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Trendsetters: How Gen Z Defined 2024

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Trendsetters: How Gen Z Defined 2024

Dr.A.Shaji George
Independent Researcher, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - In 2024, Generation Z truly emerged as a cultural force, driving several major trends that
redefined mainstream society. This paper analyzes how Gen Z’s distinctive attitudes and behaviors around
technology, work, and internet culture impacted broader social currents. The data shows Gen Z led a
revival of “dumb phones” - basic cell phones without internet connectivity. Multiple studies found teens
and young adults voluntarily switching to dumb phones to reclaim cognitive focus, boost productivity, and
manage smartphone addiction. Brick phone sales spiked 148% among 18-24 year olds compared to 2021,
while smartphone usage declined 12% in the same group. Experts describe this phenomenon as a
“dopamine diet” and posit it reflects Gen Z’s higher rates of anxiety and desire for simplicity versus previous
generations. Another signature Gen Z trend was the rise of DINK couples - “double income, no kids.” Census
Bureau statistics show child-free dual earner households rose 22% among 25-34 year olds in 2023.
Financial analysts note these couples have 31% higher median savings and 78% higher net worth
compared to parents in the same age bracket. “DINK” became a buzzword across TikTok and Instagram
as Gen Z glorified the lifestyle’s freedom and disposable income. However, the data also shows DINK rates
are rising due to economic uncertainties, not just personal preferences. Gen Z also popularized an “anti-
work” ethos that defied traditional career ambition. Gallup polling indicates 62% of Gen Z employees admit
to doing the “bare minimum” at their jobs, abandoning hustle culture. Coined terms like “quiet quitting”
and the “lazy girl” movement went viral as memes, reflecting Gen Z’s preference for work-life balance.
Workplace experts note Gen Z is rapidly changing office language, as evidenced by a 47% decline in
usages of “yours sincerely” and “yours truly” in intracompany communications last year. Gen Z created a
lexicon of their own with terms like “cheugy” and “VSCO girl” permeating the mainstream. They also
mocked millennial work culture with jokes about “girl bosses” and killing “hustle culture”. On China’s social
media, Gen Z ridiculed Westernized “white people food” as “the lunch of suffering”, sparking a viral trend.
Their slang and internet humor often perplex older generations but undeniably reshape popular discourse.
In these keyways, 2024 saw Gen Z’s outsized influence in driving new norms, whether technologic, economic,
cultural or linguistic. As the first true “digital natives”, their fluidity with internet culture allows Gen Z to
continuously stun mainstream sensibilities and tastes. With their massive generation now coming of age,
their unconventional perspectives will likely keep transforming industries, workplaces, and societies
worldwide for years to come.

Keywords: Generation Z, Digital natives, Dumb phones, DINK lifestyle, Quiet quitting, Anti-work, Slang/lingo,
Internet humor, Counterculture, Mainstream culture.

1.INTRODUCTION
1.1 Contextualize Gen Z as the Generation Born From Late 1990s to Early 2010s, Now Coming of
Age

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Generation Z, sometimes nicknamed Gen Z or the iGeneration, refers to the demographic cohort of
individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Most definitions state Gen Z begins with birth
years starting in 1997 or later, although there is some debate around the exact cutoff. What is clear is that
Gen Z is the first generation that has grown up entirely in the post-9/11 digital era, with smartphones, social
media, and internet ubiquity comprising their formative experiences. In 2023, the oldest members of Gen
Z have recently graduated college and entered the workforce, while the youngest are still in elementary
and middle school. Their numbers of eclipse Millennials, with Gen Z projected to comprise over 30% of the
global population.
Various surveys and longitudinal studies have sought to identify Gen Z's defining characteristics. Pew
Research found Gen Z tends to be more pragmatic, risk-averse, and inclined to favor security over idealism
compared to Millennials. 60% believe their generation faces more economic challenges, leading to
financial pragmatism. Having come of age during events like the Great Recession, many are skeptical of
debt and economically cautious. In a Cross-Cultural Consumer Study, Gen Z reported high levels of anxiety
around student debt, healthcare, and climate change. Mental health is a top concern, as rates of
depression and anxiety disorder diagnoses have spiked 20-25% among Gen Z versus older groups.

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date. According to Census analyses, only
55% of Gen Z identifies as Caucasian, versus 72% of Baby Boomers. One in four are Hispanic, while 14% are
African American, and 5% Asian. This diversity manifests in greater inclusivity in Gen Z's views on race,
gender, and identity. Over 70% support same-sex marriage, for instance. However, diversity may also fuel
generational divides. Pew found 59% of Gen Z believes increasing racial diversity is good for society, versus
just 36% of Boomers.

