Virtual Reality’s Appeal to Generation Z

I recently connected with John Miley of the Kiplinger Letter who wanted to know how Virtual Reality (VR) would appeal to Generation Z.  My reaction? Like bees to honey!  Having the ability to ‘travel,’ ‘tour’ and ‘experience’ without leaving their room will sound like an outstanding proposition to them.  Gen Z, particularly gamers, are already experiencing VR yet VR delivers so much more:  incredibly entertaining, deeply emotional, educationally interactive intense experiences that Gen Z will embrace.  Imagine what VR will do for college tours! (Photo: Urban Outfitters)

January 20, 2016
In this issue: The coming of car apps, car apps and more car apps. Drones in urban areas. Robo-writing software. Generation Z — a ready market for virtual reality.

Virtual Reality’s Appeal to Generation Z

Much of virtual reality’s long-term success will hinge on Generation Z, the cohort of people currently 17 years old and younger. They’ll be in their 20s and 30s as VR becomes commonplace. The good news for the VR industry? Gen Z-ers will likely be a receptive bunch. “Already they practically live and operate virtually,” says Nancy Nessel, who studies the group as the founder of GettingGenZ.com. “Having the ability to ‘travel,’ ‘tour’ and ‘experience’ without leaving their room will sound like an outstanding proposition to them.” VR companies will have to overcome challenges, though. Gen-Zers can be frugal and unaffected by traditional marketing, so it will take quality VR experiences to win them over.

Nessel says that Gen Z-ers, especially gamers, are very receptive to new tech and are fast learners. Just as social media has created new jobs for millennials, the VR industry will likely be a source of jobs for Gen Z-ers.

Sincerely,

John Miley
jmiley@kiplinger.com
@johntmiley