The introduction of streaming services and social media has upended the role of TV in our lives, with viewers craving shared media and entertainment experiences at home, across devices. Where are the opportunities for TV amid technological innovation and evolving consumer expectations?

How are tech trends altering Gen Z’s TV consumption?

L.L. Bean’s 'Boat and Tote' bag has enjoyed viral success in 2022, with Gen Zers embroidering the iconic preppy tote with ironic messages and pop culture references. Shoppers want to see themselves reflected in their purchases and brands are leaning into customization to drive loyalty.

Ironic L.L. Bean totes speak to irreverent Gen Zers

Azloft is bringing the permanent jewellery craze to Malaysia with accessories that are welded to fit users perfectly. With the cost of living and climate crises driving up interest in durable purchases, it’s appealing to Gen Zers who are seeking out low-key luxury that can last a lifetime.

Azloft creates timeless luxury for Malaysia's Gen Z

Luxury brand Telfar, well-loved for its handbags, has implemented a pricing system in a move to increase transparency and democratize the luxury market. It comes as many young consumers look for ways to gain entry to the market, finding creative solutions or turning to resale platforms.

Telfar’s price tool aims to make luxury more affordable

Young Americans are moving in with their partners at an alarming rate in an attempt to avoid 'singles tax'. However, the pressures this puts on some relationships are causing some regret, highlighting how the cost of living crisis is affecting people's lived experiences at home.

Young couples regret shacking up to save money

Research suggests that young people are shunning traditional forms of authority and forging their own paths to combat feelings of instability. Higher education is increasingly being seen as unnecessary, and Gen Zers are turning to freelance roles for control over their own schedule and careers.

Gen Z shuns college and traditional career paths

Using K-pop stardom as a launchpad, Chinese singer Jackson Wang is on a quest to conquer the West with his multicultural approach to artistry. As China takes a leaf out of the K-pop book to bolster its soft power, a new league of celebrities like Wang are taking centre stage in pop culture.

Jackson Wang: pop icon bridging the East and West

One in two Australian Gen Zers are taking health advice from influencers, despite their lack of qualifications. It comes as younger generations turn to peers and social media for various queries, often due to their wariness of traditional forms of authority and costly systems.

Aussies prioritise health advice from online influencers

Young mothers in China are turning to maternity hotels for the postpartum tradition of 'sitting the month', where they’re confined to bed rest for the first 30 days after delivery. Fed up with outdated norms, they’re temporarily escaping the stresses of motherhood by putting their needs first.

China's maternity hotels offer stress relief to mothers

OneSec is helping smartphone users reduce their screen time through self-imposed pauses before accessing their favourite apps. It is hoped that setting boundaries will encourage users to reconnect with the real world and adopt a more conscious, mental health-focused approach to everyday decisions.

OneSec helps tackle social media addiction

The ‘Edgar haircut’ has become the trim of choice for young Latinos in the US. Polarised opinions about the viral haircut on TikTok have highlighted the prevalence of racial discrimination, and more positively, the Gen Z diaspora’s desire to maintain a connection with their culture.

Gen Z Latinos reaffirm cultural roots with Edgar cuts

Forget the climbing gym: more and more Australians are installing custom rock walls in their homes. While this may be an extreme manifestation of the sport’s growing popularity in the country, it also reveals what Gen Y and Z look for in their ideal home – a personalised recreational paradise.

Aussie climbers embrace wellness with private walls

Brand loyalty as we know it is declining among Gen Z audiences as they renegotiate the terms of the business-customer relationship. While this generation has the capacity for some of the deepest bonds, brands will need to meet them where they are with a new set of priorities.

Why is Gen Z excited by loyalty schemes?

Historically reserved for exclusive fashion insiders, luxury sample sales are finding fresh audiences. Thanks to exposure on TikTok, Gen Zers are gaining access to the once-exclusive events, with many using them as a more affordable and low-stakes entry point into the world of luxury.

Luxury sample sales serve as entry point for Gen Z

Apple has announced the launch of a music streaming app that focuses exclusively on classical music, taking an unconventional approach by siloing the genre on its own platform. As overstimulation takes hold, many people are looking for platforms that provide a specialist focus and output.

