ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA — Research presented at the Society for Risk Analysis annual meeting in Washington in December 2025 indicates that Generation Z perceives more dangers in life compared to previous generations. This perception contributes to increased risk aversion in social interactions and relationships, according to Gabriel Rubin, a professor of justice studies at Montclair State University.

Rubin's research, based on 108 interviews conducted between November 2022 and April 2025 for an unpublished study, suggests that individuals in this generation are influenced by a fear of public criticism. "They said, 'You do not want to look bad in front of a girl, or you do not want to have a bad day because people could criticize you on social media or mock you,'" Rubin said. Rubin noted that this caution can hinder personal growth and expression. "It becomes difficult to express yourself, be yourself, make mistakes, go on dates and talk to people in the office," Rubin said.

Jayden, a 25-year-old St. Petersburg, Florida, resident, reflected on past experiences, stating, "If this does not work out, you already know what a breakup feels like, and you know what it feels like to be humiliated, and I do not want to go through that again." Jayden had experienced unsuccessful dates through mobile applications after moving to St. Petersburg following her college graduation. She believes men should approach women in public with confidence and respect, though she also stated that men approaching her despite her disinterest made her uncomfortable.

A study by the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University and the Institute for Family Studies found that approximately one in three men and one in five women aged 22 to 35 in the U.S. report confidence in romantically approaching someone. Child and family psychologist Richard Weissbourd noted that conversations with Generation Z members revealed some believe a relationship could destabilize their lives due to a lack of preparation. "We learn so much about ourselves when we have romantic relationships and I think learning to have a good relationship is a really important task," Weissbourd said. He also stated that relationships are vital for human experience. "Whether romantic or not, learning to have close relationships is one of the best things about being human," he said.

Generation Z's risk aversion correlates with lower teenage pregnancy rates and a focus on work-life balance.