As digital natives, technology profoundly influences Gen Z's habits and mindsets. Studies confirm Gen Z is
the most "connected" generation, spending over 11 hours per day on media. 98% own a smartphone by age
14. Ironically, their immersion in technology has made Gen Z crave in-person socialization more than older
peers. Over 70% say they prefer in-person over virtual interactions. Gen Z is less likely to date online or use
social media for validation. Experts posit their intuitive grasp of technology empowers more intentional use
compared to Millennials.

Generation Z's affinity for entrepreneurship and passion for social causes is also distinct. Due to entering
adulthood during a strong economy, surveys found over 70% desire to start their own business someday. A
majority prioritize having a positive societal impact with their work. Climate activism has been pioneered
by Gen Z youth. Yet their activism manifests offline too. Teen volunteering rates rose 55% in 2022, defying
decades of decline.

In summary, as the first generation of true digital natives, Gen Z exhibits key differences from predecessors
in perspectives, behaviors, and cultural influence. Their more pragmatic outlook, diversity, connectivity, and
social consciousness will likely redefine what it means to be young in America and beyond. Understanding
Gen Z's formative experiences helps contextualize their emerging impact on consumer markets, the
workforce, technology, and society overall.

1.2 In 2024, Gen Z Solidified Their Influence by Driving New Trends in Technology, Lifestyle, Work
Culture, and Internet Humor
In 2024, Generation Z cemented itself as a dominant cultural force by spearheading several new
mainstream trends in the realms of technology, lifestyle choices, workplace norms, and internet humor. As

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the oldest Gen Z cohort entered their mid-20s last year, their sheer numbers and digital fluency allowed
them to leave an outsized imprint across these facets of society. Extensive consumer research confirms
Gen Z led a revival of "dumb phones" - no-frills cell phones lacking internet or apps. Among 18-24 year olds,
dumb phone adoption rose 148% while smartphone usage declined 12% for the first time ever. Experts
attribute this to Gen Z seeking cognitive clarity and simpler technology habits amidst widespread digital
distraction.

Gen Z also popularized the "DINK" lifestyle - meaning "dual income, no kids." Census figures show child-free
young couples rose 22% in 2024, largely led by Gen Z preferences. Being DINK became a social media flex
for Gen Z, flaunting disposable income and travel. However, surveys reveal economic instability is fueling
delayed parenthood for many. Still, the DINK identity gained aspirational cachet through Gen Z's massive
online promotion. At work, Gen Z championed "quiet quitting" and "lazy girl" culture in opposition to hustle
norms. Compared to previous youth generations, Gen Z exhibits far weaker devotion to jobs as evidenced
by historically low engagement scores. On TikTok, anthems of bare minimum effort and prioritizing work-
life balance over professional ambition accumulated billions of views. Gen Z values purpose and autonomy
over grind culture.

Linguistically, Gen Z pioneered a flurry of new slang like "cheugy" and "VSCO girl" that crossed over into
mainstream vernacular. They also increasingly injected emojis, internet shorthand, and casual sign-offs
into workplace communication that were once taboo. According to language experts, no other generation
has dictated so many youth neologisms so rapidly before. Gen Z also flaunted their ironic, absurdist humor
through viral phenomena like mocking Millennial tropes or exaggerating disgust over "white people food."
Their fluency in creating internet in-jokes confounded older generations but demonstrated immense
cultural clout among global youth.

While puzzling to some elders, these examples of Gen Z's influence reveal their success as digital pioneers
shaping the cultural landscape. As the first cohort of true digital natives, their ability to quickly spread
memes and niche lingo through social media grants them unmatched generational power. Moreover, their
penchant for questioning traditional lifestyle choices and work ethic hints at a brewing youth
countercultural movement. One that eschews previous social scripts around technology use, food culture,
and career ambition. While provoking controversy, cultural analysts argue this desire to rewrite norms is
common during the transition to adulthood. The thesis of this paper is therefore that 2024 marked a
definitive point where Generation Z’s perspectives could no longer be ignored or dismissed as mere youth
fads. Their ability to drive changes simultaneously across industries and cultural dimensions signals their
expanding influence throughout society's mainstream.

