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80Why American Eagle Rebuilt Its Creator Program to Find Gen Z Shoppers
American Eagle has revamped its creator program, aiming to connect with Gen Z shoppers. The new strategy led to over 900 creators signing up within the first 11 days, demonstrating the program's initial appeal.
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This Financial Times article discusses the evolution of streetwear since its explosion in the 2010s, particularly focusing on how the category has changed as its rebellious image faded.
MrBeast's company buys Gen Z-focused fintech app Step
MrBeast's company, Beast Industries, is acquiring Step, a Gen Z-focused banking app. The acquisition was announced on Monday.
Calvin Klein Is Betting on Euphoria, Rosalía and Gen Z
Calvin Klein is expanding its Euphoria fragrance line into the premium market, targeting Gen Z consumers. The brand refresh includes new ingredients and a visual language featuring Rosalía.
How ‘Dump Him’ Became a Marketing Strategy
Brands are increasingly abandoning traditional romantic narratives in favor of marketing strategies that embrace the complexities of modern relationships and individual autonomy. This shift, driven by changing consumer expectations and a desire for more authentic representation, allows brands to tap into a wider range of emotional experiences beyond the traditional couple-focused approach, thus monetizing the entire 'lifecycle of love'.
A new generation of readers embraces bell hooks’ ‘All About Love’
Bell hooks' 2000 book "All About Love" is experiencing renewed popularity, finding a new generation of readers three years after her death. The feminist text explores themes of relationships and connection, resonating with contemporary audiences.
Why Tiktok Is Obsessed With bell hooks All About Love
bell hooks' book "All About Love" has gained popularity on TikTok due to Gen Z's focus on self-improvement and intentionality in relationships. The book's themes of love as a practice, understanding childhood experiences, and prioritizing self-love resonate with the platform's users.
Burnt Hair and Soft Power: A Night Out With Evie Magazine
The Wired article details a night out with *Evie* magazine, a publication favored by the far-right that presents itself as apolitical. The publication's strategy hinges on appealing to young women through aesthetics and lifestyle content.
Blank Street Is Turning Coffee Into Cultural Currency at LFW
Blank Street, a coffee shop chain, partnered with London Fashion Week. This collaboration continues the trend of food and drink becoming a Gen Z status symbol, highlighted by other café partnerships throughout the fashion season.
TikTok's Gen Alpha Queens Are Terrifying Millennials
The Bustle article discusses the perceived tension between millennials and Gen Alpha, particularly on platforms like TikTok. The author suggests Gen Alpha's confidence and unapologetic expression are perceived as intimidating by some millennials.
Diary of a 13-Year-Old Tween Beauty CEO
The Cut profiles Coco Granderson, a 13-year-old CEO of a tween skincare brand, Yes Day. Granderson offers insights into the beauty routines and preferences of Gen Alpha girls, highlighting the growing trend of younger consumers engaging with skincare.
EBay Buys Fashion Firm Depop, Reports Robust Quarterly Results
EBay Inc. will acquire Depop, a fashion resale company popular with Gen Z, for approximately $1.2 billion. The deal is intended to help EBay attract younger shoppers and bolster its position in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
How knitting may be rewiring your brain
National Geographic explores the resurgence of "grandma hobbies" like knitting among Gen Z, highlighting the potential neuroscience-backed benefits for brain health as people age. The tactile nature of these activities may play a role in preserving cognitive function.
Tiltify's 2025 Giving Season Report Reveals How the Creator Economy Is Rebuilding Generosity with Young Donors in the Digital Age
Tiltify has released its 2025 Giving Season Report, focusing on how the creator economy is influencing generosity among young donors in the digital age. The report highlights the fundraising infrastructure platform's role in connecting creators with causes at scale.
Long-form video is the next big thing for young audiences
The article argues that young audiences are interested in long-form video content, despite the common belief that they primarily consume short-form videos like those on TikTok. It posits that there is a demand for deeper engagement and storytelling formats among this demographic.
