The Impact of Digital Culture and Social Networks on Lifestyle Forms and Values in Generation Z: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Generation Z, the first generation of true digital natives, has grown up in an environment saturated with digital technology and social media. This pervasive exposure is hypothesized to have profoundly reshaped their lifestyle, values, and overall well-being. While numerous studies have explored this phenomenon, a comprehensive synthesis is needed to quantify the magnitude and scope of these effects. This meta-analysis synthesizes evidence from recent international and regional studies, including those from Persian-speaking contexts, to provide a robust, multi-faceted understanding of the impact of digital culture on Generation Z. Methods: A systematic search of academic databases, including Google Scholar, was conducted for empirical studies published between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۵. We included quantitative and qualitative studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews that examined the relationship between digital technology/social media use and outcomes related to lifestyle, values, and mental well-being in Generation Z populations. A random-effects model was used to pool effect sizes (Hedges’ g, correlation r, and Odds Ratios). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and moderator analyses were performed to investigate potential sources of variation. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test and a trim-and-fill procedure. Results: Eight primary studies and meta-analyses, encompassing over ۱۵,۰۰۰ participants, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a significant overall impact of digital culture across several domains. The most substantial effects were observed in Digital Adoption and Behavior (pooled OR = ۲.۱۲, ۹۵% CI [۱.۶۸, ۲.۶۷]) and Values and Identity (pooled r = ۰.۳۸, ۹۵% CI [۰.۲۹, ۰.۴۶]). A moderate but significant impact was found on Lifestyle Changes (pooled d = ۰.۳۵, ۹۵% CI [۰.۲۴, ۰.۴۶]) and a smaller, yet statistically significant, effect on Well-being and Mental Health (pooled g = ۰.۲۲, ۹۵% CI [۰.۱۵, ۰.۲۹]). Significant heterogeneity was present in most analyses (I² > ۷۰%). Moderator analysis indicated that study design was a significant factor, with observational studies reporting larger effect sizes than RCTs (p =.۰۲۲). No significant publication bias was detected. Conclusion: The findings confirm that digital culture and social networks are powerful forces shaping the lives of Generation Z, with a particularly strong influence on their adoption of digital behaviors and the formation of their values and identity. The impact is complex and often paradoxical, presenting both opportunities for connection and risks to well-being. The results underscore the need for nuanced digital literacy programs and policies that equip young people to navigate the digital world in a healthy and empowered manner.