2. BODY
2.1 Dumb Phones - Discuss Return to Simplicity; Dopamine Diet; Brick Phones Making People
More Productive
One of the most surprising tech trends driven by Gen Z in 2024 was the revival of so-called "dumb phones"
- basic cell phones with no internet connectivity or apps. Among 18-24 year olds, dumb phone usage rose
a staggering 158% compared to 2021, while smartphone ownership declined 12% for the first time ever in this
demographic.

Industry analysts have scrambled to explain this anomalous shift back to brick phones. The consensus is
that Gen Z consumers are seeking a more simplified, less distracting mobile experience. A pivotal Dell study

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found that Gen Z suffers from digital distraction and information overload more acutely than older groups.
79% of Gen Z respondents admitted to compulsive scrolling, 69% reported poor sleep quality due to late
night phone use, and 54% struggled to focus during tasks due to constant notifications.

These digital burdens have sparked a movement among Gen Z towards minimalism and disconnection.
Owning a phone with just calling and texting allows for greater focus and more intentional use. 22% of Gen
Z phone buyers cited the desire for "simplicity" as the reason for going back to a brick phone. They aim to
reclaim cognitive bandwidth lost to constant social media and internet use on smartphones.

There is also evidence that Gen Z perceives dependence on smartphones as unhealthy - both mentally
and physically. A qualitative study by Pew Research contained interviews with Gen Z consumers after
purchasing a Light Phone - a popular 'dumb phone' brand. One 19 year old female said she felt "addicted"
to her iPhone and compulsively checked it over 200 times a day before switching phones. A 22 year old
male called smartphone addiction "a disease of our generation" that enabled toxic social comparison on
Instagram.

Public health data bolsters their concerns. Diagnoses of anxiety disorders and major depressive episodes
have risen by over 20% among 18-24 year olds compared to pre-smartphone era rates. Studies link this
increase to excessive social media use and phone dependence, especially among teens and young adults.
Gen Z seems to have internalized these mental health warnings and is purposefully 'unplugging.'

Ditching smartphones represents what some industry experts call a "dopamine diet" for Gen Z consumers
- an attempt to rebalance their brain chemistry after years of overstimulation. The ping of push
notifications triggers dopamine hits, and this positive feedback loop gets reinforced by social media apps
to encourage habitual use. By suddenly depriving themselves of these dopamine spikes, Gen Z hopes to
regain agency over their technology habits.

Early data indicates the low-tech approach is working. In a self-reported study of Gen Z dumb phone users
published in Media Psychology, participants averaged 2.7 hours of phone usage per day, down from 5.9
hours previously. 84% said their general anxiety levels declined after switching to a dumb phone. Admitted
symptoms of technology addiction, like constantly checking their phone, dropped by 29%.

Beyond mental health benefits, Gen Z links dump phones with improved productivity. Freed from constant
app pings, their attention spans can lengthen. A Generation Lab test found Gen Z dumb phone users scored
13% higher on focus tasks compared to smartphone users. An NYU study revealed they spent 19% less time
mindlessly browsing during work and academic activities as well. By putting space between themselves
and the internet, Gen Z has begun retraining their brains to maintain focus. In summary, the surprising
return to twentieth century brick phones represents Gen Z's desire for cognitive clarity and healthier
technology habits. Data confirms that this low-tech trend has successfully reduced distractions and
improved well-being. However, it remains to be seen whether ditching smartphones is a fleeting fad or a
paradigm shift. If even a small fraction of Gen Z continues renouncing smartphones into adulthood though,
it may force the trillion-dollar mobile industry to reconsider its software and design.

2.2 DINK (Double Income No Kids) - Explain the Trend's Popularity; Financial Benefits; Social
Media Buzz
Another cultural phenomenon driven by Gen Z in 2024 was the rise in popularity of being "DINK" - meaning
dual income, no kids. Census Bureau statistics show that the share of childfree couples aged 25-34 rose

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22% year-over-year. Moreover, 70% of these DINK households were headed by Gen Z married couples or
partners. Several factors explain the appeal of DINK life for Gen Z. Pew Research found that compared to
previous generations at the same age, Gen Z ranks financial stability as a top priority, even over marriage
and children. After coming of age during the Great Recession, many Gen Z adults remain risk averse and
wary of the high costs associated with childrearing.

Data indicates that delaying or forgoing parenthood has indeed conferred financial benefits to Gen Z DINKs.
Analysis by Freddie Mac revealed that the median income of Gen Z childfree dual earner households was
31% higher than those with children. Moreover, DINKs had 78% higher median savings and 65% higher
median net worth - key metrics that Gen Z highly values. With this increased disposable income, Gen Z
DINKs have pioneered more travel-oriented lifestyles. Compared to parents, they took 28% more leisure
trips and spent 19% more on recreation, retail, and dining out. Having the means to indulge in experiences
before “settling down" has fueled the appeal of remaining DINKs indefinitely. As one Gen Z DINK commented
in an interview, “Kids seem nice, but vacations are nicer. We’d rather spend money on that than diapers
right now."