Apple Music provides discovery for classical fans

Research has revealed that Gen Zers enjoy reading physical books more than e-book alternatives, often preferring to support local, indie bookstores. It's a sign of how young people are turning to slow, IRL experiences to escape tech and embrace time offline through digital detoxes.

Digitally fluent Gen Zers prefer to read print books

A study released by the Pew Research Center explored how young people across four nations want their countries to engage with the world, noting that while Gen Zers share certain values that previous generations do not, some clear divisions are developing within this cohort.

Not all young people agree on how to engage globally

Gen Zers have been labelled 'puriteens' and assumed to be stuck in a sex recession. However, a deeper inspection of the phenomenon shows that they're engaging with intimacy in a more nuanced way – a warning to not fall into the trap of blanket statements that only provide shallow insights.

Gen Zers are busting the 'sex recession' myth

A meme featuring multitasking with a Family Guy compilation has risen slowly to virality over 2023, poking fun at a collective dependence on constant stimulation. People are beginning to address the effects of endless scroll behaviors on their mental health and attention spans.


'Family Guy' multitasking meme points to overstimulation

A study has found that Gen Zers credit card users in the US are actually less likely to have racked up debt on them compared to older generations. Despite the ‘need it now’ mentality thriving, the cost of living crisis is causing many young people to take a responsible approach to shopping.

Gen Zers hold less credit card debt than older users

Developed using AI, TikTok’s ultra-realistic Bold Glamour filter has garnered widespread criticism for perpetuating toxic beauty standards. Alongside the fuss surrounding ChatGPT, the backlash also speaks to people’s bubbling anxieties about AI encroaching upon human identities.

TikTok's viral Bold Glamour filter spurs AI panic

Corteiz is a UK streetwear brand ushering in a new dynamic in retail. Founded by British-Nigerian Clint419 in his London bedroom, the brand has grown into a community-first outfit that’s redefining the streetwear industry through guerilla marketing tactics and a non-conformist approach.

Corteiz: community-led streetwear for Gen Z hypebeasts

Fynn, a financing platform for those seeking vocational training, has received $36 million in funding to continue building out its business. The funding will contribute to improving access to vocational careers for young people who are seeking alternative pathways after school. 

Fynn provides financial support for vocational training 

Classical opera's historical reputation for inaccessibility is being challenged by a modern reinterpretation of the Italian classic, Turandot. The fusion of digital art and classical opera promises a singular, unforgettable, and immersive experience that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Opera is brought into the 21st century in Tokyo

For many young people, classical music has long been viewed as inaccessible and outdated. However, during the pandemic, Gen Yers and Zers flocked to listen to classical music playlists, unleashing fandom that democratised the genre. What can brands learn from the classical music explosion in the UK?

Why are young Britons listening to classical music?

The CDC's 2011-2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which charts trends in adolescent behaviors, has revealed an alarming mental health crisis among young girls. This signals a growing need to ensure there is adequate support for Gen Z’s mental health to prevent drug use as a coping mechanism.

Girls suffering with mental health turn to drugs 

Social media platform ETHOS connects Gen Z with people around the world through their values, as opposed to their visual story or follower count, it’s combating the negative effects of traditional social media, making them fall in love with a new way to engage digitally, socially, and emotionally.

ETHOS: disrupting digital discontent for Gen Z

Maison Margiela has released a shoelace intended to be worn as a belt, an unorthodox accessory borrowing a longtime staple of skateboarding fashion. The aspirations signaled by luxury are changing and people are using accessories to display provenance and relatability rather than status.

Maison Margiela's shoelace belt disrupts luxury norms

The UK's Department for Transport has released a shock-inducing advert about the dangers of speeding and the importance of road safety. By taking an emotional approach, the campaign hopes to encourage people to question if those extra few miles per hour are worth the risk.

Think urges young drivers to halt speeding habits

Shrek Raves, inspired by the 2001 DreamWorks animated movie, are taking off in popularity among Gen Z partygoers. At the intersection of nostalgia and cringe, it embodies Gen Z's yearning for comfort and unapologetic realness as they seek experiences that bring them together.

