bond | Gu Liao (Guaranteed Chat Partners) | Gu Liao (Guaranteed Chat Partners) |
Gu Liao, or “Guaranteed Chat Partners,” has emerged as a favored concept. According to Soul’s survey, nearly 70% of respondents prefer sharing emotions with their Gu Liao rather than with romantic partners.
AI Companions: The New Emotional Support System
Another intriguing finding from the report is Gen Z’s openness to AI companionship. While some remain skeptical, the majority view AI partners as empathetic and non-judgmental listeners.
Gen Z’s Interaction with AI Companions
- 1.3 million users engaged with Soul’s AI virtual partner feature in 2024.
- 40% of surveyed participants reported feeling comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts with AI companions.
This data indicates that AI is becoming an integral part of emotional well-being for many young individuals.
Outdoor Activities and Stress Relief
When asked about their favorite activities for entertainment and stress relief, participants listed:
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Fitness training
- Frisbee
- Surfing
- Skiing
- Tennis
Outdoor sports were a trending lifestyle topic in 2024, with many youngsters viewing these activities as a way to form new friendships. Supportive online communities dedicated to various sports make it easier for Zoomers to explore new hobbies and stay active.
Emotional Retail Therapy and the Rise of Kidult Culture
Gen Z prioritizes emotional well-being over materialism. Their spending habits reflect an increased demand for products that bring emotional value rather than just practical utility. This has led to a rise in kidult (kid-adult) culture, where nostalgia-driven purchases provide comfort.
Popular Kidult Purchases in 2024
| Item Type | Popular Examples |
| Plush Toys | Chiikawa, Loopy, Capybara |
| Anime-Inspired Merchandise | Collectibles, figures, themed accessories |
| Nostalgic Items | Vintage toys, re-released childhood favorites |
Gen Z’s emphasis on hobbies, gaming, and creative pursuits as investments in happiness reflects a broader shift towards personal fulfillment over material success.
Conclusion
The insights gathered by Soul Zhang Lu’s team highlight a transformative change in how Gen Z approaches relationships, social interactions, and emotional well-being. Their unique perspectives on:
- Silent communication
- Balanced relationships (Gu Liao)
- AI companionship
- Emotional retail therapy
- Outdoor engagement and self-care
…illustrate a significant generational shift that will reshape social connections for years to come. By prioritizing self-awareness, emotional security, and meaningful engagement, Gen Z is pioneering a new, emotionally intelligent era of human interaction.