Gen Z Streaming Trends Shape Fall Pop Culture Globally

Gen Z is significantly influencing contemporary culture through their unique digital and social media behaviors, especially in the realms of entertainment, dining, and food culture. Streaming platforms like Netflix are shaping Gen Z trends with shows such as "The Paper," which not only entertain but also influence fashion and social media conversations, highlighting a blend of humor and vintage style. In dining, Gen Z prioritizes budget-conscious choices, preferring digital payments, reduced tipping, and value deals, which challenges restaurants to offer personalized, cost-effective experiences to retain their business. Food also plays a crucial role in youth identity, serving as a medium for digital expression and community building through visually driven social media content like TikTok and Instagram, where food aesthetics often transcend traditional culinary values. Research into digital foodscapes reveals that for immigrant communities, social media food content fosters belonging, health perceptions, and cultural learning, connecting personal identity with broader social narratives. Together, these trends underscore how Gen Z leverages media and technology to redefine cultural participation, consumption habits, and social connection.