A shocking 99% of Generation Z consumers have admitted to frequently skipping ads, in a new report released by digital consumer research firm Bulbshare.
Gathering insights from thousands of consumers around the world, the study titled ‘Ad blockers and advocacy: Why Gen Z is blocking paid ads in favour of real voices’, also found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Generation Zs use ad blockers to avoid online adverts.
“Their readiness to do so comes largely from the fact that they feel overwhelmed by the number of adverts they see daily,” Bulbshare said.
“The report shows that nearly three-quarters (74%) of consumers feel bombarded with ads. The same percentage feel irritated with adverts and the incursions they place on their time. One in four, meanwhile, find advertising extremely intrusive, while one in two believe it is somewhat disruptive.”
READ MORE: Waning influence: UK public turning its back on influencers amid deep-rooted mistrust
In recent years brands have increasingly supplemented their traditional advertising efforts with influencer marketing, but customers are becoming more distrustful of the relationships between big brands and high-profile figures.
Some 84% of those born between 1997 and 2012 have lost faith in influencers, with 86% admitting that they would rather buy a product recommended by a friend.
“The best advertising has always been disruptive. It should be difficult to ignore. But today’s brands face the very real danger of being part of an indistinct but annoying wall of noise,” Bulbshare founder and CEO Matt Hay said.
“The desire for authenticity makes it imperative that brands not only have products worth recommending but that they cultivate communities where authentic recommendations can take place. In fact, there’s real hunger for this among Gen Z consumers.
“Some three quarters (74%) would promote a product they genuinely care about online. Moreover, 88% are enthusiastic about collaborating with brands, and 76% said they enjoy reviewing products.”
“In a world where 81% of consumers trust real opinions over those promoted via an advert. It makes much more sense to allow consumers to be authentic advocates for a product or brand than to spend money on an ad that will, at best, be ignored and cause active resentment at worst.”
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