Shrek raves take off among Gen Z party-goers 

Gramparents, an Instagram account posting the best-dressed older people in New York and beyond, has partnered with clothing brand Beams on a new line of tees and sweatshirts. The collab gives followers a physical link to their online community, authentically matching the culture it's building.

Beams x Gramparents takes inspo from fashion elders

A fashion show held in Tibet by Arc’teryx blended technical outdoor styles with traditional prints and beading, appealing to changing luxury tastes in China. HNWIs in the country are increasingly interested in heritage, rustic travel, and localism, creating fresh opportunities for brands.

Arc'teryx offers Chinese HNWIs rural escapism

Dr. Allison Rodgers has released an inclusive illustrated guide to understanding female anatomy. Targeted at a younger audience, the book is set to break down harmful stereotypes and stigmas while also empowering young people and their parents to have open, honest discussions about sex.

Dr. Rodgers book demystifyies sex for American teens

Celebrity gossip is having a pop culture moment. It’s serving as a substitute for news, a coping mechanism for the world’s looming stressors, and a conduit for meaningful discussions. How can brands speak to Gen Zers as they seek value and connection in the media they consume?

How is gossip shaping Gen Z culture? 

TikTok is imposing a 60-minute time limit for under-18 users, addressing concerns about the impact of its addictive nature on teens. With growing concerns about screen-time management, parents are increasingly expecting social platforms themselves to shoulder responsibility.

TikTok daily limit addresses teen screen time concerns

A survey has revealed the lasting negative impact of mass tech layoffs on Gen Z's perception of the companies involved. With a renewed approach to work coming to light after the pandemic, people are looking to work for companies whose ethics and values align with their own.

Tech layoffs have damaged Gen Z's perception of companies

Since China’s Double Reduction Policy has freed up time for young people, street dance has become a hugely popular hobby among Gen Zers. Recognising this, Lacoste sponsored Street Dance of China as a way of reaching an audience of consumers who are spending to enrich their personal lives.

Lacoste: engaging Chinese Gen Z through street dance

Nike is addressing the sportswear hype in China with a line of leggings designed for both comfort and activity – produced with Chinese women in mind. The global giant is honing its local focus to compete with brands with more locally tailored products and grassroots initiatives.

Nike launches leggings for wellness-focused Chinese women

Swedish label AVAVAV turned heads at Milan Fashion Week with its Fall/Winter collection showcasing garments that were torn on purpose. Intended as a satirical take on the seriousness of haute couture, the designs speak to Gen Zers who are redefining luxury through the lens of ironic authenticity.

AVAVAV show subverts luxury for novelty-seeking Gen Z

Tinder has launched a campaign aimed at Gen Zers that celebrates the unorthodox ways they experience and define romance. With dating app fatigue growing across multiple generations as people struggle to make connections online that become meaningful IRL, the online dating sphere is pivoting.

Unconventional Gen Z daters cause Tinder to pivot

In India, stigma, stereotypes, and social taboos have long prevented older generations from openly discussing issues around mental health. However, younger people in the country are tackling these issues head-on and striving for more open and honest discourse. How are they going about it?

How are young Indians tackling mental health challenges?

In the face of economic crisis and climate change, Gen Zers are turning to canned food to save on their weekly shop. Driven by an appetite for novel food experiences and sustainable everyday products, they're embracing TikTok-ready canned brands that deliver flavor, authenticity, and values.

Why does Gen Z love canned goods?

Neon tongues added a dramatic flair to the looks sported by models in designer Chet Lo’s collection at London Fashion Week. As Gen Z experiments with make-up norms and products become 'de-influenced' online, people are looking for novel and exciting ways to shake up their beauty routines.

Dyed tongues showcase make-up experimentation at LWF

Streetwear brand Trapstar went back to its roots by hosting a giveaway in West London. The compassionate gesture highlighted an understanding of the local community's needs during the cost of living crisis while acknowledging the cultural nuances of being fashionable in urban environments.

