ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THIRD PLACES USAGE BY GENERATION Z: AN ANALYSIS OF PREFERENCES AND EXPENDITURE

Abstract

In contemporary society, the cultivation of social bonds and the support of social capital are particularly important for economic development. The construction of social capital frequently occurs in Third Places – locations situated between the First Place (home) and the Second Place (work/school). A thorough review of relevant literature clearly indicates that the presence of such venues yields multifaceted benefits. Accordingly, the present study focuses on uncovering patterns and preferences in the use of Third Places among Generation Z users. The purpose of this study was to examine the preferences of Generation Z as users of Third Places. This was achieved through a survey conducted among young people born between 1995 and 2007, followed by a statistical analysis that particularly focused on the relationship between their self-reported financial situation and the frequency of visits to various types or categories of Third Places. A survey was conducted in the Silesian Voivodeship (Poland) in October 2025, utilizing a non-random sample of 300 students. The collected data enabled a detailed statistical analysis. Based on these findings, it was revealed that Generation Z users actively frequent diverse categories of Third Places. Notably, free or low-cost Third Places related to recreation (such as urban parks and public gyms) attracted particular interest. The results also demonstrated that financial barriers constitute the primary obstacle to utilizing Third Places among the surveyed individuals. The analysis summarizes the current situation and identifies avenues for further research on this subject.