Hollywood Pays 17-Year-Old up to $20,000 to Boost Trailers on TikTok
Hollywood studios are paying 17-year-old Amid Mohamed up to $20,000 per project to create TikTok edits that promote their movie trailers. Mohamed's company, TinyZaps, helps generate hype among younger audiences by creating engaging content that resonates with Gen Z's preferences.
The Joy Rematch: How can sports leagues increase Gen Z's joy?
A Harris Poll report, "The Joy Rematch," investigates how sports leagues can increase Gen Z's enjoyment of sports. The report offers insights on how to make sports more appealing to this demographic.
TikTok Next 2026 Trend Report
The TikTok Next 2026 Trend Report analyzes emerging trends on the platform and their potential impact on marketing and advertising strategies. The report provides insights for businesses to engage with younger audiences and leverage the platform's evolving culture.
Fallen Media
Fallen Media aims to define Gen-Z culture through articles on music, film, fashion, and social media. The site covers diverse topics ranging from looksmaxxing to Taylor Swift.
TikTok says its search engine usage rivals Google among Gen Z
TikTok is claiming that its search engine usage among Gen Z rivals Google's, hinting at a potential shift in online search behavior. This suggests that younger users are increasingly turning to TikTok for discovery and information, impacting the competitive landscape for search engine advertising.
Is 2026 the year of analogue?
A TikTok trend promoting 'going analogue' is examined by Dazed. The article questions whether the movement towards abandoning digital devices and embracing offline experiences represents a genuine generational shift or just another fleeting fad.
Luxury goods were once built to last. Now, some fall apart as easily as fast fashion
CNN reports that consumers are increasingly criticizing the declining quality of luxury fashion items, evidenced by viral videos showcasing defects. Shoppers question the value of high-end goods that quickly fall apart, prompting discussions about luxury brands prioritizing profit over durability.
Next Gen News 2
Next Gen News 2 explores the evolving landscape of news consumption and production with a focus on Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The platform provides insights and analysis relevant to the future of news.
Are We Entering a New Romantic Era?
This YouTube video explores the idea of a "New Romantic Era" in culture. It examines shifts in attitudes and values, particularly among Gen Z, suggesting a renewed emphasis on authenticity, emotional connection, and aesthetics in response to social media and technology.
The Rise of the New Romanticism
Ross Barkan analyzes the cultural trends of increased aesthetic awareness and romanticism, fueled by social media's influence on identity formation and consumerism, and questions the potential societal impacts. The piece contrasts these trends with modern anxieties and existential discontents.
Entitled American tourists expect perfect, optimized vacations
The Vox article analyzes how American tourists increasingly approach travel with a mindset of entitlement and a need for perfect optimization, turning vacations into a stressful pursuit of flawless experiences. This trend reflects a broader cultural obsession with maximizing every aspect of life, leading to diminished enjoyment and increased pressure during leisure activities.
Gen-Z Australians are trading gritty gap years for grand tours of Europe’s cultural charisma
The number of young Australians taking extended trips is decreasing, but a growing proportion of those who do travel are choosing to explore Europe. This represents a shift away from more traditional gap-year destinations towards cultural immersion.
The Revenge of Millennial Cringe
Kyle Chayka analyzes the resurgence of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' song "Home" as reflective of a simultaneous attraction to and disgust at the unabashed sincerity of the millennial era. This renewed interest highlights shifting cultural attitudes toward authenticity and emotional expression.
AI's Threat to Gen Z's Jobs, t… - Offline with Jon Favreau
This episode of Offline with Jon Favreau features Kyla Scanlon, author and economic commentator, discussing the current weirdness of the economy. They explore how AI poses a threat to Gen Z's jobs and touch upon topics like Labubus.
#HalfTheStory
#HalfTheStory's mission is to empower the next generation's relationship with social media. This is accomplished through advocacy, education, and providing resources for youth.
Kids with smartphones have better mental health, study finds
This Usermag piece includes an item about a study finding that kids with smartphones have better mental health. The article also mentions "Tariffluencers," Gen Z's safe spaces, meme stocks, and isolationist masculinity.
How Brick Became a Status Symbol for the Aspirationally Offline
The article discusses the rise of the "Brick," a device that blocks social media, as a status symbol for those seeking to disconnect from online life. It explores the cultural motivations behind this trend, including a desire for authenticity and a rejection of constant connectivity.
