Gen Z Prefers Animation & Less Sex Onscreen, Survey Finds

The landscape of media consumption is constantly evolving, with each generation leaving its unique imprint on popular culture. A recent “Teens & Screens” survey from UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers sheds revealing light on what Generation Z truly desires from their entertainment: a notable shift towards more animation and a clear preference for less explicit sexual content onscreen. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about youth media preferences, pointing towards a generation that values relatability, authentic relationships, and wholesome narratives.

The annual report, titled “Get Real: Relatability on Demand,” surveyed 1,500 Americans aged 10 to 24, a sample designed to proportionally reflect the diverse Gen Z population across various demographics. Conducted between August 13 and August 25, the study offers compelling insights into the viewing habits and narrative preferences of young audiences today.

A Growing Appetite for Animation

One of the most striking revelations from the “Teens & Screens” survey is Gen Z’s increasing enthusiasm for animated content. The percentage of adolescents who prefer animation over live-action media saw a significant rise, climbing from 42% last year to 48.5% this year. This trend isn’t confined to younger teens; nearly 48% of respondents aged 19-24 also expressed a preference for animation. This suggests a broader appeal for the medium across the Gen Z demographic, moving beyond childhood nostalgia into genuine appreciation for animated storytelling.

Relatability and Authentic Connections Over Romance and Sex

Contrary to the long-standing Hollywood trope of catering to young audiences with sensationalized narratives featuring sex and scandal, Gen Z’s preferences indicate a shift towards more grounded and meaningful storytelling. The survey found that 32% of respondents most wanted to see relatable stories on screen, specifically “people with lives like mine,” rather than fantasy or aspirational narratives.

A significant portion of the 14-24 demographic expressed a strong desire for content centered around friendships. Almost 60% (59.7%) wanted to see more content where friendships are the central relationships. Furthermore, 54.1% wished for portrayals of characters who are not interested in romantic relationships at a given point in time. The desire for diverse friendship dynamics was also evident, with 54.9% wanting more “different gender friendships” and 49% seeking more “same gender friendships.” Within these on-screen friendships, there was a specific request for the depiction of “healthy conflict resolution.”

Perhaps most indicative of the generational shift, romance ranked third-to-last on a list of topics youths desired to see explored on screen. A substantial 60.9% of respondents stated they wanted romantic relationships depicted as “more about the friendship between the couple than sex.” Reinforcing this sentiment, 48.4% felt that there is “too much sex and sexual content in TV and movies.” Tired tropes like toxic relationships and love triangles also ranked low in interest among young viewers.

Evolving Viewing Habits and Preferred Activities

While Gen Z’s content preferences lean towards more wholesome and relatable narratives, their viewing habits reflect a blend of traditional and modern approaches. The survey highlights that young Americans still engage significantly with traditional media, with 53% discussing movies and TV shows with friends more than content watched on social media. In fact, 57% of respondents reported watching traditional media (movies and TV shows) more than older generations might assume.

Interestingly, “Go see a new movie in theaters” was ranked as the top weekend activity for the second consecutive year, assuming cost was not a barrier. Movies were also preferred over video games and concerts for shared viewing experiences with friends.

However, the platform for consumption has diversified. Nearly 80% of respondents sometimes, most of the time, or always watch TV shows and movies on platforms like YouTube or TikTok, rather than exclusively on traditional television or in theaters. This indicates a flexible approach to accessing content, leveraging digital platforms for convenience and accessibility.

Popular Choices Reflect New Trends

The shows and movies topping Gen Z’s favorites list further corroborate the survey’s findings. Popular choices include “Stranger Things,” “Wednesday,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” and “Spider-Man.” These titles often prioritize strong friendships, relatable characters (even in fantastical settings), and adventures that are not primarily driven by overt sexual themes. They offer engagement through compelling narratives and character development, aligning perfectly with the desire for authentic and resonant stories.

Conclusion

The “Teens & Screens” survey offers a compelling snapshot of Gen Z’s media consumption, revealing a generation that, contrary to some stereotypes, values depth, authenticity, and connection. This demographic wants more animation, seeking diverse and imaginative storytelling without excessive reliance on sexual content. They are drawn to narratives that prioritize genuine friendships and relatable life experiences, preferring these over romantic drama or explicit themes. For content creators and platforms, these findings underscore the importance of crafting stories that resonate with the desire for meaningful relationships and authentic representation, marking a potential shift in the trends that have historically defined youth entertainment.