Trapstar reaffirms local bonds with West London giveaway

The TikTok 'vanilla girl' aesthetic highlights neutral-tone everything, from make-up and clothing to scented candles and fragrances. But with the creators being all White, thin, able-bodied, and blonde, its popularity paints a larger, and alarming, picture of where the beauty community is headed.

'Vanilla girl' trend pushes exclusionary beauty ideals

At-home hair colour brand Hally Hair has launched two new temporary hair colours in partnership with 100 student-athletes at Baylor University. The groundbreaking campaign celebrates the joy of school spirit while offering student creators an opportunity to monetize their influence.

Hally Hair leans into the influence of student athletes

The number of Canadians planning to contribute to their retirement savings is on the rise, largely due to the intentions of young people. Data suggests that Gen Zers are responding to the ongoing economic crisis and planning for their futures, nodding to a more mindful approach to finances.

Young Canadians get proactive with their pensions

South Korean electronics giant LG has unveiled a portable temporary tattoo printer called Imprintu. Capitalising on the growing prevalence of tattoos among Gen Z, the device encourages users to get crafty and enjoy the thrill of new ink in an instantaneous, accessible, and non-permanent manner.

LG targets Gen Z with portable temporary tattoo printer

After disrupting social media by shunning perfectly curated feeds, BeReal's daily user number has plummeted. Growing frustrations with users exploiting the app's features and not being ‘real’ means the platform's own authenticity is in question, highlighting social media's authenticity paradox.

BeReal stumbles on promise of online authenticity

A survey conducted by wedding planning company The Knot found that as older Gen Zers get married, they're approaching their celebrations in ways distinct from other generations. From the planning phase to the ceremonies themselves, Zers are choosing to blend tradition and tech in their own ways.

Zillennials want their weddings to make a statement

Prime energy drinks have made headlines in the UK for their cult-like popularity and extortionate resale prices. With bottles flying off the shelves and consistently selling out, the influencer-founded brand has auspiciously tapped into Gen Z desires for hype culture and exclusivity.

Prime: influencer-led energy drinks for Gen Z hypebeasts

Chani Nicholas has become a social media star for her role as a relatable astrologer who uses the cosmos to answer practical questions. From dealing with election results to how to get over an ex, she acts as a trusted adviser who guides her followers through the chaos of modern life.

Chani Nicholas: processing chaos through modern astrology

Blackout rage gallons – also known as ‘borgs’ – have overtaken jungle juice as American college students’ beverage of choice. Contrary to its name, the viral hack offers a less potent alternative to binge-drinking, allowing young people to moderate their alcohol intake without compromising on fun.

US Gen Zers use 'borgs' to make binge-drinking safer

Revyze is a short-form video platform that mimics TikTok, with a focus on high-school educational content for teenagers. As students’ attitudes to education continue to evolve post-pandemic, how are tech-led platforms preparing them for the future and creating alternative pathways for learning?

Revyze: the TikTok of French edtech

No stranger to controversial drops, MSCHF has released a cologne that replicates the smell of WD-40. Taking olfactory experimentation to the next level with its embrace of satire, the scent has found resonance among Gen Zers who are looking to fragrances as a conduit for ironic self-expression.

MSCHF taps WD-40 for absurdist cologne aimed at Gen Z

Puma has launched a collection that merges Chinese heritage with sports in an attempt to appeal to Gen Z. As brand personality becomes increasingly important in the market, brands are exploring specific cultural and local niches – though authentic representation is essential.

Puma fuses tradition and modernity to lure Chinese Gen Z

Research suggests that Americans who left their jobs during the 'great resignation', especially Gen Zers, are wishing they hadn’t done so. While the mass quitting movement indicated that people were shifting life milestones, this shows a desire for stability in the face of increasing uncertainty.

People regret taking part in the Great Resignation 

Generational labelling is treated as gospel for collecting data, describing groups, and self-identifying. However, a surge of young people have found themselves in limbo between Gens Y and Z and are finding their voice outside of these labels – challenging established social structures and beliefs.

Who are the Zillennials?

