The temperature of cancel culture rose dramatically in the wake of AstroWorld tragedy. With the cacophony of opinions around Travis Scott, satanism, and canceling, Gen Z takes a more balanced approach to who survives the trial of public perception as the most empathic generation yet.

The quick rise of ‘buy now, pay later’ services like AfterPay have created a fear around the youth adoption of debt-based services. As Gen Z faces financial insecurity, we wanted to find out how they viewed these convenient albeit debt-driving services. Most of the associates surveyed who use ‘buy now, pay later’ do so as a form of financial security even when they can pay for an item in full. Majority view ‘buy now, pay later’ as a convenience versus a dangerous method to amass debt, showcasing that Gen Z values financial flexibility over risk reduction.

As the pandemic introduced many people across the world to WFH (Work From Home), Gen Z is leaving their hometown to achieve goals that are either very hard or just not possible where they currently live. Their new zipcode is wherever or whatever their hearts guide them to do. Creatives especially are moving to smaller towns with less competition, creating booming migration to towns and cities that offer more flexibility to pursue our personal goals.

Howard students are protesting for basic needs as they fight unlivable housing conditions such as freezing temperatures, mold, infestations and flooding in dorm rooms. Historically, colleges have been a part of the American Dream, however, for many HBCU students inequality follows them even to higher education. In a world of the deferred American dream and the myth of black model minority, black students are questioning the value of education as a whole, and what it will really take to affect 
societal change.

As a recruited college athlete, until last year “NIL” didn’t mean anything to Bella Nilsen. She didn’t know what it stood for, and she especially didn’t know how it would pertain to her. She views the imbalance between generated revenue and the money that is spent on athletes is exploitative. The new NIL policies feel to her more like a beginning. This may not be the endgame for college athletes, but she’s excited to see how it will evolve from here.

Gen Z is the largest LGBTQ generation ever, with 21% identifying as LGBTQ, and we’re left questioning whether brands' promotion of LGBTQ inclusivity reflects one for all or all for one. Often what passes for LGBTQ representation and inclusion are stereotypes or exploiting us for our sexual labels, vs our unique perspectives and experiences. To get LGBTQ inclusion right, it’s simple – actually include us, year-round and not only during Pride. Not because of our sexual identities, but because we have unique and informed perspectives that when valued will give an authenticity and inner-understanding to your brand.

After two years of lockdown sweatpants and mangled self haircuts, beauty standards have updated. As Gen Z grapples with the severity of the pandemic and questions what's important, brands need to speak to their deeper needs and reach them in playful ways that commiserate on how beauty is only skin deep.

As Gen Z is the leading generation for fast food consumption, convenience is a top priority, but rewards can help ensure loyalty - and not your grandmother's rewards. The future of rewards are those that keep money in Gen Z's pocket and benefit social causes.

The pandemic, the growth of outdoor activities and trends among Gen Z, and shift towards Urban Outdoorsmen and how all of this impacts the retail/fashion demands of outdoor/active brands.

About Gen Z's communication style over text. What feels authentic to them, what are the punctuation they use or don't use (like they don't use periods (.), and how brands can better draft marketing copy to communicate to Gen Z.

Exploring diversity in video games and how the majority of gamers will be BIPOC within ten years. As the classic image of the 'white gamer' is changing to reflect the true makeup of gamers, how do BIPOCA gamers want to be represented and how can video games better reflect their populace?