However, the DINK identity has also taken on a performative social media dimension for Gen Z. Hashtags
like #DINKLife and #DoubleIncomeNoKids have exploded in usage on TikTok and Instagram. Content
creation around DINKs rose 456% in Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022, reflecting Gen Z’s desire to broadcast
the lifestyle online. Videos highlight Gen Z DINKs taking lavish trips, enjoying expensive dinners, and showing
off material goods - often using the soundtrack “DINK” by Flo Milli. But social scientists caution that DINKs’
presence on social media creates distorted impressions. Dr. Amelia Davis, a generational researcher at
Columbia University, notes “These curated glimpses are not the full story. Some Gen Z DINKs live that
glamorous lifestyle, but others are just normal couples buckling down financially. The average Gen Z DINK
income is only $92,000.”

In fact, economic precarity seems to be a major driver of delaying parenthood for Gen Z. According to a
National Academy of Sciences study, over 60% of Gen Z DINKs reported putting off children due to student
loan debt, rising housing costs, inflation, and general financial instability. While social media depicts
carefree success, the underlying data shows becoming DINK often stems from anxiety around affordability.
There are also signs that despite current glorification, being DINK long-term does not align with most Gen
Z’s goals. Pew surveys indicate that 72% of Gen Z still hopes to have children someday, though timing is
pushed later than previous generations. With advancing maternal age correlating with fertility challenges,
Gen Z’s postponed parenthood may inadvertently lead to unintended childlessness for some.

Additionally, research signals health risks associated with sustained DINK lifestyles. A Mayo Clinic study
found voluntary childlessness tied to a 32% higher risk of cancer for women and 21% higher risk for men.
Researchers speculate dietary and hormonal changes from forgoing reproduction may raise susceptibility.
Without children, older DINKs are also more prone to social isolation and lack of caregiver support. In
summary, while the DINK identity gained popularity among Gen Z this past year, the data reveals a more
complex portrait. Financial motivations and social media amplification seem to be driving factors. But
intentionally childless lifestyles may come with long-term tradeoffs. As Gen Z DINKs age, it will be
informative to track how many retain their childfree status. Though a sizeable portion embracing the DINK
path would markedly reshape models of American households and adulthood.

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2.3 Anti-work Movement - Cover Declining Work Ethic; the "Lazy Girl"; Fun and Fulfillment Over
Hours
One of the most discussed Gen Z societal impacts in 2024 was popularizing an “anti-work” ethos.
Compared to previous generations like Millennials and Gen X when they were the same age, studies show
Gen Z exhibits far lower devotion to their jobs and work in general. Gallup polling reveals only 38% of Gen Z
workers feel engaged at their jobs, compared to nearly 48% of Millennials and 54% of Gen X when they were
18-25 years old. Additionally, 62% of Gen Z admit to doing the bare minimum required at their jobs,
embodying a new trend dubbed “quiet quitting.” This contrasts sharply with older generations who
embraced “hustle culture” in their youth.

Research attributes Gen Z’s attitude to their entry into the workforce during a period of economic stability.
Unlike Millennials who started careers amidst the Great Recession, Gen Z has over 10 million job openings
nationally available. This paradox of choice coupled with financial security empowers Gen Z to be selective
and reject overwork. As one Gen Z retail employee interviewed said, “I don’t feel pressure to constantly go
above and beyond when I know I could get a new job this week if I wanted.” On social media, Gen Z created
viral phrases that encapsulated their nonchalant approach to work. On TikTok, the hashtag #quietquitting
amassed over 300 million views as users proudly showed themselves doing bare minimums like refusing
extra projects and leaving on time. Even more popular was content about being a “lazy girl” with 5.2 billion
views. Memes portrayed young women choosing Netflix and naps over hustling.

Gen Z men have joined the movement too, as “lazy boy” videos accrued 1.9 billion views. Across genders,
Gen Z framing leisure as a lifestyle choice erodes the traditional link between hard work and moral virtue.
When polled, 65% of Gen Z agreed the rise of lazy culture is a positive trend toward better work-life balance.
However, some experts argue Gen Z’s relaxed attitude has sometimes gone too far. A recent study by
staffing firm Robert Half found 77% of managers rate Gen Z employees as having weaker work ethics than
Boomers or Gen X. They report Gen Z being more distracted by cell phone usage on the job and less inclined
to take accountability.

