Gen Z – Zoomers, iGen, or Centennials, if you prefer – is the demographic cohort that bridges the gap between Millennials and Generation Alpha, and it includes people born between 1997 and 2012. The first members of Gen Z were born when the Internet achieved mass adoption, while the oldest among them have jobs and mortgages. It’s important to emphasize that Gen Z is the first global generation in the world, which means members have similar interests and tend to have healthier relationships. They like mostly the same music, movies, and celebrities. Gen Zers share similar preferences due to common backgrounds or experiences, so they find the same fashions, foods, and social trends appealing. 

Though many countries have aging populations, Gen Z is the largest living adult generation. The unique combination of technology, climate change, global health crisis, and uncertain financial landscape has shaped Gen Zers in profound ways, who have strong opinions about the world they live in and aren’t afraid to voice them. Gen Z influences older generations by introducing them to new technologies and digital trends, and their presence in households shapes new ways of thinking and living by challenging conventional norms. Gen Zers have created a new kind of pop culture, which is centered around community and social interaction, and these influences ultimately impact brand choices and purchasing habits. 

Social Media Plays An Important Role In Shaping Gen Zers Behaviors, Interests, And Connections 

Social media platforms allow Gen Zers to engage in personal communication on a deeper level, which is especially important for young adults, who need to feel heard and understood. They can interact via sharing, providing support, and creating value within the online community, building relationships and identities that can’t be expressed in real life. With the influence of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, Gen Z has become a highly digitized and socially connected demographic. YouTube has a special place because it keeps Gen Zers informed and knowledgeable and provides funny and engaging content; they also engage more with the ads. 

There Are Plenty Of Opportunities To Go Viral, But Not Everyone Can Build A Following 

More than half of Gen Zers want to become influencers. Some seek the high of stardom, which can be rooted in a desire for social acceptance, while others are looking for a place to connect and find community. Nevertheless, success on social media calls for a system, and followers alone aren’t the greatest indicator of success. The algorithm is the unseen force that guides the virality of content. Social media can open up the doors for new opportunities or help with career development, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that Gen Z maximizes its time online. 

At One Point Or Another, You’ll Come Across The Wonderful World Of Gen Z Subcultures 

Gen Zers differentiate themselves from the norms and values of the mainstream, often connected through their passion points and niche aesthetics. If you scroll through Instagram or TikTok, you’ll no doubt encounter various subcultures, once a marginal phenomenon whose unique « flavors » can be seen as a way for people to find community and identity. The most notable ones are: 

Fandoms

Fandom consists of artistic expression, informal mentorship, meaningful contributions, and a strong social connection. Gen Zers spend more time consuming content that introduces and discusses something interesting, such as films, TV shows, books, or sports teams. There are so many events, such as cosplay, where fans take part and represent their favorite character from their favorite series, such as Pokemon. For many, the Pokemon collection at Funko is a dream come true. Fandoms as a whole can function as alternative social communities and can take various forms – online, offline, or both. Some are public, while others require access through vetting. 

Gaming 

Time spent playing ranges between one and two hours on average per day, mainly on smartphones and PC. Gaming is an entertaining leisure activity that supports mental health and overall well-being, but Gen Zers don’t necessarily like to meet new people through the games they play. When it comes down to advice and influence, forums are the primary information source they use. Nintendo Switch enjoys popularity among younger audiences, while in older ones, it’s close to not being represented. The multiplayer experience doesn’t have to be hypercompetitive, but team play must have roles for players to fit in. 

Photography

Taking, viewing, and sharing photos are just a few taps away. Digital cameras have become trendy among Gen Z photographers, so point-and-shoot cameras are literally flying off the shelves. This fascination with the digital camera goes beyond the nostalgia of a simpler, more affordable technological time – it reflects a desire to disconnect from the always-on world of smartphones. It’s a move to offlining or digital minimalism. Gen Z moves away from the storytelling approach of Millennials towards a more mood-centered aesthetic that can express an emotional tone or a state of mind. 

Crypto And Stock Trading

Gen Zers are attracted to crypto and stock investing due to the wide dissemination of financial information on social media and other web-based platforms. Still, the experts recommend using a financial advisor before taking risks because the information found online doesn’t translate into knowledge or context. Bitcoin and Ethereum are becoming staples in investment portfolios, largely seen as social innovations. Gen Zers invest in cryptocurrency because it’s more affordable, liquid, and offers attractive growth potential. 

Pop Culture Will Change As Gen Zers Become Disinterested In The Things They Used To Like 

Generations eventually age, but the way aging is perceived and experienced can differ across generations. Technology, advancements in healthcare, and social norms influence how each group of people approaches aging. That being said, it appears that Gen Z is aging faster, or at least looks older than Millennials, and faces unique stressors, including economic uncertainty, social media pressure, and environmental concerns. While many of our preferences remain stable over time, others become more or less important. Over time, the new replaces the old. In other words, you can expect to see a wide range of trends and developments in the years to come.