#Japan #Gen Z #Tokyo #Dad Vibes #Plus Eight

Understanding 'Dad Vibes' Through the Eyes of Gen Z

In recent times, the term “dad vibes” has emerged as a label that many young men fear, often associated with behaviors that seem out of touch with contemporary social norms. A new survey conducted by Plus Eight provides valuable insights into how Gen Z women view these vibes and the behaviors that define them.

The Survey Overview

Conducted between April 28 and May 1, 2025, this survey targeted two distinct groups: Gen Z women aged 18 to 24 and men aged 28 to 35. A total of 1,005 responses were collected to understand what behaviors elicit a “dad” label and at what age women perceive men as embodying these qualities. The findings are revealing, suggesting that it’s not just age but a mix of actions, speech, and attitudes that contribute to this perception.

When Does a Man Become a 'Dad'?

Respondents were asked to identify the age at which they begin to perceive someone as having dad vibes. Here’s what they said:

Gen Z Women (18-24)

• - 44.6%: 40 years and older
• - 13.8%: 34-35 years
• - 13.4%: Under 25 years

Men Aged 28-35

• - 33.0%: 40 years and older
• - 22.5%: 30-31 years
• - 17.9%: 34-35 years

The data showcases a significant discrepancy. While Gen Z women perceive the threshold for dad vibes at 40 and above, younger men feel an onset of these vibes starting from their own early 30s. This indicates that while women view dad attributes as somewhat distant, men are keenly aware of their vulnerability to embodying these traits at a relatively young age.

Actions Speak Louder Than Age

The survey also identified specific behaviors and characteristics that trigger the dad perception among Gen Z women. Here are a few highlights:

Actions That Elicit 'Dad' Recognition

• - 83.9%: Wiping the face with a wet towel
• - 76.1%: Often discussing experiences from youth
• - 68.7%: Asking the meaning of trendy slang
• - 66.3%: Using exaggerated punctuation such as “‼️” or “⁉️”

Interestingly, the survey revealed a split opinion regarding phrases like “I’m old enough to know better,” which 48.2% identified as dad-like behavior, and excessive use of emojis at the end of sentences, noted by 46.2%.

Neutral Behaviors

On the other hand, certain behaviors were seen as less indicative of dad vibes, such as gathering news primarily from television (36.3%) or showing unnecessary interest in personal stories (35.9%). This illustrates a nuanced understanding that not all traditional behaviors are labeled as ‘dad-like.’

The Cornerstones of Avoiding Dad Vibes

When it comes to avoiding the dad label, both groups emphasized the importance of personal grooming and a sense of cleanliness:

Gen Z Women (18-24)

• - 66.9%: Attentiveness to appearance
• - 65.7%: Maintaining cleanliness
• - 48.0%: Avoiding imposing one’s values on others

Men Aged 28-35

• - 64.8%: Attentiveness to appearance
• - 51.9%: Maintaining cleanliness
• - 43.9%: Keeping in shape

Both demographics agree that grooming and cleanliness significantly impact perceptions and can play a crucial role in avoiding the dad label. The visual appearance is often the most immediate indicator, influencing first impressions in social contexts.

The Facial Grooming Factor

One key element highlighted in the survey is the importance of eyebrow grooming. This aspect not only contributes to overall cleanliness but also symbolizes youthfulness and self-management, especially in interactions. Gen Z women are particularly sensitive to how well-groomed men appear, indicating that even subtle details like eyebrows can affect perception profoundly.

When asked if tidy eyebrows could impact a man’s overall impression, approximately 80% of Gen Z women confirmed that well-maintained eyebrows offer a clean and sharp appearance, directly correlating to being perceived as younger and more vibrant. In contrast, the finding among men showed a lower conviction on the significant role of eyebrow grooming, thus indicating a gap in awareness between the two groups.

Conclusion: Updating Your Self-Image

In conclusion, the study reveals that the concept of dad vibes is more complex than simply attributing it to age. It highlights the need for updating behaviors, speech, and grooming practices to align more closely with contemporary standards of youthfulness. Grooming, particularly eyebrow care, plays a pivotal role in how young men can cultivate a fresher image in the eyes of their peers and younger women.

To address these grooming needs, Plus Eight operates the leading men’s eyebrow styling salon in Japan, offering tailored services designed to help men achieve their desired eyebrow aesthetics, ultimately supporting their grooming journey and helping them dodge the dad label. For men looking to elevate their appearance and counteract the dad vibes, visiting Plus Eight can be a beneficial first step toward a refreshed image.

For further details, check out Plus Eight here.