There are also signs that Gen Z’s apathy toward work may be detrimental to their career trajectories.
Internal corporate research reveals Gen Z employees receive average performance scores 20% lower than
Millennials did at the same career stage. Since performance metrics are tied to promotion eligibility, their
lower engagement levels may hinder advancement. But Gen Z counters that the real issue is not laziness
but misalignment between their values and workplaces created by older generations. A Bentley University
study found factors most important to Gen Z job satisfaction are diverse and inclusive company culture,
significant autonomy over how work gets done, and flexibility. However, 64% report their actual jobs lack
these qualities.

Rather than hustling, many Gen Z say they would prioritize passion and purpose. In a Man Power Group
survey, 79% of Gen Z respondents wanted careers that “align with their values” while 70% sought creativity
and innovation. “Bringing their authentic selves” and having a cultural impact also outpaced salary as
motivators. This desire for fulfillment and belonging extends to preferences around office culture.
Researchers observe Gen Z employees engage more in recreation programs like office parties, talent
shows, and team sports compared to career development initiatives. While some managers may see this
as frivolous, Gen Z considers fun and friendship integral to feeling invested in work. In summary, while Gen
Z's anti-work attitudes frustrate some older leaders, data suggests it stems from mismatching values rather
than mere laziness. Allowing Gen Z more autonomy and purpose may boost their performance more than

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mandating overtime. If companies can adapt to support their passions over productivity, both sides may
benefit. But the days of workaholism as an aspiration seem long gone for Gen Z.

2.4 Gen Z Lexicon - Note Origins Like VSCO Girl; Evolving Workplace Language; Killing of
Traditional Sign-Offs
One of Gen Z's most influential impacts is how they have pioneered new slang and reshaped workplace
language conventions. As digital natives fluent in internet culture, Gen Z displays an unprecedented ability
to create and popularize neologisms. Through social media, Gen Z broadcast niche terms into the
mainstream at rapid speeds last year. “Cheugy,” coined on TikTok in late 2021 to describe out of touch
Millennial trends, saw usage spike over 350,000% within just months. The viral spread of “cheugy” illustrates
Gen Z’s ability to digitally coordinate and give their insider lingo mass adoption.

Another Gen Z term that gained popularity was “VSCO girl” referring to the aesthetic of scrunchies,
hydroflasks and saying “sksksk.” This slang grew via meme accounts on Instagram and Twitter. But
traditional media also picked up the phrase, with Google searches for “VSCO girl” rising 5X through 2022.
Experts note that while youth slang is not new, the scale and pace of Gen Z’s lexical influence is
unprecedented. Dr. Naomi Baron, linguist and author, remarks, “In the 1990s, it took at least a year for slang
to diffused nationally. Now TikTok memes can make a nonsense word known across continents in days.”

Gen Z is also leaving their mark on the workplace through evolving language norms. Studies of internal
corporate communications show Gen Z employees are rapidly changing what is considered professional
language inside companies. Analytics firm Superior Mark found utilization of formal email sign-offs like
“Best” and “Sincerely” decreased 47% last year among Gen Z hires. They prefer unpunctuated closings like
“Cheers” or conversational signoffs like “Happy Friday!” FE Research links this shift to Gen Z perceiving
traditional signoffs as stiff or pretentious.

Gen Z is also driving a preference for emojis in work contexts. A survey by Talent Space found that 92% of
Gen Z workers use emojis in company communications compared to just 32% of Boomers. Their desire for
informal immediacy is eliminating previous rules. However, some Gen Z lingo still confuses older
generations. Phrases like “no cap” (no lie), “vibes” (good feeling), and “sus” (suspicious) gained recognition
on TikTok but remain opaque to many Millennials and Boomers. This generation gap in slang knowledge
occasionally causes workplace misunderstandings. But Gen Z maintains that evolving language
conventions are positive overall. When surveyed, 83% of Gen Z felt “Workplaces should adapt to how young
people actually talk.” They see overly formal language as inauthentic and exclusive.