Millennials, Gen X Set to Inherit Boomers' Antique, Collectible Fortunes
Millennials and Gen X are poised to inherit an estimated $90 trillion from the Boomer generation, including significant holdings of antiques and collectibles. This wealth transfer presents both opportunities and challenges as younger generations grapple with managing and valuing these inherited assets.
The age divide in how Americans think about news
A Pew Research Center study reveals a significant age divide in how Americans perceive and engage with news. Younger adults are more likely to encounter news incidentally and less likely to consider regular news consumption important compared to older generations.
What is Dimes Square?
The Neighbors on Canal article explores the concept of "Dimes Square," dissecting its definition as a cultural hub, aesthetic, and online phenomenon, while tracing its origins and impact on contemporary trends. It examines how the term has evolved and its associations within social media and broader cultural conversations.
IBM is tripling the number of Gen Z entry-level jobs after finding the limits of AI adoption
IBM plans to triple its Gen Z entry-level hiring after recognizing limitations in AI adoption. The tech giant is actively rewriting entry-level job descriptions to accommodate the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.
YouTube Culture & Trends - Culture and Trends Report: Next Generation of Creativity
YouTube's Culture and Trends Report focuses on the "Next Generation of Creativity" and highlights a maximalist moment reshaping culture. The report explores the evolving landscape of content creation and consumption on the platform, identifying emerging trends and shifts in audience behavior.
More brands are turning to Pinterest for its Gen-Z audience and organic growth potential
Brands are increasingly utilizing Pinterest to engage Gen-Z shoppers. Pinterest's new features, such as collages and shoppable carousels, alongside its organic growth potential, make it an attractive alternative to Meta's pay-to-play model.
Younger consumers still crave physical retail experiences, feel digital overload
A recent eMarketer report reveals that Gen Z and millennials still prefer in-person shopping experiences, despite growing up in a digital world. These younger consumers are experiencing digital overload, driving their desire for physical brand interactions and opportunities for socialization.
Pinterest Newsroom
Pinterest's 2025 fall trend report highlights Gen Z's increasing focus on thrifting and sustainable secondhand style. This shift is making secondhand clothing a stylish and smart option for consumers.
Pinterest Business
Pinterest Business highlights how Gen Z uses Pinterest to cultivate unique visual identities. It discusses how brands can use AI-powered discovery to connect with this demographic during moments of high intent.
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready Is Taking Big Swings to Win Gen Z
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready is implementing new shopping features and focusing on attracting Gen Z users to boost user growth and profitability. These strategic shifts are aimed at ensuring Pinterest remains relevant and competitive in the evolving social media landscape.
Pinterest Business
The Pinterest Business blog post provides strategies for brands to connect with Gen Z on the platform. It highlights how Gen Z uses Pinterest for shopping and planning, and offers actionable tips for marketing plans targeting this demographic.
How Pinterest Became a Hot Search Engine for Gen Z Users
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has prioritized search as a core strategy, aiming to enhance the platform's appeal, especially among Gen Z users. The company hopes this focus will drive further growth and solidify Pinterest's position in the competitive search landscape.
Social search is Gen Z’s Google: Are you visible where it matters?
Gen Z is increasingly using social platforms like TikTok and Reddit for search, influencing brand visibility. The shift necessitates that brands adapt their strategies to be discoverable within these social search ecosystems to reach this key demographic.
Social media overtakes search engines for discovery among Gen Z and millennials
Gen Z and millennial users are increasingly using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for product and brand discovery, choosing them over traditional search engines. This shift in search behavior presents new advertising opportunities for businesses to reach these demographics.
A Reddit post on r/generationology discusses Pokémon Go as a universal Gen Z experience. The poster argues it was marketed towards young adults and brought people together in a positive way.
How Esports Became a Mainstream Career Path for Gen Z and Millennials
Esports has transitioned into a viable career path for Gen Z and Millennials, evolving from a hobby to a professional industry. The article explores the factors driving this transformation and its implications for these generations.