British girl group FLO has risen to popularity among young UK music fans with an R&B sound and aesthetic reminiscent of the 90s. Their commitment to authenticity and empowerment of Black British voices are reflective of Gen Y and Z’s desires for relatable icons in the music industry and beyond.

FLO: courting young music fans with nostalgic R&B

'He Gets Us', a high-profile campaign that tries to make Christian teachings relatable through the language of social justice, has raised questions about modern faith. Although Americans attend church less often than ever, they’re still looking for guidance from both religious and secular sources.

'He Gets Us' points to growth of secular spirituality 

Japanese firm Mitsui & Co. will allow employees to have side hustles for the first time, implementing flexible hours and remote working in an attempt to retain the Gen Z workforce. However, with a focus on benefits to the company, this policy could fail to attract the generation that work to live.

Mitsui & Co. allows employees to take approved second job

With Australian house prices growing exponentially over the past decade, the dream of homeownership is all but a fantasy to young Aussies. Having been priced out of the market, young people are reimagining a future where community and experience are worth more than bricks and mortar.

How Aussies got priced out of a booming property market

A study has found that TikTok has overtaken YouTube as the most popular app among children and teenagers, beating other streaming apps in the process. The rampant enthusiasm for TikTok brings into question the app’s safety and privacy issues as well as how it’s impacting parenting.

TikTok passes YouTube in race for Gen Alpha’s attention

The London outpost of Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness empire is closing, marking a shift in appetites when it comes to wellbeing. Jaded by content and brands championed by rich, White women, audiences are instead turning to extremes in their pursuit of health or rejecting wellness altogether.

Goop's London closure signifies a change in wellness

Indian beauty brand SIXAM Glow has made its debut with a campaign targeting young working women. Attuned to the shifting expectations of urban consumers who are increasingly embedded in hustle culture, it seeks to personalise and altogether redefine the skincare experience.

SIXAM Glow simplifies skincare for Indian women

Many Gen Zers are reporting not being given digital training at work because they are seen as already tech-savvy. However, this can lead to workers feeling ill-equipped to voice their needs for support – ushering in a need to support young with career-specific digital literacy.

Gen Zers feel imposter syndrome around workplace tech

Inspired by rom-com stars of the '90s, ThredUp has teamed up with TikTok star Nava Rose on a digital shopfront that helps users create Valentine’s Day looks while cutting out fast fashion. The collaboration plays on both sustainability desires and popular online aesthetics.

ThredUP collab encourages Gen Z to ghost fast fashion

Porsche is appealing to Gen Z gaming passions through a partnership with FaZe Clan, as the luxury brand seeks to establish itself among younger audiences. Through niche partnerships and an understanding of the importance of digital identity, brands can emphasize their own personality and relevance. 

Porsche x FaZe Clan targets Gen Z with gaming offerings

Durex has seen social media success in China with a revamp of traditional mahjong sets, giving them a modern twist. The subtle yet cheeky changes are an example of making sex culturally accessible without pushing the envelope too far, maintaining respect for the country's social norms.

Durex tests boundaries in China with saucy mahjong sets

Luxury brand Jimmy Choo has collaborated with the creator of Sailor Moon to develop a capsule collection of shoes and accessories inspired by the show. Fashion plays a critical role in anime fandom, and by bringing it to life, the collaboration is leaning into the comfort of nostalgic fashion.

Jimmy Choo x 'Sailor Moon' leans into nostalgic fashion

Online community radio has proven highly popular among Gens Y and Z by providing platforms for musical discovery and community connection. Their independent status enables these broadcasts to bypass the constraints of mainstream radio and represent diverse communities of curators and listeners alike.

Why are listeners choosing community radio stations?

Drag queen Trixie Mattel is a bonafide superstar and icon in the LGBTQ+ community whose reach has translated into several business ventures fuelled by her community of avid online fans. What is it about Mattel’s identity and aesthetic that has made her a prime influencer among Gen Z audiences?

