What is Gen Z obsessed with?

Asked by: Kathryn Kemmer DVM  |  Last update: May 16, 2026
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

Gen Z is obsessed with nostalgia (especially for the '90s and early 2000s), unique self-expression through hyper-customized tech/fashion, experiences like travel, mental well-being, authentic online communities (Discord, TikTok), and "locking in" for focused self-improvement, driven by a desire for authenticity and meaning in a complex, digitally saturated world.

What is Gen Z obsessed with right now?

TikTok continues to dominate Gen Z's attention, but YouTube is regaining relevance, especially for longer-form content and in-depth product research. According to Pew Research, 67% of teens (which includes younger Gen Z) use TikTok, and 93% use YouTube regularly.

What is Gen Z most interested in?

Gen Z, on the other hand, is active in investing, and buying homes, and some are already saving for retirement, Hana said. “That's astonishing if you think how young they are,” Hana said. They save and put their money into things that can secure their future. Their spending is often very pragmatic.

What do Gen Z use instead of 😂?

Gen Z uses emojis like the Skull (💀), Loudly Crying Face (😭), and Clown Face (🤡) to convey extreme laughter or to mock foolishness, finding the old Laughing Crying (😂) emoji outdated and cringe, often replacing it with the literal phrase "I'm dead" or combining emojis for more nuanced expressions.
 

What is Gen Z most addicted to?

Here's a look at some of the trending substances being abused by Gen Z today:

  • Nicotine and Vaping. One of the most significant substance use trends among Gen Z is the rise in nicotine use through vaping. ...
  • Cannabis Use. ...
  • Prescription Drug Misuse. ...
  • Alcohol Use. ...
  • Polysubstance Use.

Gen-Z’s Addiction to “Locking in”

39 related questions found

What does the 😭 mean in Gen Z?

For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji often means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or sweet, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally overwhelmed in a positive, exaggerated way, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji. It can also express general intense emotions, dramatic flair, or even self-pity, depending on the context, showing versatility beyond simple sorrow.
 

What is the #1 addiction?

Nicotine

According to the World Health Organization, nicotine/tobacco is responsible for the death of over 8 million people each year. Currently, 3 billion people across the globe are using tobacco products among them 1 billion being addicted to nicotine.

What does 🌶 mean from a girl?

When a girl sends the 🌶️ (chili pepper) emoji, it usually means something is hot, spicy, flirty, or sexy, referring to attraction, a "spicy" comment, bold outfit, or suggestive content, often hinting at sexual interest or a bold personality, rather than just food. It can signify a "hot" take, a bold mood, or something risqué in a flirtatious context, especially when paired with other suggestive emojis like 🔥 (fire) or 😈 (devil).
 

What does the 🙃 mean in Gen Z?

The upside-down face emoji 🙃 is basically code for “this is terrible” or FML. It's used when things aren't going well or the user is having a terrible day. This modern usage is an update to the millennial sense. For the older generation, this emoji often indicated sarcasm or even silliness.

What is Gen Z's biggest issue?

There isn't one single "biggest problem" for Gen Z, but rather a complex interplay of interconnected challenges, with mental health struggles (anxiety, depression) and the immense pressure from social media often cited as central issues, exacerbated by a tough economic climate, high cost of living, and global uncertainty, leading to feelings of instability, hopelessness, and a desire for instant gratification versus long-term resilience. 

What do Gen Z girls like to do?

93% of Gen Zs take part in socialising involving competitive activities. With young men increasingly keen to try new activities such as VR gaming bars and social cricket; while more 'traditional' competitive activities like bowling and crazy golf have higher appeal to young women.

What are the 7 basic traits of Gen Z?

Generation Z (born roughly 1997-2012) is characterized by being digitally native, valuing diversity and authenticity, being pragmatic and financially cautious, prioritizing mental health and work-life balance, having a strong sense of social consciousness, being adept at visual, fast-paced learning, and demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit through side hustles and skill-building. They seek purpose, flexibility, and are driven by experiences, not just traditional career ladders.
 

Is Gen Z going braless?

No, Gen Z doesn't universally stop wearing bras, but there's a significant cultural shift towards ditching traditional, uncomfortable wired bras for wireless options, bralettes, sports bras, or going braless, driven by a desire for comfort, body positivity, and reclaiming personal choice over restrictive fashion norms. Social media amplifies this trend, promoting "un-bras" as empowering statements, though many still wear bras for support, specific outfits, or to avoid unwanted attention, reflecting diverse needs and opinions. 

What is typical Gen Z behavior?

Gen Z are typically self-driven, collaborative, and diverse-minded. They value flexibility, authenticity, and a pragmatic approach to addressing problems.

What brands do Gen Z love?

More than two-thirds of Gen Z say they're likely to buy from brands like Nike, Sour Patch Kids, CeraVe, and Duolingo in the near future. These top performers aren't just selling products—they're connecting deeply with Gen Z culture.

What does 🌀 mean?

🌀 Cyclone Emoji | Meaning, Copy And Paste

An icon used to represent a cyclone. Some versions of this emoji show a spiral shape, which may be used for decorative purposes. In ...

What does t_t stand for?

Symbol. T_T. An emoticon representing a crying face.

What does 💅 mean in texting?

The 💅 (Nail Polish) emoji in chat signifies sass, confidence, nonchalance, or self-care, acting as a playful "I'm unbothered" or "I'm slaying" sign-off after a statement, often implying a bold or cheeky tone, related to feeling fabulous or pampering oneself. It's a versatile symbol for a general vibe of being put-together or effortlessly chic, says Dictionary.com. 

What does 🥩 mean in slang?

The 🥩 (steak) emoji's slang meaning varies but often points to sexual connotations (as a phallus) or is used in reference to the "sloppy steaks" sketch from I Think You Should Leave (often with 💦), representing something raw or intense, while sometimes it's just about food, grilling, or strong/tough personas, so context is key.
 

What does 💦 mean in texting?

The 💦 (Sweat Droplets) emoji in text has dual meanings: literally representing sweat, water, or rain, but often used suggestively for sexual fluids, arousal, or "thirst," especially when paired with other suggestive emojis like 🍑 (peach) or 🍆 (eggplant). It can also mean "drip" for amazing style or signal someone is worked up, so context is crucial, notes Dictionary.com and Emojipedia.
 

What does 🥑 mean in slang?

The avocado emoji (🥑) has several slang meanings, most commonly representing "basic" (trendy, mainstream), a healthy lifestyle, or being the "better half" in a relationship (especially on Snapchat, paired with another person's emoji). It can also simply mean someone loves avocado toast or healthy eating, depending on context. 

What is the #1 abused drug?

By far, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States.

Which is the deadliest addiction?

Cocaine. It's helpful to understand the long-term effects of crack cocaine, but the most immediate aspect to know is that it's a top-ranking substance for overdose deaths. It's super unpredictable too, especially when mixed with fentanyl.

What is the oldest addiction?

Opium is a latex-like substance that comes from a plant called the opium poppy. From this latex, or resin, come a number of both narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, some of which have been used since ancient times.