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Technology Habits of Generation Z in Vietnam: Abstract
Technology Habits of Generation Z in Vietnam: Abstract
Abstract: This is right time for researchers to old) grew up in a world full of technology then
have a deeper understanding about the next they couldn’t be aware of the difference
generation that will enter the young workforce between two worlds.
and soon become a very appropriate part– In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
Generation Z (or Gen Z). This research will starting in 2020, Gen Z consumers are better
generally show how Gen Z is different from prepared than other generations in adapting to a
previous generations - but somehow, they are life relying on technology to connect, but on the
also similar. Focusing on the impact of other respects, they also have to face more
technology, the research team - from a challenges. Their comfort with digital
marketer's perspective - will examine how Gen technology makes placing orders at home easier
Z in Vietnam uses digital technology and which to get used, as they have been using technology
technology habits they are getting inlvoved. since childhood to integrate into society.
Keywords: Technology habit, tech habit, gen In a report titled ―How to engage with
Z, digital natives, Vietnam Generation Z in Vietnam‖ by Nielsen (2018)
I. INTRODUCTION [2], Generation Z is predicted to make up 25%
of Vietnam's workforce by 2025, equivalent to
According to a research by Pew Research
more than 15 million potential consumers.
Center (2019) [1], Generation Z is defined as
Understanding their characteristics, their
those were born in 1997 or later. Till 2021, the
thoughts, and their behavioral trends in Gen Z's
oldest member of Generation Z will be 24 years
technology habits will be the key to success in
old while the youngest will be 9 years old.
implementing digital marketing as well as
After only a short period, Generation Y has effectively reaching this generation.
been gradually replaced by Generation Z as the
The research focuses on solving the
youngest adults in the market. Unlike the
following specific objectives: 1) Determine
transition of other generations in the past, there
the characteristics of Generation Z and 2)
has been a sudden shift in behavior from
Research on technology habits of Generation
Generation Y to Generation Z – and the
Z in Vietnam. The author mainly applied
technology is at the heart of this change. While
quantitative research method, used
previous generations had to learn how to live in
questionnaire survey and collected data by
the digital world, Gen Z adults (18-24 years
online survey through Google Form.
Tác giả liên hệ: Phạm Thị Thái Quỳnh, Trần Thanh Hương
Specifically, the process of designing a
Email: quynhptt@ptit.edu.vn, huongtt@ptit.edu.vn survey questionnaire for this research consists
Đến Tòa soạn: 01/11/2021, chỉnh sửa: 30/12/2021, chấp
nhận đăng: 20/01/2022 of 07 steps:
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TECHNOLOGY HABITS OF GENERATION Z IN VIETNAM
Step 1: Define research objectives and Born from White (2017) [7]
questions 1993 to
Step 2: Determine the survey object and 2012
expected survey sample
Born from Turner (2013, p.18) [8]
Step 3: Determine the ways to collect data 1993 to
Step 4: Identify the questions in the 2005
questionnaire
Born from Singh (2014) [9]
Step 5: Arrange the order of questions in the 1995
questionnaire
Born from Jaleniauskiene & Juceviciene,
Step 6: Test interview and consult with experts
1995 to (2015) [10]; Schroer (2016) [11]
Step 7: Edit and complete the questionnaire 2012
II. OVERVIEW AND CONSTRUCTION OF Figure 1: Statistics on age division for
RESEARCH THEORIES generation Z
Characteristics of Generation Z Some salient features of Generation Z can be
Generation Z was born between 1995 and summarized as follows:
2012, and is also known as "Digital Natives," Hypertext frame of mind
"Me Generation," and "Generation N"
Generation Z generally was the first to be
(Feiertag & Berge, 2008) [3], with Generation
known as having poor face-to-face interaction
X as their primary predecessor. They were
and being less likely to use brain logic when it
born into a challenging era, with issues ranging
comes to thinking. Merriman (2015) [12] stated
from terrorism to global political instability to
that their heavy reliance on the internet has
environmental concerns. They are the first
enabled them to obtain any information quickly
generation to be widely and directly exposed
and easily. Despite a lack of physical social
to digital technologies such as social
interaction, they are highly multi-tasking and
networking sites and the overabundance of
heavily reliant on social media (Cowan, 2014)
information available on the internet (Turner,
[13]. The ability stems from their routine of
2015) [4]. There are many conflicting
performing multiple activities at the same time.
arguments about determining the exact starting
and stopping points for the birth year of Overprotected
Generation Z, as following:
According to Cowan (2014), Generation Z is
nicknamed "the curling generation" in Denmark
Age Author
because their parents diligently sweep away the
obstacles in their path as they march effortlessly
Born from Half (2015) [5]
towards their future. On the other hand, their
1990 to
parents are spoon-feeding them. In this case,
1999
they are likely to demand that the same
Born from Tulgan (2009, p.5) [6] atmosphere be created at universities
1991 to (Jaleniauskiene & Juceviciene, 2015).
