Written by: Crystal Harrell, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is defined as the population born between 1995 and 2010. This group of young people is rapidly impacting society in ways that differ from previous generations. Gen Zers are known for their digital literacy and creative thinking, which is evident in their influence on various aspects of society.
Gen Z is driving change in various industries, from fashion and beauty to technology and social media. They are setting trends that are rapidly shaping our world. In this article, we will examine some of the key trends that Generation Z is driving. These include the growing emphasis on sustainability, rising mental health concerns, the emergence of the "creator economy," and the importance of online safety.
Whether you're a member of Gen Z or simply interested in understanding the impact of this generation, we'll explore the 7 most significant trends that are shaping the way we live and work today. From the increasing adoption of gender-fluid concepts to incorporating sun protection in consumer spending and the shift towards digital buyers, we'll delve into how Gen Z is shaping the world in new and exciting ways.
Gen Z Trends compared to previous generations that are worth noting
It's worth noting that Gen Z is the most ethnically diverse generation filled with racial or ethnic minorities and has significant purchasing power compared to previous generations. These key features significantly define Gen Zers. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, more than half of Gen Z identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. This diversity is reflected in their behavior, as they embrace diversity in nearly every aspect of their lives.
Gen Z is also heavily influenced by social justice and mental issues (Social Justice Gen Z), with survey respondents highlighting mass shootings and work-life balance as top concerns. This generation is also the first to have grown up with social media and are active users of various social platforms compared to other generations.
Gen Z Workers will impact the global workforce
As Gen Z reaches voting age, they are becoming an essential part of the global workforce and are likely to shape the future in ways that are different from older generations. With their unique perspective and preferences, Gen Z is an up-and-coming group to watch regarding consumer behavior, critical social trends, and overall societal impact.
What are the most popular Gen Z Trends?
1. 2000s Nostalgia
"2000s nostalgia" refers to feelings of nostalgia for popular culture and technology from the early to mid-2000s. This can include nostalgia for fashion, music, TV shows, films, and other elements of popular culture from that time period, as well as for technology such as flip phones, early smartphones, and other devices that were popular during that time.
Bringing back 2000s nostalgia was a fast fashion movement for Gen Zers. There are many sentiments about the 2000s that are considered noteworthy, but the fashion movement from this time period has seen the most significant growth among Gen Z consumers.
2. Diversity and Social Justice
Generation Z, or "Gen Zers," are known for having a strong sense of social justice and promoting diversity in all areas of society. They use their voices and platforms, such as social media and online communities, to advocate for marginalized communities and push for change. This includes fighting against discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities.
Gen Zers are also actively working to promote equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals. They use their influence to bring attention to issues such as police brutality, climate change, and income inequality. In addition, they are using their buying power to support businesses and products that align with their values and promote social justice. Overall, Gen Zers are using their collective power to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
3. Buying Power
Gen Zs are known for their strong purchasing power. Buying power also referred to as purchasing power, refers to the ability of an individual or a group to buy goods and services. It is a measure of the value of money and takes into account changes in the price level of goods and services over time. Generally, buying power is higher when prices are lower, and wages are higher.
4. Prioritizing Mental Health
An increased interest in mental illness concerns is a trend that every generation can stand behind, but it is still considered one of the top Gen Z trends compared to other generations.
There are many benefits to prioritizing mental health, which include:
Improved overall well-being: Taking care of your mental health can lead to an overall improvement in your physical health, as well as your emotional and psychological well-being.
Increased productivity: When an individual's mental health is prioritized, it can lead to increased productivity and improved performance at school or in the workplace for Gen Z workers and Gen Z employees.
Stronger relationships: Good mental health can lead to better communication, stronger relationships, and more meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones for Gen Z adults.
Better physical health: Mental health and physical health are closely linked, and taking care of your mental health can improve physical health, such as a stronger immune system and a lower risk of chronic diseases for the Gen Z population.
Better coping skills: Prioritizing mental health can help individuals develop better coping skills and strategies for dealing with stress and adversity, which is essential for Gen Z digital buyers, Gen Z consumers, and Gen Zers.
More resilience: Good mental health can make people more resilient and better able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges, which is a key aspect of Gen Z life.
More enjoyment of life: Prioritizing mental health can help people find more joy and satisfaction in life and allows them to enjoy their experiences for Gen Zers fully.
With the rise of difficulties following the onset of the recent pandemic, many people are facing mental health issues. The Pew Research Center revealed that at least four-in-ten U.S. adults had faced high levels of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Young and Restless
Gen Z is known for being a generation that is eager to make a difference in the world. They are not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo and are driven to make a positive impact on the planet. This can be seen in their entrepreneurial spirit and their willingness to start their own businesses, as well as their desire to work in fields that make a difference, such as social impact, sustainability, and more. They are also keen on challenging themselves and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, whether through travel, learning new skills, or pursuing higher education.
6. Body Positivity
Body positivity is a movement and ideology that promotes the acceptance and appreciation of all body types and shapes and encourages individuals to love and accept their bodies as they are. It encourages people to challenge societal beauty standards and reject the notion that there is a "perfect" body type that should be sought after.
Body positivity is about promoting self-love and self-acceptance, regardless of one's size, shape, or appearance, and it aims to create a culture where people of all bodies feel valued and respected. The body positivity movement also includes acceptance of physical abilities and disabilities and promotes the idea of celebrating body diversity, paving the way for younger generations.
We began to see shifts toward body positivity in the previous generation. However, the Gen Z population has brought this movement to new heights through the use of the digital platform, which we will discuss more later.
7. Digital Natives
Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up with technology and the internet, making them highly proficient in using digital devices and platforms. This has set a global trend for many reasons. First, we are now starting to recognize the power of social media through the many social media users that are surfacing in this youngest generation. The digital age hit us faster than we thought compared to its use in other generations. Baby boomers barely touched this technology, and millennials were introduced to the digital age mid-way. There is much to be said about the digital trends that Generation Z has set. This is one of the top Gen Z trends that are here to stay.
What is Gen Z mostly known for?
Gen Zers are not your average gen. Gen Z is known for being the first truly digital generation, having grown up with technology and the internet constantly in their lives.
They are also known for being diverse, politically aware, and socially conscious. Additionally, Gen Z is known for their entrepreneurial spirit and their tendency to prioritize experiences over material possessions. They are also known for their fast-paced and short-attention-span lifestyle.
These traits set them apart from previous generations.
Final Thoughts
Each generation brings its uniqueness to the world based on their lived experiences and the experiences of their parents, whether they realize it or not.
Generation Z has offered trends to the world and how we see it, which sets it apart from other generations. From fashion trends to rising mental health concerns, Gen Zers have offered many significant influences on a rapidly changing society.
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Crystal Harrell, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Crystal Harrell, MS, MPH is a Yale Ph.D. student, certified Academic Success Coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author of Crystal Clear: A Journey of Self-Discovery (From Public Housing to Ivy League). As a high school senior, Crystal secured over $670,000 in scholarship awards, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. She has dedicated her work to helping others achieve their academic goals. Through her books and education blog, Crystal’s story has impacted thousands of individuals worldwide and created a push for personal growth in academia. Crystal’s ultimate goal is to raise awareness of our human potential and show that it is possible to rise against all odds and live out your wildest dreams. Learn more about Crystal and her work at www.crystaltharrell.com