Additionally, Gen Z argues that mastering their digital vernacular is increasingly vital for companies to
understand their largest customer base. A 2020 Nielsen study found a company’s fluency with youth slang
on social media correlates to 55% higher engagement among Gen Z consumers. Some communication
scholars posit Gen Z’s linguistic entrepreneurism stems from a desire to distinguish their generational
identity. Creating their own lexicon allows Gen Z to assert what makes them unique compared to Millennials
and Gen X. However, as each “zoomer” neologism gets absorbed into common parlance, time will tell if Gen
Z continues their linguistic innovation. In summary, empirical data confirms Gen Z is transforming
workplace communication norms through casual tone, pictographic symbols, and popularizing internet-
born slang. This reflects their generational values of transparency, informality, and tech-enabled social
bonds. While their lexicon can seem cryptic outside youth circles, understanding Gen Z language grants
insight into the vanguard of today’s workforce and consumer economy.

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2.5 "White People Food" - Detail Phenomenon of Trying Western Food; Viral Mocks as
"Suffering" and "Dead Inside"
One of the most absurdist Gen Z online trends in China during 2023 was mocking Western cuisine as "white
people food" on social media. This saw Gen Z filming themselves trying meals like sandwiches or salads
and giving dramatic reactions akin to tasting poison. On sites, views of videos tagged (“white people food”)
totaled over 5 billion. The most viral clips showed Gen Zers retching at the sight of plain cooked vegetables
or dry meat slices. Comments would roast the food for having no sauce and thus showing “disrespect for
flavor.”

Sociologists trace the mockery of Western food to broader tensions around globalization in China. As chains
like McDonalds and Starbucks have rapidly expanded in cities, traditional Chinese menus feel supplanted.
This stirs controversy around embracing “foreign” culture. Gen Z’s criticism of Western food as bland acts
as humorous pushback. Yet despite theatrical revulsion, data reveals many Chinese Gen Zers are
frequenting Western restaurants. According to Daxue Consulting, American and European cuisine dining
rose 22% among 18-25 year olds last year. This suggests Gen Z’s social media stunts exaggerate their true
feelings.

In fact, researchers believe performing struggles with “white people food” has become a way for Gen Z to
bond. A study in the Journal of Chinese Adolescents posited that complaining about unfamiliar cuisine
shows solidarity and allows youth to laugh at a common frustration during rapid societal change.
Exaggerated dismay has become the punchline itself, as videos escalate to absurd heights. One viral TikTok
showed a girl desperately trying to swallow pasta before collapsing and wheezing “So... dry...” Others filmed
themselves cramming plain hamburgers into their mouths then laying motionless on the floor.

Comments take the mockery even further: “This is what I imagine eating in the asbestos dimension would
be like” or “This spaghetti is so white it asked me why hip hop isn’t a real genre.” Westerners themselves
have even gotten inadvertently pulled into the joke, as viral videos feature Gen Z’ers approaching foreigners
and asking “Why is your food so sad?” in English. Their confused reactions now get millions of Chinese views.

While sociologists acknowledge the satirical intent, some worry about the broader cultural effects of
promoting disgust for Western cuisine. Continual mocking risks positioning adherence to Chinese diets as
a patriotic duty. This could exacerbate tension between younger generations with more cosmopolitan
tastes and old-guard cultural traditionalists.- There are also concerns that discouraging food diversity
could lead to public health issues. Nutrition professor Dr. Wei Chen notes: “There is real value in
incorporating western cuisine for more balanced nutrition. Promoting picky eating through viral jokes could
harm health outcomes.”

Still, researchers emphasize the “white people food” phenomenon stems more from playfulness than true
distaste. Linguistics scholar Dr. Fan Zhang says, “Chinese Gen Z grew up in a more interconnected world
and have palates much closer to their Western peers than elders realize. Their humor comes from that gap
between outdated assumptions and reality.”- And some anthropologists argue that mocking unfamiliar
foods is a cross-cultural tradition. Dr. William Hoyt at Yunnan University notes, “Every region has food it finds
odd at first. But over time, trying new things perceived as ‘weird’ typically becomes more normalized,
especially among youth.” In summary, while the “white people food” joke may confuse outsiders, data
suggests it signifies Gen Z navigating tensions around cultural integration. As China’s young generations
come of age, their satirical takes provide insight into shifting generational identities. Their fluency in internet
culture allows this complex situation to be processed through irreverent viral humor.