2000 Lack of communication
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
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TECHNOLOGY HABITS OF GENERATION Z IN VIETNAM
natives," a term coined by Prensky (2001) [28]. online access; some Generation Z members
This new generation of students, according to view losing their online connection as
Prensky, are "native speakers of the digital punishment. Online habit of Gen Z has led to
language of computers, video games, and the their various range of digital activities, the
internet" (2001, p. 1). Bruce D. Perry discusses popularity of social media platforms and many
the theory that technology is changing the brain continuous social media activities everyday. In
structure of students in the same article a recent study of Generation Z members,
(Prensky, 2001). The theory of digital natives researchers discovered that the answer to the
began with researchers attempting to explain question "Do you know how to exist without
the differences in student behaviors and smart technologies?" was "no" (Roblek, Mesko,
communication methods caused by the Dimovski & Peterlin, 2019) [32]. In a different
introduction of technology. Some researchers study, their interview stated, "from the moment
disagree with Prensky's theory of digital natives I wake up, I will use it...every day, hour." (Toh,
and believe that students do not have drastically Howie, Coenen, & Straker, 2019) [33].
different learning styles; they believe that Therefore, the availability and acceptance of
students are impacted more by teaching constant smartphone usage has a significant
methods than by early exposure to technology impact on Generation Z's technology habits.
(Margaryan, Littlejohn & Vojt, 2011) [29]. Aside from the constant updates of smart
Most researchers agree that changing technology, Generation Z's use of innovation to
technology has an impact on every generation's communicate is distinct. Members of
communication habits. Generation Z communicate frequently through
The increasing use of smart technology, multiple media and platforms, including text
which includes smartphones and other mobile (SMS or iMessage), Instagram, FaceTime,
internet-connected devices such as smart Snapchat, and other mobile applications.
watches and tablet computers, along with their Mobile applications, also known as apps, are
common personal device ownership and the pieces of software designed specifically for
decrease in watching TV, is a defining feature mobile devices. Apps of various types include
of this generation. According to a Pew Research financial (Venmo), health (Fitbit), music
Center survey from 2018, 26% of Americans (Spotify), social media (Facebook), and instant
report being online almost constantly (Perrin & messaging (Whatsapp). There is some similarity
Jiang, 2018) [30]. However, 39% of 18- to 29- in the functions of the apps: Facebook, for
year-olds report being online almost constantly example, is primarily a social media app, but it
(Perrin & Jiang, 2018). When looking also has an instant messaging function called
specifically at teens aged 13-17, the reported Facebook Messenger. Social media sites are
number rises once more, with 45% of teens generally defined as networking platforms
reporting that they are online "almost allows users to create and share content, as well
constantly" (Anderson & Jiang, 2018) [31]. as interact with other user-generated content
This growth in technology use as age brackets provided by connections or friends (Alhabash &
become younger demonstrates a trend in which Ma, 2017) [34]. Members of Generation Z
younger people spend more time online. Turner frequently communicate with multiple people at
(2015) demonstrates that, unlike previous the same time. Managing these multiple
generations, some members of Generation Z conversations can be difficult at times,
have an emotional attachment to continuous necessitating frequent checks of multiple social
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
primary online persona and a way to protect The survey was conducted using the Google
their outward personal brand. This Form online survey tool. Survey data is
segmentation of online personas shows a collected over a period of 2 weeks from
possible conflict for Generation Z between the October 11th to October 25th, 2021.
constantly online world they live in and the Accordingly, the link to the Google Form will
need for privacy—or at minimum, a "safer be sent to people of different ages of the
space" online. generation Z. The questions are usually 'closed'
with a given answer options, also there are open
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
options for respondents to share and further
In this research, the author mainly used explain their answers. The survey deeply
quantitative research method. The questionnaire explored the following topics in the research:
survey was built consisting of mostly
• The importance of appearance
quantitative (multiple choice) questions and a
small number of qualitative (open-ended) • Online attitudes of Generation Z
questions. This method was chosen because the • Priorities of Generation Z
quantitative aspect of the survey will provide
the author with data on trends in technology • Average daily minutes of TV viewing
habits that are prevalent among Generation Z, • Personal device ownership
while the qualitative aspect will provide data
• Household device ownership
demographics of the participants as well as
giving the author a closer look at the causes of • Digital activites performed by Generation Z
those habits • Social networks accessed at least once a
Sample selection method week
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
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TECHNOLOGY HABITS OF GENERATION Z IN VIETNAM
result, while Gen Zers over the age of 22 move signaled that Facebook was aware of the
watched live TV channels for more than 200 threat posed by competitors like TikTok.
