Gen-Z and individual third spaces: Examining youth mobility in urban areas in the context of space and time

Abstract

Generation Z (Gen-Z) represents a significant segment of the urban population, comprising approximately one-quarter of the global population. With unique travel patterns and activities, this group exerts a substantial influence on the dynamics of urban mobility. This study focuses on the mobility patterns of Gen-Z in Makassar, a metropolitan city in Indonesia that shares similar characteristics with other major cities in developing countries, such as Medan, Surabaya, Bandung, and Denpasar. These characteristics include limited public transportation infrastructure, a high number of daily commuters, the dominance of private vehicle use, and a significant Gen-Z population. Using travel history data from Google Maps Timeline, this study observed 563 Gen-Z individuals over 150 days (5 months), recording 276,433 trips and visits to 203,806 locations visits. This study aims to analyze how the time spent in individual third spaces influences mobility patterns, particularly daily trips and daily mileage. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the types and characteristics of third spaces frequently visited by Gen-Z and analyze the factors influencing the duration of time spent in these spaces, such as the distance from home or campus, as well as the available facilities. The results indicate that increased time spent in these spaces significantly reduces daily trips and daily mileage. Moreover, most of the selected third spaces are located near campuses, highlighting a strong correlation between third space locations and the academic activities of Gen-Z. These findings provide critical insights into how third spaces influence the travel patterns and daily activities of Gen-Z, as well as their implications for urban mobility efficiency and carbon emission reduction. This study underscores the importance of understanding the evolving urban lifestyles in designing transportation policies and urban planning strategies to support sustainable urban environments.