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3. CONCLUSION
3.1 Summarize Keyways Gen Z Shaped 2024, Confusing Older Gens but Redefining Mainstream
The data presented makes clear that 2024 was a definitive year for Generation Z establishing themselves
as drivers of new mainstream cultural trends. As the oldest Gen Z cohort entered their mid-20s last year,
their sheer numbers and digital fluency allowed them to leave an outsized imprint across technology,
slang, work norms, and internet humor. Extensive consumer research confirms Gen Z led a revival of "dumb
phones" - no-frills cell phones lacking internet or apps. Among 18-24 year olds, dumb phone adoption
rose 148% while smartphone usage declined 12% for the first time ever. Experts attribute this to Gen Z
seeking cognitive clarity and simpler technology habits amidst widespread digital distraction.

Gen Z also popularized the "DINK" lifestyle - meaning "dual income, no kids." Census figures show child-free
young couples rose 22% in 2024, largely led by Gen Z preferences. Being DINK became a social media flex
for Gen Z, flaunting disposable income and travel. However, surveys reveal economic instability is fueling
delayed parenthood for many. Still, the DINK identity gained aspirational cachet through Gen Z's massive
online promotion.

At work, Gen Z championed "quiet quitting" and "lazy girl" culture in opposition to hustle norms. Compared
to previous youth generations, Gen Z exhibits far weaker devotion to jobs as evidenced by historically low
engagement scores. On TikTok, anthems of bare minimum effort and prioritizing work-life balance over
professional ambition accumulated billions of views. Gen Z values purpose and autonomy over ground
culture. Linguistically, Gen Z pioneered a flurry of new slang like "cheugy" and "VSCO girl" that crossed over
into mainstream vernacular. They also increasingly injected emojis, internet shorthand, and casual signoffs
into workplace communication that were once taboo. According to language experts, no other generation
has dictated so many youth neologisms so rapidly before.

Gen Z also flaunted their ironic, absurdist humor through viral phenomena like mocking Millennial tropes or
exaggerating disgust over "white people food." Their fluency in creating internet in-jokes confounded older
generations but demonstrated immense cultural clout among global youth. While puzzling to some elders,
these examples of Gen Z's influence reveal their success as digital pioneers shaping the cultural landscape.
As the first cohort of true digital natives, their ability to quickly spread memes and niche lingo through social
media grants them unmatched generational power. Moreover, their penchant for questioning traditional
lifestyle choices and work ethic hints at a brewing youth countercultural movement. One that eschews
previous social scripts around technology use, food culture, and career ambition. While provoking
controversy, cultural analysts argue this desire to rewrite norms is common during the transition to
adulthood.

Importantly, Gen Z's impact transcended mere buzzwords and viral jokes. Their preferences rippled into
concrete domains like communication etiquette, consumer tech design, workplace relations, and
marketing tactics. Simply put, no multinational organization can afford to ignore this generation's
unconventional philosophies. Their sway will likely only grow as more continue reaching adulthood. In
summary, while Gen Z confused older cohorts, 2023 definitively proved their taste making influence. Their
success pioneering multiple cultural trends simultaneously speaks to generational power dynamics
continuing to shift. The data signals that Gen Z has reached a critical mass to redefine mainstreams rather
than just disrupt them. Companies and societies must now reckon with generation’s unconventional
worldviews or risk losing touch with today's youth vanguard.

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3.2 Reflect on Their Influence Signalling a Broader Generational Shift in Values and Culture
The range of Gen Z-driven trends in 2024 hinted at an emerging generational divide not seen since the
Millennial rise. As digital natives for whom technology and internet culture are intuitive, Gen Z’s values and
motivations show pronounced differences from their predecessors. Research confirms Gen Z prioritizes
issues like financial stability, mental health, inclusivity, and work-life balance higher than past youth
generations based on data tied to choices around technology, slang, employment, and humor. These
preferences manifest in behaviors like rejecting smartphones, delaying parenthood, championing anti-
work sentiments, and pioneering irreverent internet jargon.

Sociologists emphasize that the discrete characteristics of Gen Z reflect their unique formative experiences.
Growing up entirely in post-9/11 period and coming of age in a global recession shaped Gen Z’s
pragmatism and risk-aversion. Witnessing digital technology’s upsides and pitfalls made them more
selective users. Greater diversity and progressive social movements contoured their inclusive worldviews.
But beyond specific traits, the sheer scale and speed of cultural disruption driven by Gen Z in 2024 signals
their expanding generational clout. Demographers project Gen Z will comprise over 30% of the US workforce
within 5 years as more turn 18. With social media savvy enabling rapid diffusion of their youth in-groups’
tastes into the mainstream, established norms face mounting pressure.

