청년 세대의 삶과 종교적 태도, 그리고 불교의 대응: Z세대와 알파 세대를 중심으로 = The Life and Religious Attitudes of Younger Generations, and Buddhist Responses: Focusing on Generation Z and Generation Alpha

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper analyzes the lifestyles and religious attitudes of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, and comprehensively proposes response strategies for religious institutions, particularly Buddhism, to engage with these generations. Generation Z and Generation Alpha are the first digital natives, having grown up naturally embracing and utilizing smartphones, online platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of their daily lives since birth. These generations have spent their formative years amidst periods of high economic and social uncertainty, such as the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing severe economic instability, along with structural issues like high unemployment, increasing debt, and housing insecurity. Particularly in Korea, younger generations face the most extreme economic pressure and mental stress among OECD countries, with deepening gender conflicts and political polarization.
In this context, Generation Z and Generation Alpha exhibit distinct individualistic tendencies, prioritize fairness and the realization of social values, and actively pursue new lifestyles that emphasize personal well-being, happiness, and individual values, diverging from the traditional paths of older generations. In terms of religion, their trust and affinity towards existing traditional religious institutions are very low, leading to a rapid disaffiliation from institutional religions. However, their desire to seek spirituality or meaning in life through individualized approaches, outside of institutional frameworks, remains high.
Accordingly, this paper suggests that Buddhism must develop fundamental response strategies that consider the characteristics of younger generations. These strategies include restoring trust, building horizontal and communicative communities, strengthening the practice of social responsibility, providing mental and spiritual well-being programs, effectively utilizing digital platforms for communication and community building, and playing a role in mediating conflicts in a multi-generational society.