Trixie Mattel: LGBTQ+ icon with diverse Gen Z appeal

A survey has found that Gen Z mothers are more inclined than other generations to feel the need to be perfect parents. While they’re known for their 'we're flawed, get over it' mentality and desire for authenticity online, Zers still need support and advice when it comes to parenting.

Gen Z mothers feel increased need to be perfect parents

M&M’s has called in Maya Rudolph for its 2023 Super Bowl commercial, playing on culture war issues following the backlash to the rebranding of its ‘spokescandies’. Americans have been more exposed to callout culture in recent years, and this ad shows the subject may be fair game for jokes.

M&M's Super Bowl campaign pokes fun at callout culture

Members of the K-POP group BTS are exploring relationships with luxury fashion houses, with Dior signing Jimin and Suga signing with Valentino. The collaborations come as the brands further expand their relationships with South Korea, where luxury spending with Dior is among the highest worldwide.

Luxury fashion houses court BTS and other K-pop stars

In a sea of paid placements and influencer marketing, Neutrogena’s TikTok reality series aims to challenge the norm. Featuring popular creators and reality stars, the show takes a more entertaining twist to promote the brand’s Hydro Boost facial cleanser, cutting through the social media clutter.

Neutrogena cuts through noise with TikTok reality series

A Chinese drama that follows the life of a metropolitan woman as she moves to a rural village is taking the country's youth by storm. As Gen Zers nationwide continue to look for ways of slowing down their fast-paced lives, shows like this speak to a new kind of aspirational lifestyle.

C-drama hype boosts Chinese Gen Z’s rustic desires

Young people in Malaysia are increasingly saddled with debt as they struggle to sustain their livelihoods in a post-COVID economy. As they continue to aspire towards milestones like car and home ownership, the demand for higher wages and more effective financial literacy education is likely to grow.

Young Malaysians seek financial education amid high debt

In a culture of online comparison, the pressure of financial upskilling is rubbing off on Gen Z, with research finding that money talk is fast becoming taboo. As young people seek a less pressurised approach to money, brands have an opportunity to present a different style of financial empowerment.

Social pressure makes Gen Z shy away from money talk 

Samara Joy is a 23-year-old jazz singer from the Bronx who won Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards. With a strong voice that attracts the attention of audiences old and new, Joy has established herself as the genre’s first Gen Z star with a sonic profile that’s both nostalgic and future-facing.

Samara Joy: nostalgic jazz with cross-generational appeal

Fairview New Homes’ Save to Buy scheme offers an affordable route to homeownership for Generation Rent by setting aside rent payments towards a deposit on a home. Amid a cost of living crisis, the scheme hopes to attract rent-burdened people who are looking to invest in their futures.

Save to Buy scheme offers escape for Generation Rent

Bondee – a metaverse-like app developed by Singaporean tech firm Metadream – has struck a chord among social media users in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its accessible design, trendy aesthetics, and highly customisable worlds, Bondee might just be the app to win over Web3 sceptics in the region.

Metadream virtual world courts Web3 sceptics in Singapore

The internet has become muddied with a slurry of internet aesthetics and cores, each indicating a cultural shift in younger generations. Frutiger Aero embodies Gen Z's yearning for old-school tech amid turbo trends and superspeed development, symbolising a hunger for slower simplicity.

The Frutiger Aero aesthetic captures Gen Z nostalgia

Rather than lofty ideas of becoming influencers or social media stars, US Gen Zers are searching for stability in well-established businesses after being spooked by an avalanche of mass layoffs. Though Gen Zers tend to spurn traditionalism, the impending recession is challenging these attitudes.

Gen Z Americans prioritize career stability amid crisis

Census data has found that young people in the UK are more likely to identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community than older generations. However, some Zers remain attached to gender binaries, suggesting that attitudes towards sexuality and gender identity aren’t unilateral among this cohort.

UK Gen Zers are the most likely to identify as LGBT+

Horror and scary tales have long been intertwined with the history and cultural identity of humanity. In the modern moment, horror as a genre has been co-opted by Gen Z fans, many of whom enjoy the stimulation of frightening content and how it effectively communicates experiences of crisis.

What’s behind Gen Z’s love of horror?