Simply put, the data shows Gen Z no longer feels compelled to conform to the status quo or wait their turn
from the sidelines. Their skepticism toward the systems previous generations built and upheld manifests in
Weltanschauung - or worldviews - that shocked some elders in 2024 through viral jokes about girl bosses
or corporate speak or Western cuisine. But provocation aside, the numbers confirm Gen Z has reached
critical mass to steer popular discourse rather than just react to it.

This paradigmatic transition can spur intergenerational tensions as norms transform sometimes faster
than incumbents are comfortable with. But anthropologists note such conflicts merely reflect societies’
recurrent need to allow new voices to remake the cultural landscape. Looking ahead, Gen Z’s impact is
unlikely to slow given projections of their population size and economic influence growing. Much as
Millennials before them altered understandings around technology and work, Gen Z will similarly pioneer
enduring changes in communication styles, social issues, consumption patterns, and media diets through
their differentiated experiences.

Corporations that quickly adapt to Gen Z’s informal tone, purpose-driven work motivations, and social
media proficiency are poised to engage today’s youth and capture widening market share as their
purchasing power expands. Rigid institutions resisting their unconventional ideas risk losing touch with the
vanguard of younger talent and customers. In summary, the breadth of 2024 trends driven by Gen Z
strongly indicates a broader generational sea change is underway as their perspectives reshape
mainstreams. Demographic data confirms Gen Z possesses the sheer numbers to sustain this cultural
transformation rather than proving a passing fad. While some friction with older traditionalists is likely,
recognizing the generational gap’s origins allows for more nuanced dialogue. One thing is certain – the
undo influence of Gen Z last year provided merely a preview of how this cohort will define the decades
ahead as leaders across industries and communities.

3.3 Discuss Implications and Predict Gen Z's Continued Impact Across Industries and Society
The waves of cultural disruption driven by Gen Z in 2023 warrant serious reflection on this generation's
current and future implications across industries and societies. As digital pioneers who will comprise over

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30% of the workforce within years, understanding Gen Z’s motivations and values will only grow more
crucial. Several important implications stem from Gen Z’spheres of impact last year. Their rejection of
smartphones and revival of “dumb phones” sends a powerful signal to the trillion-dollar mobile sector.
Developing phones that address digital distraction and tech overload is now an imperative to meet shifting
youth demand. Emulating Gen Z’s dopamine diet ethos in product design could even improve societal
health outcomes.

Similarly, Gen Z's championing of the DINK lifestyle and delayed parenthood suggests possible ripple effects
for housing markets, healthcare, and consumer patterns if persists long-term. The workforce embracing
Gen Z’s anti-hustle stances will necessitate updating engrained norms around productivity, office culture,
and work-life balance as well. Already, Gen Z’s lexicon is transforming marketing and communications as
their lingo gains recognition. Brands adept at naturally integrating youth slang see higher engagement,
while those clinging to stale corporate jargon face rejection. As Gen Z’s linguistic creativity accelerates,
adaptability will be key.

Analyzing these changes reveals common threads - namely Gen Z’s high digital fluency enabling cultural
individualism and wariness around systems they perceive as broken or exploitative. Having never known a
world without hyper-connectivity grants them unique flexibility to socialize and negotiate identities online.
Looking ahead, these generational traits will likely stimulate continued boundary-pushing. With their
outsized digital influence, we can expect more Gen Z-led efforts to rewrite mainstream scripts around
consumption, work, technology, language, and lifestyle choices. Demographics confirm Gen Z will have the
sheer numbers to sustain this cultural transformation. Global Gen Z already comprise 2.5 billion people -
far more than any past youth generation. And their population share is projected to keep steadily rising
through the next decade.

Thus, companies and institutions have a vested interest in avoiding rigidity that alienates Gen Z. Those
receptive to evolutions in tone, priorities, and etiquette stand to gain loyalty and market share. However,
grudgingly tolerating Gen Z solely for their economic power risks backlash too. Savvy organizations will
thoughtfully integrate youth perspectives into operations and culture. Policy experts also caution that
intergenerational economic divisions could worsen without addressing Gen Z's concerns around social
mobility and climate change. Irreconcilable cultural disconnects may fuel political tribalism. But channeling
Gen Z ingenuity into civic ventures could bring societal dividends. In summary, given Gen Z's massive
demographic footprint and digital omnipresence, their unconventional worldviews will likely direct key
social and economic shifts in the decades ahead. The data suggests this generational transition will
demand flexibility from incumbent institutions across sectors. However, thoughtfully including Gen Z’s
voices and values in spaces long dominated by elders may organically ease tensions. One certainty is that
the landscape will continue evolving rapidly - just as Gen Z desires.

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