KPop Demon Hunters, a highly popular animated musical film from Sony streaming on Netflix, has become a cultural phenomenon among youth, surpassing 236 million views and even opening in theaters to great success, praised for its catchy songs and positive message. The article also explores current youth slang, nostalgia trends, and viral videos that reflect the evolving landscape of kid culture in 2025.
The article discusses the debate over the 'Gen Z stare,' a supposed blank expression used by Gen Z in social interactions, and explores whether it is a real phenomenon or a reflection of generational stereotypes. It highlights how social media, pandemic-related disruptions, and economic challenges have shaped Gen Z's social skills, and suggests that older generations, including millennials and boomers, may be projecting their own issues onto Gen Z. The piece advocates for understanding and unity across generations to address these challenges.
Norwegian school-leavers' tradition of partying on russebuss has become increasingly problematic due to excessive drinking, drug use, high costs, and safety concerns, prompting government efforts to regulate and move celebrations to post-exam periods to promote inclusivity and safety.
The rise of smartphones and social media has led to a shift in media consumption among young people, who now prefer shorter, snack-sized content over long-form entertainment. This trend is affecting their ability to focus, as seen in educational settings where students struggle to complete full-length books. While young people are processing more information than previous generations, the bite-sized nature of this content may hinder their ability to concentrate on slower, more complex tasks, raising concerns about future workplace focus and appreciation for traditional art forms.
A social media trend in China led to thousands of cyclists causing traffic gridlock between Zhengzhou and Kaifeng as they embarked on a night ride to try local dumplings. Initially praised for its spontaneity and youthful spirit, the event quickly turned chaotic, with police intervention and bike rental companies locking bikes. The trend highlights the economic struggles and burnout among young Chinese, but also resulted in criticism for causing disruption and safety concerns. Authorities have since imposed restrictions to prevent further incidents.
A viral social media post led tens of thousands to participate in a spontaneous bike ride from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng in China, causing significant traffic congestion and prompting bike-sharing companies to restrict services. The event, inspired by four college students' summer trip for dumplings, highlights a trend among young people seeking affordable travel amid a challenging job market. Despite logistical issues and criticism, participants view such events as a way to relieve stress and foster happiness.
Tens of thousands of Chinese students have taken up night bike rides as a popular social activity, driven by a desire for freedom, exercise, and social interaction. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift among Chinese youth towards outdoor activities and communal experiences, offering a break from academic pressures and a chance to explore urban environments in a new way.
A decade after the military coup in Egypt, the country remains repressive, with the military essentially running the government. However, amidst the political environment, a young generation of musicians has emerged, using hip-hop and rap to express their own stories and challenge societal norms. This genre of music, known as mahraganat, has gained popularity and serves as a form of counterculture. While not directly addressing the government, the lyrics touch on economic circumstances and the stifling environment, making it inherently political. The government's red lines are constantly shifting, creating uncertainty for artists and activists who must carefully navigate their expressions. Despite the oppressive climate, the energy and frustration of the youth population could potentially lead to political instability if their needs and energies are not addressed by the government.
Former MTV News staffers reflect on the impact of the network's news division, which was a go-to source for young people on everything from music to politics and social issues. The division, which began as a broadcast in the mid-1980s, grew to become a bustling newsroom that churned out hourly news briefs and special reports. MTV News correspondents interviewed Tupac Shakur and Green Day as well as Kofi Annan and John McCain. The end of MTV News was announced this week amid widespread cutbacks, triggering a flood of fond recollections about the on-air personalities who defined the brand.
MTV News, a cable news division programmed for and largely run by American youth, has been shut down by Paramount after 36 years. The Hollywood Reporter reached out to MTV News' star reporters and executives to reminisce about the glory days of the outfit, where they covered music, politics, and pop culture in a way that spoke to young Americans. The team's coverage of the 2000 election cycle, Choose or Lose, ultimately led to Bill Clinton coming on MTV and talking about "boxers or briefs." The team's coverage of 9/11 was also a significant moment for the network.
Mary Quant, the fashion designer credited with popularizing the miniskirt and other innovative garments that epitomized London in the 1960s, has died at the age of 93. Quant was an astute businesswoman who understood how branding herself as a creative force could help her sustain her business and branch out into new fields, like cosmetics. She was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the “youthquake” of the 1960s and her impact on the fashion world has been compared to The Beatles’ impact on pop music.
TikTok is being used by Gen Z to discuss death and the pandemic through the #DeathTok trend, while also showcasing ridiculous trends like eating dog food and plastic candy wrappers. Meanwhile, Zipline is using innovative drone technology to deliver medical supplies to remote hospitals in Rwanda, potentially changing the way we receive deliveries and reducing the number of cars and trucks on the roads.
