Generation LOST: A Third of Gen Z Relies on GPS for Every Trip

29 March 2026

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Gen Z’s Reliance on Navigation Tools

It is a common practice for many individuals to use navigation tools without giving it much thought. A recent survey has shown that even the shortest drives are enough for Gen Z to turn to Google Maps for guidance.

Experts from Carmoola conducted a survey of 2,000 Brits to understand their preferences regarding sat nav systems while driving. The results highlighted a clear generational divide, with younger drivers showing a greater tendency to rely on navigation tools, even for familiar routes.

Almost a third (28 per cent) of drivers aged 25–34 stated that they always use sat nav as a ‘non-negotiable’ when driving, while 20 per cent admitted to using it for short trips such as going to the supermarket.

This trend is not surprising to many young drivers, who often share their experiences on social media platforms. For instance, @cuzinsuzyofficial1 shared on TikTok: “I don’t know my way around anywhere, it’s the truth. Every single time I need to go somewhere, I’ve got to have my sat nav.”

Another user, @daniellejohnstonex, commented: “How did drivers cope without sat nav? Because I genuinely wouldn’t make it out my area.”

The survey also revealed that older drivers are more confident in navigating without technology. Among drivers over 45, about two in 10 said they use a sat nav for every journey, while 15 per cent rarely use one at all.

As part of the survey, respondents were asked what they would do if their sat nav lost signal. The results showed that 57 per cent of drivers aged 55–64 said they would rely on road signs and landmarks. In contrast, only 44 per cent of 25–34-year-olds said the same, while 25 per cent said they would stop and ask for directions.

Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, noted: “What’s clear is that drivers now expect things to just work – whether that’s getting from A to B or getting behind the wheel in the first place. Navigation has become second nature because it removes friction, and we’re seeing that same expectation carry across the whole driving experience.”

Young drivers frequently discuss their reliance on sat nav on social media. @nicccbaby asked: “Am I the only person who puts their sat nav on to drive five minutes down the road?” Meanwhile, @chrissy.j.xx added: “I have to research on maps a week before, look up pics on Google and use a sat-nav for a 20min journey.”

Another user, @hauslz6, questioned: “How did people drive to new places with no gps…? Like how did you even start driving? I need gps to get to a destination I’ve drive to my whole life.”

While these findings may seem trivial, research has shown that using a sat nav can actually ‘switch off’ parts of the brain. Researchers at University College London studied how 24 volunteers navigated a computer simulation of Soho, central London while their brains were being scanned. They focused on the hippocampus, involved in memories, and the pre-frontal cortex.

Trying to find your way using your own brain, rather than a satnav, led to ‘spikes’ of activity in both areas when volunteers entered new streets, the study found. This increased even further when faced with a twisty maze of streets. By contrast, when the volunteers followed instructions where to go – a situation comparable to following a satnav or mobile phone app – the brain showed no additional activity.

Senior author Dr Hugo Spiers explained: “When we have technology telling us which way to go, these parts of the brain simply don’t respond to the street network. In that sense our brain has switched off its interest in the streets around us.”