Living offline has become Gen Z’s quiet luxury
The Thred article explores the growing trend among Gen Z to disengage from social media as a form of "quiet luxury." Choosing an offline lifestyle is portrayed as a status symbol in response to social media becoming increasingly homogenized and polarized.
TikTok's best shoppers are millennials, not Gen Z
A December report from Edison Research reveals that 54% of TikTok users aged 25-44 (millennials) have sought information about a company or product after encountering it on the platform. This suggests millennials are more likely than Gen Z to act on TikTok-driven product awareness.
How Gen Z are turning debt into profit
Gen Z's growing debt is being leveraged by "debt influencers" on TikTok, who share their financial struggles for profit. These influencers are finding social media success by monetizing their personal financial experiences.
35% Of Gen Z Admit To Texting During Sex
A study reveals that 35% of Gen Z individuals have admitted to texting during sexual activity. The behavior highlights the pervasiveness of technology in modern relationships.
YouTube star MrBeast buys youth-focused financial services app Step
YouTube star James Stephen Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has acquired Step, a financial services app targeted at young users. The acquisition suggests MrBeast's ambition to expand his business ventures beyond content creation into fintech.
America's Gen Z curlers bring new ways to a traditional sport
A team of Gen Z curlers, "Team Casper," pulled off an upset at the U.S. Curling Olympic Trials, defeating the reigning champions. This team is introducing new styles and attitudes to the traditionally conservative sport.
Major sports leagues trying to reel in Gen Z and Gen Alpha
Major sports leagues like the NBA, MLB, and NHL are actively seeking ways to attract Gen Z and Gen Alpha fans. These younger generations present unique challenges and opportunities due to their shorter attention spans and preference for digital engagement.
‘I am never off the clock’: inside the booming world of gen Z side hustles
The Guardian article discusses the rising trend of Gen Z taking on side hustles to supplement income and explore passions in an uncertain job market. It highlights the motivations and experiences of young Americans who are diversifying their income streams through various side gigs.
Gen Z Is Not Getting Driver's License at 16, Making Parents Drive Them
Gen Z is reportedly delaying getting their driver's licenses due to the perceived expense, exhaustion, and fear associated with driving. This trend is leading to increased reliance on parents for transportation and reshaping car ownership patterns.
Inside Clavicular’s 'Looksmaxxing' Academy
Clavicular, an influencer known for "looksmaxxing," has gained attention for associating with controversial figures Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes. The article explores Clavicular's growing online presence and the "looksmaxxing" subculture.
Concert Review: Esdeekid's New York Debut
Rolling Stone reviews Esdeekid's New York debut concert, highlighting the U.K. rap phenomenon's appeal to both millennial and Gen Z audiences. The concert showcased an emergent rap subculture that captivated attendees.
MrBeast’s Beast Industries to Buy Gen Z–Focused Banking App
MrBeast's Beast Industries is set to acquire Step Mobile, a banking application targeted at Gen Z users. This acquisition marks MrBeast's expansion into the financial sector, adding to his existing media, restaurant, and packaged food ventures.
Gerard Piqué’s Kings League Gets $63 Million to Reach Gen Z
Gerard Piqué's Kings League, a digital-first sports league targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha, has secured $63 million in funding. Alignment Growth is a key investor in this round, demonstrating growing investor interest in innovative sports formats.
Stop Meeting Students Where They Are
An Atlantic article discusses the author's experience as a professor and the positive impact of re-introducing challenging reading materials to students. The piece advocates for holding students to higher academic standards rather than lowering expectations.
What Is Headquarters, Kamala Harris’s New ‘Content Hub’?
Kamala Harris's team has relaunched her @KamalaHQ social media account as "Headquarters," a self-described 'Gen-Z led progressive content hub.' The move aims to engage younger audiences with political messaging through a content strategy seemingly inspired by popular social media trends.
Kamala Harris Relaunches KamalaHQ as Headquarters Gen Z Media Hub
Kamala Harris is relaunching her 2024 presidential campaign's digital presence as "Headquarters," a Gen Z media hub. The project is a partnership with Norman Lear's People For the American Way.
