Gen Z Takes to the Streets—and the Screens
Across continents,
Gen Z is making headlines for leading a wave of protests and activism, shaking up the status quo from the U.S. to Europe and beyond. In recent weeks, youth-led demonstrations have erupted over issues ranging from climate change and economic inequality to political freedoms and social justice. While the causes vary by country, the unifying thread is a generation unwilling to stay silent about the state of their world.
NBC News reports that these protests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, coordinated movement. Gen Z activists are leveraging social media to organize, amplify their voices, and demand accountability from leaders. Their message is clear: they want real change, and they want it now.
How Gen Z Consumes—and Shapes—The News
Unlike previous generations,
Gen Z’s relationship with news is radically different. Forget the evening news or print newspapers—this cohort turns to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram for real-time updates and trending stories. According to Think with Google,
over 30% of Gen Zers use YouTube and Google for news, while Facebook remains a key source for
37%.
But it’s not just about where they get their news—it’s how they engage with it. Gen Z is fiercely skeptical of misinformation and demands authenticity. They fact-check, cross-reference, and crowdsource information before forming opinions. As one 22-year-old from Manila put it,
“Fake news is not cool because we can get attacked by others if we got the facts wrong.”
This generation blurs the lines between serious and lighthearted content, seeking both global headlines and viral memes. They want to be informed, but also entertained and inspired. Publishers and brands are taking note, adapting their content to be more interactive, visually engaging, and emotionally resonant.
Activism Fueled by Digital Savvy
Gen Z’s
digital fluency is fueling a new kind of activism. With
95% owning smartphones and
83% active on social media, they’re not just consuming content—they’re creating it, sharing it, and using it to mobilize peers. Their activism isn’t limited to the ballot box; it extends to boycotting brands, supporting humanitarian causes, and raising awareness about global conflicts.
Recent data shows a
23% year-over-year increase in Gen Z’s interest in news and current affairs, with a
25% rise in digital news readership. They’re especially attuned to international issues, with
64% saying it’s important to access political news from other countries. The Israel-Palestine conflict, for example, has remained a focal point for Gen Z throughout the U.S. election cycle.
Mental Health: A Growing Crisis
Yet,
behind the activism and digital prowess, Gen Z faces serious challenges. Suicide rates among Gen Z adults are rising nationwide, particularly among Black and Hispanic men. Experts point to untreated depression, persistent stigma, and the pressures of a hyper-connected world as contributing factors. This mental health crisis is prompting calls for better support systems and more open conversations about well-being.
What’s Next for Gen Z?
As the most racially diverse and well-educated generation in history, Gen Z is poised to reshape politics, media, and culture. Their insistence on authenticity, global awareness, and social responsibility is forcing institutions to adapt—or risk becoming irrelevant.
Key Takeaways:
- Gen Z is leading global protests and demanding change on multiple fronts.
- They consume news differently, prioritizing digital platforms and fact-checking.
- Their activism is both online and offline, with a strong focus on global issues.
- Mental health remains a critical concern, highlighting the need for systemic support.
The bottom line: Gen Z isn’t just the future—they’re the present, and they’re rewriting the rules for everyone.
Sources
1. Why is Gen Z protesting across the world? - YouTube
2. How Gen Z redefines media consumption habits - Think with Google
3. Should Gen Z Care About Social Security?
4. US Gen Z shopping habits & retail trends for 2024 - GWI
5. Gen Z Suicide Rates Rising Nationwide - Favs News
6. What We Know About Gen Z So Far | Pew Research Center
7. What to know about Gen Z | Stanford Report
8. 7 Top Gen Z Trends for 2025 - Exploding Topics
9. Understanding Generation Z in the Workplace | Deloitte US
10. The Sift: Gen Z knows journalism? | USAID rumor
