Gen Z Reports Increased Loneliness and Isolation, New Study Finds

Seven in 10 members of Generation Z feel more lonely and isolated than they ever anticipated, according to a new study. The survey, which polled 1,000 Gen Z individuals, explored their social habits and found that while connection is important to them, adulthood has presented unexpected challenges in achieving it.

The research indicates that even when in the presence of others, the average respondent experiences feelings of loneliness four days a week. A significant factor contributing to this, cited by 60% of those surveyed, is the lack of a dedicated social environment, with many agreeing they need a "third space" to cultivate new friendships.

A notable pathway Gen Z sees for forming new connections is through health and fitness routines. While 52% typically exercise alone, a substantial 83% expressed enthusiasm for combining fitness activities with social interaction. Indeed, 59% consider their workout location a "third space."

Furthermore, three-quarters of those polled believe that having a regular place to go would aid in maintaining social connections (74%) and would also positively impact their mental well-being (72%).

Danny King, director of performance and recovery at Life Time, commented on these findings, stating, "We hear often from Gen Z that they’re more likely to stay consistent when they find a workout buddy or a group class they enjoy. It’s encouraging to see so many recognize the value of combining fitness and friends. Showing up regularly with people you know helps build routines and relationships at the same time, and that supports mood, stress, and motivation."

Despite the desire for more social interaction, connection remains a challenge. While 73% are interested in socializing more often and 71% wish to make new friends, they encounter regular obstacles.

The average Gen Zer reports having three close friends, though nearly half (43%) have even fewer. One in six sees these friends only a couple of times a year, with some reporting even less frequent contact.

Cost is identified as the primary barrier to Gen Z spending more time in social settings, with 37% citing it as an issue and 27% expressing dissatisfaction with the expense of going out. Difficulty in forming new connections affects 52% of Gen Z, with an even larger percentage believing in-person interactions would make finding friends easier (73%).

Time constraints also impede socializing efforts, as 30% feel too tired after work or school, and another 30% prioritize other responsibilities. In fact, nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) dedicate their weekly routine primarily, if not entirely, to obligations other than socializing, leading 69% to feel they lack the time for social activities.

Traditional social venues like coffee shops (30%) and bars (36%) are not proving entirely effective, with a third of respondents indicating these settings facilitate connections only once a week or less. Consequently, 42% of Gen Zers feel a need for more social spaces.

Finding the time is another significant hurdle, with seven in 10 respondents agreeing that even when they want to be social, they lack the capacity for it. Despite these challenges, 80% of those surveyed have committed to active lifestyles in the past year, with a mix of outdoor and indoor activities being the most common (35%). Walking or hiking (62%), running (56%), weight training (45%), stretching (38%), and yoga (32%) are popular activities.

"People are looking for somewhere to go that isn’t home, work, or school, and fitness can be that place," King added. "When a space brings people together around shared goals, it becomes about more than a workout."

The survey was conducted by Talker Research for Life Time and involved 1,000 Gen Z respondents with internet access. The data was collected online between September 28 and October 5, 2026.