In a fast-changing world, young people are increasingly turning to self-development to stay competitive, mentally healthy, and personally fulfilled. According to a 2025 Jakpat survey involving 1,549 respondents in Indonesia, a significant number of Gen Z and Millennials are prioritizing personal and professional growth through various self-development efforts. Among them, Gen Z self-development trends stand out as a reflection of evolving youth priorities and the role of digital culture in shaping new learning pathways.

This article explores the rising interest in mental development, preferred learning methods, and key barriers that Gen Z faces. We'll also examine how influencers, platforms like TikTok, and budget limitations influence their decisions.

Let’s dive into the core areas defining how Gen Z in Indonesia is approaching self-development today.

Mental Development Tops the List

One of the most significant Gen Z self-development trends is the overwhelming focus on mental development. According to the survey, 66% of respondents cited mental growth as their primary goal in personal development. Unlike previous generations who may have focused more on tangible skills like coding or business operations, Gen Z seems deeply aware of the importance of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and mental resilience.

Why Mental Development Matters

In a post-pandemic era filled with uncertainty, social media pressure, and an always-on lifestyle, Gen Z is seeking ways to build psychological strength. They are attending webinars, consuming motivational content, and practicing wellness techniques such as journaling, therapy, and meditation. Notably, more than 60% of Gen Z said they increased their spiritual or worship activities as part of this development effort, indicating a holistic view of mental well-being.

Online Courses and Skill Learning Take Center Stage

Another major takeaway from the report is the growing popularity of online learning platforms among Gen Z. The majority of Gen Z respondents reported taking self-paced or live courses to develop soft skills like public speaking and hard skills such as foreign languages or digital tools. In fact, public speaking was the most preferred course among Gen Z, while Millennials leaned more toward digital marketing.

This shift to online self-development courses aligns well with Gen Z’s digital-native behavior. Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and even TikTok are no longer just entertainment spaces but educational hubs. According to the report, TikTok has become Gen Z's top social media platform for discovering self-development resources and ideas.

Learning by Doing

Interestingly, 7 out of 10 Gen Z respondents also mentioned they actively learn new things as part of their self-development. Many pursue freelance work, internships, or passion projects that allow them to apply newly acquired knowledge. These real-world experiences help bridge the gap between theory and practice, which traditional education often fails to do.

Barriers: Time, Money, and Motivation

Despite high interest, barriers remain. Around 35% of respondents—especially Millennials—cited lack of funds as a major obstacle to engaging in self-development activities. Another 34% said time constraints prevented them from pursuing growth opportunities.

Among Gen Z respondents, lack of motivation was a prominent reason for not engaging in self-development. This highlights the emotional fatigue many youths are dealing with, possibly due to overexposure to productivity culture and online comparisons.

Breaking Through Barriers

To address these challenges, many young individuals are turning to low-cost or free online resources and communities for support. Influencers like Deddy Corbuzier, who ranks among the top self-development figures in Indonesia, also play a crucial role. His podcasts and social media content offer motivational and educational insights that resonate strongly with youth.

The Role of Influencers and Digital Platforms

One of the most surprising but telling insights is the role of social media influencers in shaping Gen Z’s personal growth. Deddy Corbuzier, a public figure known for his thought-provoking discussions, emerged as one of the top influencers associated with self-development.

This aligns with a broader trend where Gen Z looks for inspiration and knowledge from people they trust online. Unlike formal educators or institutions, influencers are seen as more relatable, up-to-date, and dynamic. This is part of what makes Gen Z self-development trends so digital-first and personality-driven.

TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are not only content platforms but also digital classrooms where users can learn about everything from productivity hacks to emotional intelligence techniques. This shift has democratized education and made it more accessible.

A Generation Focused on Holistic Growth

Ultimately, the survey paints a clear picture: Gen Z is deeply interested in growing not just professionally, but as complete individuals. Their self-development journey is driven by curiosity, emotional balance, and future readiness.

They seek out:

• Mental and spiritual development
• Communication and language skills
• Affordable, accessible learning methods
• Real-life application through side jobs or projects
• Digital role models and resources

While Millennials may still hold more traditional views on career development, Gen Z is leading the charge into a new era of holistic self-improvement.

Conclusion

The 2025 Jakpat survey offers a compelling look into how self-development is evolving among Indonesia’s young population. Gen Z self-development trends reflect a generation that is conscious, connected, and committed to improving themselves on all fronts—mentally, emotionally, and professionally.

Their reliance on digital platforms, preference for soft skills, and demand for emotional well-being over merely career advancement marks a paradigm shift. As education, technology, and content continue to evolve, the focus on personal growth will likely intensify—paving the way for a more informed, empowered generation.