Exploring Central Cee’s “Gen Z Love” Through the Lens of Counselling Theories: A Deep Dive into Modern Relationships

Central Cee’s “Gen Z Love” takes listeners through the journey of modern relationships, from the initial spark of attraction on social media to the complexities of navigating love and self-identity in the digital age. Through its catchy lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of Gen Z’s unique approach to romance, which is often intertwined with technology, social media, and personal insecurities. As we dive into the lyrics, we’ll explore how these themes connect to various counselling theories, offering insights into the emotional and psychological underpinnings of relationships today.

I chose Central Cee’s "Gen Z Love" as the starting point for this series because he's my favorite rapper, and his music resonates deeply with me. His ability to capture the complexities of modern life, love, and identity through relatable lyrics makes him a perfect voice for exploring the themes of relationships in today’s world. I believe his work speaks directly to the experiences of Gen Z, and his raw, honest approach provides an ideal foundation for examining how we navigate love, vulnerability, and personal growth.

The Impact of Social Media and Validation: Social Identity Theory

The song opens with a reflection on how relationships in the Gen Z era are influenced by social media and the digital world. Central Cee raps, "When our children ask us how did we meet, I'm tellin' them, 'Gen Z love, FYP love, IG love.'" This line speaks directly to the central role social media plays in modern relationships. For many young people, platforms like Instagram (IG) and TikTok's For You Page (FYP) are the primary ways to make new connections and meet new people.

This ties into Social Identity Theory (SIT), which suggests that our identity is shaped by the groups we belong to, whether it's our peer group, family, or online communities. In the digital age, social media has become a powerful force in shaping how individuals define themselves and their relationships. Central Cee’s lyrics reflect this social media-driven identity by highlighting the way he met his love interest through mutual connections on Instagram, "Saw her on the Explore Page, like, I need to explore deeper." The exploration of self through these platforms can lead to a curated version of identity, often based on likes, comments, and external validation.

The counselling takeaway here is the importance of distinguishing between authentic self-expression and the pressures of performing for an online audience. In counselling clients can explore how much of their identity is shaped by social media and how to cultivate more genuine, offline relationships.

Attachment and Emotional Vulnerability: Attachment Theory

The emotional depth and vulnerability in relationships are explored throughout the song, especially in Central Cee’s reflections on insecurity and fear of abandonment. In the lyrics, "I'm paranoid that she won't stay," Central Cee openly expresses the anxiety many people face when trying to form emotional bonds. This resonates with Attachment Theory, which posits that early childhood experiences influence how we form emotional connections in adulthood.

Central Cee’s lyric "I’m not perfect, I’m tryna learn though" acknowledges that growth and self-awareness are necessary in relationships, especially when dealing with insecurity and attachment fears. His fear of not being enough or losing the relationship, paired with "I hope it's worth it when we turn old," suggests a need for emotional security and a deeper connection that transcends the fleeting nature of digital relationships.

For many Gen Zers, the anxiety around attachment can be heightened by the fast pace of social media culture, where relationships seem to move quickly and are often based on superficial interactions. Therapy, particularly through Attachment Theory, can help individuals recognize and address their attachment styles—whether they lean toward anxious, avoidant, or secure attachment—and work toward building healthier emotional connections.

The Pressure of Perfection and Idealization: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the key psychological themes in the song is the pressure to maintain a flawless exterior and the tension between public image and reality. Central Cee raps, "When I first saw you on the 'Gram, bae, I was in awe and showin' the mandem / Askins' advice, 'How can I slide in there?'" This moment reveals how initial attraction is often shaped by a digital presentation of self—through photos, captions, and the public’s perception.

This connects to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and behaviors. For many Gen Zers, the way they present themselves on social media can lead to distorted thinking—believing they need to be perfect or meet unrealistic expectations to be valued in relationships. Central Cee’s lyric "How can I convince you I’m not the villain?" hints at the anxiety surrounding self-presentation and the fear of being misunderstood in an online environment.

CBT can help individuals recognize these negative thinking patterns and shift toward more balanced, realistic self-perceptions. Through therapy, individuals can work on reframing thoughts that are influenced by social media and focus on cultivating authentic relationships, free from the pressures of online validation.

Jealousy and Emotional Intensity: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Throughout “Gen Z Love,” there is an undercurrent of jealousy and emotional intensity, particularly when Central Cee expresses envy of other men in his love interest's life: *"Saw that you followed a fellow acquaintance / You ain't even mine, yet I'm feelin' envious."* These lyrics speak to the complexities of emotional regulation in relationships, particularly when it comes to feelings of jealousy or insecurity.
**Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)** is highly relevant here as it helps individuals manage intense emotions, practice mindfulness, and enhance emotional regulation. These feelings of jealousy and possessiveness could be understood through DBT as signs of emotional dysregulation. His obsession with his love interest’s social media activity—*“Got me stalking your Facebook page and preeing your friends list”*—indicates a tendency to react impulsively to emotional triggers, a common theme in DBT.
DBT teaches individuals how to observe and validate their emotions without acting on them impulsively. It can help individuals learn healthier ways to express jealousy, communicate openly with their partners, and avoid unhealthy behaviors like social media stalking.

Conclusion: Gen Z Love Through a Counseling Lens

Central Cee’s “Gen Z Love” offers a vivid portrayal of modern relationships, filled with the highs and lows of digital romance. From the pressure to present a perfect image on social media to the vulnerability and insecurity that come with emotional connections, the song highlights the complex dynamics of love in the Gen Z era.

Through the lens of Social Identity Theory, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we can see how the song touches on key emotional challenges that are prevalent in modern relationships. The lyrics “When our children ask us how did we meet, I’m tellin’ them, 'Gen Z love, FYP love, IG love'” reflect the way social media influences our relationships, while lines like “I’m paranoid that she won’t stay” reveal the underlying fears and insecurities that accompany emotional vulnerability.

For Gen Z, counseling offers valuable tools to navigate these challenges—helping individuals develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthier ways to connect with others. Central Cee’s music captures the essence of modern love: imperfect, messy, but ultimately a journey of growth and self-discovery.

Love in the Digital Age: Counselling Through Gen Z's Lens