“Gathering experiences has become a lifestyle,” says Roshini Karthikeyan, 24, from Chennai. “One day I’m caught up in the energy of a live concert. The next I’m slowly crocheting or tufting. Seeking new experiences is a big part of who I am.”
For Maitreyi C, an 18-year-old student, this drive to explore is how Gen Z is finding their own “third place” in the hustle and bustle of real-time. “Experiential consumption is our way of seeking a third place in an advanced capitalist society,” she says. “Third places have traditionally been spaces outside of home or work where people can relax and bond, but today many of these spaces either don’t exist or aren’t accessible to everyone. Not malls? Parks? Roads are often occupied by cars and there’s little room for people to just exist.”
Maitreya added that the lack of free and meaningful public spaces has led them to spend money on new experiences and naturally seek social connections.
Beyond fun and connection, pursuing new experiences also means defining your personality. Anesh J. Narayanan, a 21-year-old medical student from Chennai, agrees. And our experiences shape our perspectives. The more we see the world, the more our perspective expands, allowing us to understand ourselves and others on a whole new level. ”
A few people in the city also share the desire to reduce material possessions and lean into the role of authorized memory keepers. “We invest in things that make us feel alive and connected in a way that material goods cannot,” says Meghna, a marketing graduate with a master’s degree in business.・Maran (24) says. She looks for activities that are immersive, adventurous, historical, and full of meaning.
Fintech student Aiden Sam Mathews, 22, echoed similar sentiments. “I consciously try to buy fewer materials,” he says. “Once, I went from Chennai to Bangalore for just one day to watch a match between Kerala Blasters and Bangalore FC. It was purely to get excited about the live moment at the stadium. That’s why. I value experiences more than buying things.”
Anesh agrees, especially when it comes to Chennai’s independent concert scene. “You have to have an edge at a concert. The atmosphere, the contagious energy, the people you meet, and the excitement of watching your favorite artists sing their hearts out is unparalleled.”
Maitreyi says this generation’s appetite for new experiences is deeply shaped by the generations that came before it, making it both familiar and unique. Knitting and crocheting wasn’t just for fun. They were practical skills to create what was needed. Today we are attending a crochet class. Because it’s an opportunity to calm down and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. ”
Meghna expands on this by saying: “Where before many people valued stability, we prioritize flexibility, self-expression, and the idea of making memories. Our approach to lifestyle choices is one of diversity and uniqueness. There is often a greater emphasis on sexuality, and social media plays a big role in amplifying this mindset. Exposure causes us to seek out more niche and unconventional experiences.”
But for some, constant documentation on social media becomes a burden. “The pressure to constantly share and prove that you’re living your best life on social media can undermine the very idea of experiencing things authentically,” Maitreyi added. Ta. Whether it’s a quiet post-crossing gathering or a stadium-shaking concert, Gen Z is creating their own rooms, living loud, and doing it their way.
Published – October 28, 2024 12:28 AM IST