minutes/day, teenagers aged 9-18 spent only
Instagram hides public likes count to remove
70-100 minutes/day. Because advertising has
pressure
traditionally been focused on television in order
to reach the largest audiences, this has put a Instagram experimented with hiding the
strain on broadcaster revenues. However, the number of likes posts receive in July 2019 in
trend is especially strong among children, order to relieve user pressure. This is a
highlighting a larger issue for advertisers in the particularly prevalent issue among Generation
long run. Zers, with many feelings pressured to compete
with peers for likes, raising concerns about the
Companies and brands: impact on self-esteem and mental health. Users
TikTok rapidly build a large Generation Z base can still see how many people like their own
posts. In the same month, Instagram took a step
TikTok allows users to share short videos
to combat online bullying by flagging specific
(typically around 15 seconds) in the style of the
comments.
now-defunct app Vine, which shut down in
2017. TikTok launched in August 2018, after The consumer:
being merged with Musical.ly after TikTok
Smartphone ownership is almost universal
owner ByteDance purchased the app.
among Gen Zers
Musical.ly was a more specialized platform
focused on creating lip-sync videos, with a While many will continue to rely on family
small following among younger people. to fund purchases, personal ownership of many
TikTok's main selling point for users is the devices is higher than the general population's
improved video editing options, which provide average. With smartphones having been present
more creative options than rival video-sharing for the majority of their lives, ownership is far
apps. The app has expanded beyond music to above average at 95% (resulted from the
include beauty, fashion, and comedy, among survey)
other things. Most Gen Zers are living in technologically
Facebook continues to innovate to attract engaged homes
younger users Household ownership is higher than personal
In August 2019, Facebook was reportedly ownership across the board, with parents most
testing a new app built on top of Instagram to often involved in the purchase decision. Many
counter the threat posed by Snapchat. Threads, Gen Zers will have relatively young,
a new app similar to Close Friends, allows users technologically engaged parents who are still
to specify subsets of followers with whom they eager to invest in the latest gadgets. In early
are comfortable sharing more private posts and adulthood, the vast majority of Gen Zers will
stories. Increased customization should live with family, with many sharing housings.
encourage users to share more content while This will result in an increase in the number of
decreasing the tendency of some younger users devices in the home among parents, siblings,
to have multiple accounts for public and private and friends.
content. In addition, Facebook also launched Using a social media website/app is the most
Reels, a version of TikTok that allows users to popular digital activity across devices
post short-form videos, in August 2020. The
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
Only 43% of the respondants confirmed that addictive in a way that users can spend hours
they played games on their devices scrolling continuously
(smartphones, tablets, computers), making it the
Live streaming trend
least popular digital activity, in which this
research did not include static devices, such as For Generation Z, live streaming has become
Xbox or PlayStation. Meanwhile, using social a phenomenon when 75% of respondants
media website/app has become the most confirmed that they had a habit of watching live
popular digital activity when accounting for videos on personal channels (such as
72% of the respondants, followed by 69% using streamer/youtuber). Generation Z preferred to
instant messaging. This showed a very high watch real-time content, which provided high
demand of Generation Z in updating and value and two-way interactivity. Improvements
communicating with friends, family and social in live streaming technology optimized by event
relationships, while the need for gaming streaming services have reduced broadcast
entertainment was not as popular as many latency to almost the same level as that of live
people thought. broadcast. In the near future, live streaming
along with virtual reality will continue to
Facebook remains the most popular dominate over traditional forms of media
platform among Generation Z
Generation Z’s awareness of self-regulating
Facebook was the most popular social media
their technology habits
platform among Generation Z with 85% of
respondants confirmed this point, followed Aware of the negative effects of bad
closely by Youtube with 77%. YouTube's technology habits, Generation Z understood they
popularity has gradually increased as younger needed to self-regulate their habits. Only 42% of
Gen Zers watched less traditional television, but the respondants confirmed that they would spend
switched to on-demand content. a while of time not using any technology devices.
The most common reasons cited include: 1)
Logging in to other sites using a social media Protecting eyes and health 2) To have time for
account is risky but common other activities such as meeting friends, family,
75% of the respondants preferred logging in exercising and reading 3) Fear of being
to other sites using a social media account. technology addiction. However, more than half
They thought their social media account with (58%) of respondents still do not actively balance
detailed information would make them easy to between technology habits and the real world.
remember and save time every time they had to
IV. CONCLUSION
create new accounts then remember too many
passwords. This utility also allowed them to While Generation Z is a digital native who
easily post and share information from one site grew up online, having the most up-to-date
to another in just 1 second. This activity is technology is not their top priority. Many people
followed by 43% regularly posting photos or are more concerned about their appearance,
videos to a social media ―story‖ (e.g. Instagram, friendships, studies, and even environmental
Facebook, Snapchat). This trend showed that issues. With this in mind, while Gen Zers are
the attention span of users was getting shorter likely to adopt new technology and use it for
and the way Gen Z chooses what to watch has entertainment and convenience, they are unlikely
also changed. This is why short-term content to be eager to upgrade to the latest smartphone
like stories are so concise, engaging and every year. This is especially true as upgrades
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
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PHAM THI THAI QUYNH, TRAN THANH HUONG
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