Today’s young people are redefining what it means to grow up, and that shift matters. The younger generations are not simply part of global youth culture; they are actively shaping it. One of the clearest indicators of this change is that the generation born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s, often called Generation Z, is deeply digital, highly value-driven, and globally connected.
According to a recent survey by Deloitte of teenage and young adult respondents across 44 countries, in 2025 Gen Z is less focused on climbing the traditional career ladder and more interested in finding meaning in their pursuits, building skills outside of work, and integrating purpose and well-being into daily life (Deloitte). However, it is not just about future careers; youth culture itself is evolving in how it expresses identity, uses media, and takes action. Data from the United Way National Capital Area survey shows that nearly one-third of Gen Z are regularly engaged in activism or social-justice work, while over half (51%) have participated in rallies or public demonstrations in support of a cause (United Way NCA).
For high school students, this means that memes, online posts, fashion, and music are not just trends; they are powerful tools for expressing beliefs, connecting across cultures, and exploring identity. At the same time, being a “global citizen” now goes beyond travel or multilingualism; it involves cultural fluency, digital awareness, and a strong sense of values. Students can begin by staying curious about how other young people around the world live, not just how they shop or dress, and by considering what values they share and what contributions they can make.
Choosing one cultural or social domain, such as a club, project, or campaign, can be a way to take part in shaping the world around them. Ultimately, youth culture is not simply something that happens; it is something being created every day.
As students look ahead to university, internships, and life beyond school, they should remember this: they are not just the audience, they are the authors.