Puddingessen mit der Gabel: Was es mit dem Trend auf sich hat
A new trend of eating pudding with a fork has emerged, particularly among Gen Z in Bavaria. The trend reflects a desire for connection, lightheartedness, and humor.
Pudding mit der Gabel essen: Trend-Event erreicht Hannover
Over 1,000 people gathered in Hannover, Germany on Sunday to eat pudding with forks as part of a social media trend, primarily driven by Generation Z. Participants were responsible for bringing their own pudding and forks.
How Marseille Became the It Spot for Gen Z
Marseille is experiencing a surge in popularity with Gen Z, attracting 'it-girls' and up-and-coming chefs. The article explores the reasons behind this recent trend.
What Is 'Millennial Core'? New Trend for Mocking the Generation Emerges
The article discusses "millennial core," a trend of viral videos mocking stereotypical millennial behaviors. These compilations highlight perceived embarrassing or outdated aspects of the generation.
Meet 5 Gen Z Sommeliers Bucking Anti-drinking Trends
This Vogue article profiles five Gen Z sommeliers working in the wine industry, highlighting their efforts to counteract the notion that their generation isn't interested in wine. These sommeliers, working in locations from Sonoma to Manhattan, represent a shift in the perception of Gen Z's relationship with alcohol.
Gen Z and Millennials Go to Wine Bars for the Vibes, as Well as for the Wine
The article discusses the growing popularity of wine bars among Gen Z and young millennials, highlighting the appeal of the culture and aesthetics associated with wine consumption, even among those who don't drink alcohol. It emphasizes the lifestyle aspect and the social experiences centered around these establishments.
Anti-pop and an alien sigil: how Aphex Twin overtook Taylor Swift to become the soundtrack to gen Z life online
Aphex Twin, the Cornish electronic music pioneer, has experienced a resurgence in popularity among Gen Z, finding a new audience on TikTok. His experimental and glitchy sound resonates with the current online generation, surpassing Taylor Swift in some online circles.
Why everyone is watching shows and films on Tiktok now
The article explores the increasing trend of users watching films and TV shows through clips on TikTok. It investigates the reasons behind this shift in viewing habits among Gen Z, suggesting it might be transforming TikTok into a new type of streaming service.
Gen Z and Millennials Find Offline Joy in Board Game Clubs
Gen Z and millennials are increasingly participating in board game clubs to foster in-person interaction, focusing on games like chess, mahjong, and backgammon. This trend suggests a desire for offline social experiences among younger generations.
Why Angel Numbers Resonated with Gen-Z
The Her Campus article explores why "angel numbers," the belief that seeing specific numbers are messages from a higher power, have resonated with Gen Z. It discusses the spiritual and psychological appeal of finding meaning and guidance in everyday coincidences.
Gen Z and astrology: written in the stars
The Week examines the trend of Gen Z's interest in astrology, highlighting how younger generations find validation and reassurance in their star signs. Social media platforms contribute to the rising popularity of astrology among this demographic.
Why is Gen Z so obsessed with the Year of the Fire Horse? Here's why 2026 could change everything
The article explores Gen Z's fascination with 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. It delves into the meaning behind the Fire Horse and why Gen Z believes this year could bring significant changes.
Instagram Wants Gen Z. What Does Gen Z Want From Instagram?
Instagram is trying to win over Gen Z, but young users are reportedly utilizing the app for purposes beyond its original photo-sharing function. The shift highlights the evolving preferences and habits of Gen Z, who are using Instagram in unconventional ways.
Iron Lung: Markiplier’s movie and its backstory could be a bright spot for cinema.
The article discusses the movie *Iron Lung*, based on a video game, and its success with Gen Z audiences. It highlights Markiplier's involvement with the film as a potential positive sign for cinema.
Meet Milo and Tina, the 'first openly Gen Z' Olympic mascots
The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics mascots, Milo and Tina, are stoat siblings presented as "first openly Gen Z" characters. The mascots are designed to appeal to a younger audience.
How “chicken banana” explains Gen Alpha culture
The Vox article examines the viral catchphrase "chicken banana" among Gen Alpha children, exploring its potential as a cultural marker akin to the "6-7" trend. It delves into the phrase's nonsensical nature and its appeal to young audiences.