Thorpe Park has revealed findings highlighting what it calls the ‘Group Chat Gap’ — the growing disconnect between making plans digitally and actually following through in person. The research, commissioned by the Surrey theme park and involving 1,000 Gen Z adults, found that 88 per cent currently have at least one dream plan stalled in their messages.

Despite being constantly connected online, the study suggests Gen Z still place high value on face-to-face experiences. According to the findings, 81 per cent say in-person activities help them feel more connected to others, while 64 per cent feel more emotionally connected when spending time together in real life.

However, making plans happen appears to be proving difficult.

Holidays abroad top the list of plans most likely to remain trapped in the group chat, with 47 per cent admitting travel ideas never make it beyond discussion. Spontaneous “let’s do something fun” suggestions follow at 40 per cent, ahead of weekend city breaks at 27 per cent. Activity days out such as theme parks rank fourth at 26 per cent, while concerts and festivals complete the top five at 25 per cent.

The research also found that 30 per cent of Gen Z struggle to create meaningful social connections within their everyday routines.

Katie Howell, Director of Operations at Thorpe Park, said: “The Group Chat Gap is something that almost everyone recognises – the plans you talk about for weeks but never actually make happen.

“Our research shows Gen Z are craving more real-world connection, but often struggle to move plans beyond the group chat. Thorpe Park exists to bring people together through shared experiences, from the anticipation before a big ride to the adrenaline rush itself and reliving those moments afterwards.”

Thorpe Park hopes its extended opening hours this season will encourage friends to swap scrolling for shared experiences and finally turn those long-discussed plans into lasting memories.