Gen Z is fighting for a more equitable and sustainable world, demanding action on climate change, economic justice (living wages, affordability), government accountability (anti-corruption, better services), and social equity (racial, gender, LGBTQ+ rights), often leveraging digital platforms for activism to challenge systemic issues like inequality, lack of opportunities, and political disconnect, as seen in global protests from Madagascar to Indonesia.
Although the causes of the protests are different in each country, they have generally been in response to inequality, declining standards of living, corruption, democratic backsliding and authoritarianism. Social media has been a common tool for activism and coordination.
Probably one of the biggest problems Gen Z has to deal with today is the mental health crisis. We see unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, but often we feel like we don't have the resources or support to be able to cope with them.
Perhaps you've experienced it while asking for change at the grocery store or ordering a meal at a restaurant. Or maybe you've seen it from the Gen Zer in your life. The Gen Z stare is exactly what it sounds like: it's a term used to describe the vacant look a Gen Zer gives in response to a question or statement.
Gen Z is also generally known for its idealism—they're part of a new wave of “inclusive consumers” and socially progressive dreamers. Generally speaking, Gen Zers believe in doing their part to help stop the intensification of climate change and to establish greater equity for all.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
From water and power shortages in Madagascar to pension reforms in Peru and nepotism and corruption in Nepal, the root causes of the protests differed, but the essence was shared — Gen Z is protesting poor governance that does not speak for them.
Snack — Used to describe an attractive person; someone who looks good enough to eat. Sometimes spelled "snacc."
Despite being digital natives, Gen Z is more disconnected than ever. While social media is central to their lives, it often amplifies feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Highlight reels and influencer culture leave many feeling like they're falling short.
Across much of the world, it is no longer middle-aged adults who are the most miserable. Instead, young people, especially Gen Z, are reporting the highest levels of unhappiness of any age group.
Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.
Labeling Gen Z as “difficult” overlooks the bigger picture. They face systemic issues like unrealistic job requirements, rising living costs, and overwhelming workloads. Plus, they value work-life balance, transparency, and mental health—qualities that can drive healthier workplace cultures.
Social media is a huge trend for this generation. Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are, by far, the most frequently used platforms. One-quarter of Gen Zers spend five hours or more per day on TikTok. TikTok continues to soar in popularity among members of Generation Z (911% in 5 years).
The defining traits of Gen Z
Older members of Gen Z leaned progressive while younger members were more conservative, particularly in the United States. Movements associated with Gen Z so far include fourth-wave feminism, School Strike for Climate, March for Our Lives, Students Against Discrimination and Pro-Palestine movement.
loudly crying face emoji 😭
For Gen Z, this emoji is more exclusively used to indicate positive feelings, like when something is so funny, cute, or sweet that it's totally overwhelming. Example: “Look at my puppy wearing his new Halloween costume. 😭”
Despite always being “plugged in,” Gen Z craves personal interactions. Although a generation of digital natives and social media savants, Generation Z craves face-to-face, authentic relationships.
DTR = define the relationship! That typically means going from just “seeing each other” to putting a label on it - as in you're calling each other BF/GF/partner. It's a big (sometimes scary) step in dating and this will help you figure out if you're actually ready.
According to the study, what employers value most are achievement, learning, and “an unbridled desire to work.” Instead, Gen Z values “eudemonia,” or self-care and wellbeing; “non-sibi,” or helping others; and “voice,” or authenticity and expression.
TL;DR
Some people correlate the decline of party culture with the recent decline of club culture. Many Gen Zers are choosing “soft clubbing” over the raging club scenes that populated the media of the early 2000s. However, the base for most of the decline of club culture, and most likely major party culture, is expenses.