Why Gen Z Doesn't Care About Music

RambleTamble

RambleTamble

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U.S.
In this video, Rick Beato discusses his theory on why Generation Z (born approx. 1995-2012) generally cares less about music compared to previous generations. He posits that the addictive nature of video games and visual entertainment (like YouTube and Twitch) has replaced the traditional Coming-of-Age ritual of buying and bonding over music records (0:26-2:32).

Key Points:

Addiction to Gaming: Beato shares his personal experience being overwhelmed by the addictiveness of Mario Kart, noting how it causes total focus, leaving no room for appreciating background music (0:26-1:45).
Shift in Role Models: Instead of wanting to be rock stars or musicians, many kids today emulate gamers and YouTubers (4:39-5:16).
Lack of Engagement: While many Gen Zers are skilled instrumentalists, they often learn via tutorials rather than having a deep, ear-driven appreciation for music as a central part of their daily lives (8:39-9:36).
 
as a gamer myself, the music in the games is just background noise for ambience. most of the time i find the music annoying and either turn it off or turn it way down. when i'm focused on a game i don't really pay any attention to the music. it's the action and the sound effects that are gonna be in the forefront.

i love music but anymore i rarely listen to it.
 
I think it's probably true that young people today bond more over video games than over music. Times have changed. My parents' generation was into Frank Sinatra style easy listening jazz. My generation was into what we now call "classic rock." Subsequent generations were into punk, new wave, and then grunge.

But then, with the ubiquity of computers beginning in the '90s, young people's interests shifted away from music and to video games. Sure, there are still pop stars, but it's nothing like it used to be. I don't think young people sit down and really listen to Taylor Swift or whoever because there's really not much to listen to. It's more background music, or maybe sing-along music for young girls, but not listen-to music.
 
I have no interest in watching his video but I'm wondering where he's getting his statistics.

Anecdotally I don't find this to be true. There are lots of Gen Z folks on a music discussion site I am on and many of them are very into music. Interestingly enough a lot of them listen to video game soundtracks so Rick might be ignoring those when he considers music.

Another things I've found on the site is that there are more Gen Z folks making music than folks from other generations. It is much easier for people to make their own music these days and make it available to others. I think that's especially true for Gen Z who are more familiar with the tools available to do so.

He would have to have a lot of very compelling and rock solid statistics for me to believe his opinion is correct.
 
When a friend of mine passed away I wondered what music would be played at her funeral. Sure, enough at the appropriate
time the first few chords of Santana blasted out and we all had a smile on our faces. She was 86 when she passed and always loved his music.
 
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