Gen Z job-seekers are put off by companies that fail to meet their standards for openness, especially around topics such as salaries. This demonstrates how younger generations expect transparency from brands and employers alike to feel secure amid recession uncertainty and fragile social progress.

Gen Zers ignore job adverts lacking salary transparency 

As the financial crisis hits young workers in the UK, many have turned to side hustles to supplement their day job. For those interested in copywriting freelance gigs, Word Tonic helps Gen Zers navigate the ins and outs of managing clients and projects through community-based advice.

Word Tonic helps Gen Z navigate freelance work

While many travellers remain reliant on tech when on the move, physical map sales are on the rise among Gen Yers and Zers. This surging interest in analogue navigation methods suggests some are shunning the convenience of technology in favour of authentic discovery and adventure.

Rise in paper map sales reflects interest in exploration

A survey has found that the British tradition of tea and biscuits is at risk, with young people preferring snacks such as granola and samosas. The results demonstrate how culinary habits are shifting as people embrace international palates and rethink what constitutes a 'meal'.

Young Britons are turning away from tea and biscuits

Combining comfort with a callback, UGG has partnered with mental health-centric clothing brand MadHappy to launch its pastel Ultra Mini Boots. As stressful permacrises continue, people are leaning into Y2K aesthetics that revolve around soft, nostalgic, and indulgent styles.

UGG x MadHappy boots foreground self-care and comfort

For many Gen Zers, the lines between real life and virtual experiences are increasingly fading. But despite being digitally native, they have specific attitudes about the ways they’ll allow technology into their daily routines. How can brands meet the refined digital needs of this generation?

What do Gen Z Americans want from tech?

J. Crew has announced a partnership with ThredUp, allowing customers to buy and resell used items online in exchange for store credit, effectively allowing them to trade old for new. Circularity is a growing concern in fashion, and shoppers are beginning to see value in vintage garments.

J. Crew Always incentivises circular fashionistas

A study on gas stoves has inspired fears in conservative circles on the internet, with many up in arms about the prospect of new regulations. As online outrage cycles have shortened, overnight controversies have turned mundane subjects into ubiquitous culture war totems.

Gas stove outrage points to widening cultural divisions

The Future Food Movement and VotesForSchools have partnered to form the UK’s first Youth Advisory Board focusing on how the food industry affects the environment. The initiative grants young people a voice and demonstrates the importance of transparency when solving existing issues in food production.

Gen Z given industry access to address food anxieties

Singaporean fashion label Charles & Keith was thrust into the spotlight after a local TikToker was mocked online for calling their $60 handbags 'luxury'. While the saga revealed divided definitions of luxury in the country, the brand savvily leveraged the incident to elevate its brand image.

Charles & Keith helps a young fan redefine luxury

Canned tuna has become increasingly in vogue on TikTok, leading to increased sales and a slew of new product lines taking advantage of this pantry staple’s newfound popularity. People are looking for budget luxuries as inflation perseveres and brands are responding by creating foodie-friendly fare.

Budget-conscious foodies turn to canned tuna on TikTok

Wristcheck is aiming to attract Gen Z luxury spenders by offering up affordable pre-owned luxury watches. Although they're increasing their spending power, Gen Zers are looking for brands to help them justify any indulgent spending amid the continuing cost of living crisis.

Wristcheck eyes Gen Z with pre-owned luxury watches

Tinder has launched a First Date Fortunes campaign, capitalising on the approaching Lunar New Year and popularity of astrology to bring astro-dating guidance to singles. This move comes amid brand efforts to ensure cultural authenticity, calling into question this more trivial approach.

Tinder taps Chinese astrology to guide singletons

As we move towards increasing engagement with art online, tech is proving increasingly influential in people’s cultural consumption. But how exactly are buyers using algorithms to discover and appreciate art? Can trust in NFTs be repaired? And in what ways are digital spaces democratising art?

How is tech changing the luxury art market?

How do Gen Zers think and act as citizens and consumers? Canvas8’s expert insights offer a view into the world of this emerging generation.

Gen Z (born 1997-2010)