Digital Communication Among Generation Z Students: an Integrated Perspective from the University of Warsaw

Abstract

Digital communication has become an integral component of Generation Z’s everyday life, influencing interpersonal interaction, learning, relationship maintenance, and identity expression. Previous research has explored different aspects of Generation Z’s digital communication. The aim of this study is to examine Generation Z students’ digital communication from an integrated perspective encompassing three interconnected dimensions: communication intensity, communication practices, and communication culture. The research employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey based on an anonymous online questionnaire completed by 133 students enrolled at the University of Warsaw. The questionnaire included closed-ended items addressing the frequency of social media and messaging application use, preferred platforms and communication formats, attitudes toward video calls, voice messages, and delayed responses, as well as perceptions of online friendships, public self-expression, and the importance of personal identity in digital environments. The results confirm the central role of digital communication in students’ everyday lives. Social media and messaging applications were identified as the principal channels of interaction, while respondents demonstrated flexibility in selecting platforms and communication forms according to situational needs. The findings further revealed broad acceptance of delayed responses, selective use of voice messages, and generally positive attitudes toward video-mediated communication. Most participants regarded online friendships as meaningful relationships while continuing to value face-to-face interaction. Although personal identity was considered important by the majority of respondents, relatively few expressed their personal views publicly online, reflecting a selective and context-dependent approach to digital participation. The study provides an integrated perspective on Generation Z’s digital communication and contributes to a better understanding of communication behaviour in contemporary digital environments.