Current Forward

Wedding season is upon us, and no one wants to tie the knot more than Gen Z. In a recent study (source below) 93% of Gen Z expressed a desire to get married, despite a 60% decline in marriage rates since the 1970s. With the often-shared stat that 50% of marriages end in divorce, Millennials have opted to stay single. So why does Gen Z have its eyes on the altar? There are 3 reasons driving this shift: ?1) Gen Z, starved for authentic social connection due to pandemic isolation and increasingly digital interactions, craves the long-term support and companionship of a romantic partner. 2) Societal shifts in gender roles and expectations are reshaping relationship dynamics, making it easier for Gen Z to see a clear path to an equitable and mutually fulfilling romantic partnership in their future. And 3) Gen Z prioritizes personal growth and emotional wellbeing in their lives, which makes them better equipped with the interpersonal tools needed to actively work toward a healthy and enduring marriage.??

12- to 17-year-olds are less likely than previous generations to believe they will do better than their parents. What's driving their negative world view? This younger slice of Gen Z has long been grappling with financial crises, political turmoil, the existential threat of climate change and a rapidly shifting digital landscape driven by social media and misinformation. That complex combo creates feelings of isolation, inadequacy and anxiety, which are profoundly shaping their outlook. While this explains the motivation behind Gen Z’s obsession with items from what they believe to be a simpler time, snap-and-shoot cameras, landlines and Y2K fashion, it’s not yet clear how their mindset will impact their future. In the near-term, we predict Gen Z will jump at the chance to engage in unique analog experiences. Long-term that could look like an unwavering prioritization of work/life balance that impacts career choices and even right-to-disconnect legislation. Have predictions on what Gen Z’s gloom and doom outlook will give rise to in the future? Share them below. (Source linked in comments)

Planning to travel this summer? Do it like Gen Z does. Get your trip from TikTok and Snapchat While it’s not surprising that digital and social media play a large role in trip planning, it’s worth noting that Gen Z is far more likely to be getting inspiration from Tiktok and Snapchat than Millennials.? Don’t go where other people go Traditional tourist destinations? Yuck. Gen Z wants unique, off-the-beaten path experiences. They’re seeking novel locations that offer them opportunities to be the first among friends to explore different parts of the world. If you identify as a woman, fly solo Nearly 60% of Gen Z women express an interest in exploring the world on their own. This desire is driven by the appeal of traveling to gain a sense of empowerment and independence. Get your personal growth on the go For Gen Z, travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s a profound personal growth experience that allows them to learn more about themselves. Away from the pressures of daily life, a new locale offers a chance for mental rest and reflection as well as opportunities to engage in activities that contribute to their well-being. Leave the alcohol at home Eighty three percent of young travelers would consider taking a vacation without any alcohol. With health and safety top of mind, Gen Z sees sobriety while on vacay a way to maintain a clear mind and create vivid and meaningful memories. Not spending on alcohol can also free up funds for different experiences or longer stays.

Gen Z is pioneering the thoughtful use of "Do Not Disturb" as a tool for digital well-being and productivity. As the first generation to grow up on the internet, they are highly adept at navigating digital environments and have a nuanced understanding of how constant connectivity can impact their mental and emotional well-being. By using the "Do Not Disturb" feature, they assert control over their digital interactions, a practice that's propelling a cultural shift toward prioritizing efficiency and respect for personal boundaries. Though Gen Z may have been the DND trendsetters, the use of digital boundary setting has been adopted by Millennials and Gen Xers. Many are seeking reprieve from incessant robocalls and constant notifications. Increased usage of DND reflects a broader change in how people are choosing to engage with each other, underscoring a collective move towards more mindful and intentional digital communication practices. (Source linked in comments)

In the midst of a stressful week and in need of some self care inspo? Take a page out of Gen Z’s book and give bed rotting or cozy cardio a try. Bed rotting involves spending extended periods lounging in bed, not for sleep, but for passive activities such as snacking, binge-watching TV, and mindless scrolling through social media feeds. The phenomenon of "bed rotting" is all over TikTok. It involves spending extended periods of time lounging in bed, not for sleep, but for passive activities such as snacking, binge-watching TV and mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds. Bed rotting serves as a temporary escape from the incessant hustle, providing a much-needed pause to recharge and unwind. Cozy cardio, on the other hand, encourages individuals to embrace low-impact movement in the comfort of their own homes. Picture trading sports bras for pajamas and swapping out the relentless beat of a spin class for the soothing glow of lava lamps and the familiar hum of your favorite TV show. Cozy cardio emphasizing comfort and relaxation while still incorporating movement for physical fitness. Gen Z views mental and emotional health as important as physical fitness. So to truly engage in self care like this younger generation, incorporate practices that address both mind and body.?

Gen Z is championing the re-emergence of landlines. ? With a growing appreciation for tactile experiences of past technologies, landline phones have become a sought-after novelty — especially if they come emblazoned with popular Y2K brands like Hello Kitty or the Olsen twins. Having grown up with constant connectivity, Gen Z is experiencing digital fatigue. The simplicity and single-function nature of landlines is an appealing way to escape the pressures of being always online. In contrast to the curated and often superficial interactions on social media, Gen Z seeks authentic communication. Landlines encourage longer, more meaningful conversations and represent a form of communication that is perceived as more genuine and less prone to the distractions and interruptions common in modern life. (Source linked in comments)

From butterfly clips to velour sweatsuits, Gen Z is bringing back unmistakable hallmarks of the early 2000s. What is it about this period that’s captured the hearts of a generation that barely remembers it? A comforting escape to simpler times they never knew: Gen Z views the Y2K era as one when life was simpler and more straightforward because it lacked social media, smartphones and the pressures of an always-on culture. They yearn to understand and vicariously experience that time, which has led to the resurgence in popularity of movies like Mean Girls and trends like Rom-Comcore. The sustainability of secondhand clothes: Approximately 1 in 3 apparel items purchased in the last year was secondhand. Gen Z's embrace of secondhand clothing not only reflects their commitment to sustainable living, but also their fascination with the unique and bold statements of 2000s fashion. By way of Depop and Goodwill, brands like Von Dutch, Juicy Couture, Miss Sixty and Ed Hardy have found their way back into the spotlight. Pushing against the status quo: ?Embracing the 2000s aesthetic allows Gen Z to stand out, using the era's unique styles to express themselves and challenge today's norms. It's a blend of rebellion and a quest for identity, with the quirky and bold vibes of Y2K fashion serving as their canvas.