Gen Z Drives Change in Australia and Beyond

Gen Z is increasingly embracing the 'lock in' trend, dedicating focused, distraction-free periods to pursue personal goals such as fitness, academics, or career growth, often inspired by public figures. In the U.S., efforts to engage younger voters through initiatives like lowering the voting age in Newark have seen modest turnout and sparked legal debates, though advocates stress the importance of youth representation. In Australia, young voters are turning away from major parties toward Greens and independents due to persistent challenges like housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures. Youth-driven media initiatives, including 16-year-old Anya Gupta's founding of Key Future News, demonstrate a commitment to making news accessible and empowering peers. These developments underscore Gen Z's drive to overcome distractions, demand reform, and actively shape their social and political environment.