A Guide to Gen Z Through TikTok Trends, Emojis, & Language

A Guide to Gen Z Through TikTok Trends, Emojis, & Language

There are nearly 3 billion Gen Zs alive today. In 2019, Gen Zs surpassed Millennials to become the largest generation on the planet. And with the oldest Gen Zs still only 26, the generation’s $150 billion in spending power will swell 70% over the next five years.

Gen Zs have a unique and authentic approach to life. They value individual expression and avoid labels. Instead of trying to fit in, they strive to stand out. This leads to new forms of consumption, such as consumption as access rather than possession, and consumption as an expression of individual identity. Gen Zs are genuine, forthright, and singular. They don't tolerate fakeness or conformity.

TikTok, a popular social media platform, plays a significant role in Gen Z culture. Over half of Gen Zs believe that their generation is more creative than previous ones. TikTok nurtures a culture of creativity by removing the friction to come up with ideas for content. Unlike other platforms, TikTok encourages participation and creation. In fact, 55% of TikTok users create content for the platform. This shift towards a more participatory internet is empowering for Gen Zs, who see themselves as creators rather than just consumers.

Another aspect of Gen Z culture is the rise of stan culture. Stanning a creator or influencer has become a form of self-expression. By supporting and identifying with a particular creator, Gen Zs find a sense of belonging and express their own unique identity. This highlights the importance of community and self-expression for Gen Zs.

Gen Zs are also pragmatic and self-directed. Many of them aspire to start their own companies and have considered alternative education paths that differ from traditional college. Autonomy and flexibility are important values for Gen Zs, and they see entrepreneurship as a way to reclaim agency in a system they perceive as rigged. As Gen Zs come of age, work is becoming more disaggregated, and the gig economy is on the rise. America is predicted to become a majority-freelance economy by 2026.

Now let's shift gears and delve into the world of On Deck, a platform that combines community and curriculum to create exceptional experiences. On Deck recognizes the decline of traditional higher education and the rise of ed-tech 2.0, which focuses on re-bundling virtual curriculum and community. By blending these two elements, On Deck offers a unique learning experience where individuals can connect, learn, and grow together.

On Deck's success lies in its ability to create utility for its user base. By building a complete, end-to-end product or service, On Deck bypasses incumbents and other competitors. The platform's approach to learning is defined by who you learn with and the perspective you develop among your peers. This camaraderie and shared learning experience are essential to the On Deck community.

COVID-19 has accelerated the shift towards distributed living and working, making On Deck's virtual community even more relevant. Remote work has become the new norm, with an estimated 20-30% of full-time employees working primarily from home. This shift in the way we work highlights the decreasing importance of physical location in hiring and collaboration.

In conclusion, Gen Zs and platforms like TikTok and On Deck represent the changing landscape of our society. Gen Zs value individual expression, creativity, and self-direction. They rely on digital platforms for creative self-expression, community, and work. TikTok provides a space for creativity and self-expression, while On Deck combines community and curriculum to create exceptional learning experiences.

Here are three actionable pieces of advice derived from the insights discussed:

1. Embrace authenticity and individual expression: In a world that values uniqueness, don't be afraid to be yourself and express your true identity. Avoid conforming to societal expectations and embrace your individuality.

2. Participate and create: Take advantage of platforms like TikTok that encourage participation and creativity. Don't just consume content, but actively contribute and create your own. This will not only foster your creative skills but also help you find a sense of belonging within a community.

3. Explore alternative education and work paths: If traditional education or work paths don't align with your values and aspirations, consider alternative options. Entrepreneurship and the gig economy offer autonomy and flexibility, allowing you to take control of your own destiny.

By understanding the trends, behaviors, and preferences of Gen Zs and utilizing platforms that foster creativity and community, we can navigate this changing landscape and thrive in the digital age.