UAE: How group chats become Gen Z's new 'third place' for socialising, connection

Khaleej Times

17-03-2025

Group chats have become the new go-to spot for Gen Z to hang out, replacing traditional places like malls and coffee shops.
According to the Pew Research Center, the internet has created what's known as a 'third place' — a social space outside the usual home and work or school routine.
Urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg first introduced this idea in his book The Great Good Place, describing third places as informal, relaxed spots where people can unwind and be themselves. Today, for Gen Z, this 'third place' often exists in a group chat.
These digital spaces are where friendships are strengthened through shared memes, inside jokes, and slang, much like an exclusive club where only the members get the humour.
'Unlike in-person meetups or even FaceTime, group chats let Gen Z stay connected without the pressure of immediate responses,' said 21-year-old Syrian expat Abbas Mahmoud. 'I can dip in and out of conversations at my own pace. Group chats aren't just for catching up, they're hubs for holiday planning, venting sessions, and sharing life updates.'
With various sub-groups like friend groups, work chats, family chats, and fandom (communities of fans) groups, Gen Z can manage all aspects of social life seamlessly. 'It's also convenient because I don't have to commit to a long conversation or in-person meetups,' added Abbas.
Tejasvi Sandeep Gurjar, a fashion marketer at Rochaan, echoed this sentiment, explaining how these communities have become integral to modern life. 'People order food and join online communities in their pyjamas, where group chats let you connect with friends from around the world while being in a relaxed environment.'
The 22-year-old also explained apart from group chats, she regularly 'hangs out' with her friends through virtual calls that helps her save time and money while staying connected.
'I often chat with my friends from my neighbourhood or building who now live in different countries. Sometimes, we all buy our own coffee at a café and log in for a virtual hangout.
"On Fridays, I log in at noon, and we chat until 4pm. This happens three times a month — it's a great way to maintain those connections. We have a lot to catch up on and usually have five to six people joining from places like Germany, the US, the UK, India, and Australia," she explained.
Sharing experiences, sense of belonging
For Gen Z, these group chats aren't just about keeping in touch; they provide shared experiences, foster a sense of belonging, and offer psychological safety. Wellness coaches and professionals who work with Gen Z's emphasise how group chats fulfill this generation's need for authentic connection, emotional openness, and meaningful conversations.
Girish Hemnani, a life coach and energy healer based in Dubai, said, 'Group chats serve as a modern 'third place' for Gen Z. Humans seek spaces where they can express vulnerability, share ideas freely, and build trust. Group chats provide that, allowing Gen Z to connect beyond geographic limits. They offer not only quick communication but also shared experiences, a sense of belonging and safety, which are essential for personal growth and innovation.'
However, he also pointed out a potential downside. 'While group chats offer incredible convenience and connection, they can unintentionally reinforce isolation if used as the sole social outlet. The key is balancing digital and real-world interactions to build authentic, deep, meaningful relationships.'
M eaningful face-to-face human interactions
Experts also pointed out that the key is awareness in ensuring that these digital spaces complement rather than substitute meaningful face-to-face human interactions.
'Gen Z often starts with real-life friends in group chats and then expands into online communities with like-minded people. These connections are based on shared interests, not physical appearance or social status, leading to genuine, unbiased relationships. They felt safe among strangers who shared their values rather than materialistic similarities," explained Hemant Jain, a life coach and corporate trainer based in Dubai.
'In my experience of coaching Leaders in corporate world, the Millennials who are Leaders now and have GenZ kids, perceive GenZ as lonely since they don't see them interacting much with people in real life. On the other hand, when I interact with GenZ, they tell me they have multiple networks of friends they can connect anytime on different platforms. So are never alone. Their mobile phone is their connection to their entire network of friends,' he added.