Animation Market Size Worth USD 895.71 Billion by 2034
Ottawa, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The driven by explosive growth in digital streaming, immersive gaming, and e-learning adoption. In terms of revenue, the animation market is valued at USD 462.32 billion in 2025 and is projected to rise from USD 492.14 billion in 2026 to USD 895.71 billion by 2034.
The North America market was calculated at USD 148.18 billion in 2024 and is growing at a CAGR of 6.9%. The growth in streaming platforms, technological advancements in animation, and the growing demand for animated content drive the overall growth of the market.
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Animation Market Overview:
What is Animation Market?
The animation market refers to the global industry involved in the creation, production, distribution, and commercialization of animated content. Animation is the process of creating an illusion of movement in a sequence. The animation consists of two techniques like traditional animation and modern animation. Traditional animation means hand-drawn or manually done animation, and modern animation is animation created using a computer. Animation helps to create engaging and entertaining content like films, web series, and many more.
It simplifies complex concepts and provides a visualization of intricate concepts. It is a cost-effective communication tool and enhances learning experiences. Animations are used in various sectors like advertising, product visualization, entertainment, education, and gaming.
Animation Market Highlights:
In terms of revenue, the global animation market size was estimated at USD 436.24 billion in 2024, showcasing its massive commercial influence.
By 2034, the market is set to nearly double, reaching USD 895.71 billion in value.
From 2025 to 2034, the industry is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 7.46%.
North America accounted for the largest market share of 33.97% in 2024.
3D animation emerged as the top product type, commanding a strong 44.16% share of the global market in 2024.
Within industries, media and entertainment led the charge, generating over 29.75% of total revenue in 2024.
The manufacturing sector is poised for the fastest growth, projected to record the highest CAGR through 2034.
'The demand for animated content is not just rising, it is evolving. As industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education begin adopting 3D and motion graphics, we're witnessing the birth of a broader animation economy,' said Shivani Zoting, a Principal Consultant at Precedence Research.
Animation Market Revenue Analysis:
Animation Market Revenue by Industry (USD Billion) 2022-2024
By Industry
2022
2023
2024
Media and Entertainment
116.48
122.86
130.13
Education
72.78
76.63
81.02
Retail
47.18
49.48
52.10
Healthcare
31.83
33.34
35.06
Manufacturing
19.08
20.28
21.64
Gaming
105.19
110.37
116.29
Animation Market Revenue by Product Type (USD Billion) 2022-2024
By Product Type
2022
2023
2024
2D Animation
123.56
130.25
137.85
3D Animation
172.82
182.37
193.26
Stop Motion
60.56
63.42
66.64
Others
35.60
36.92
38.49
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What are the Major Types of Animation?
Animation Type
Tools
Applications
Real-World Examples
2D Animation
Toom Boom Harmony
Adobe Animate
Open Toonz
Cartoons & Animated Films
Explainer Videos
Social Media Content
Educational Videos
The Jungle Book
The Simpsons
South Park
Tom and Jerry
3D Animation
Autodesk Maya
3ds Max
Blender
Cinema 4D
AR and VR Experiences
Healthcare
Architecture
Product Demos
AAA Video Games
Toy Story
Shrek
Avatar
Stop-Motion
Stop Motion Studio
Dragonframe
Feature Films
Short Films
Commercials
Art Installations
Brand Storytelling
Honda: The Cog
Chipotle: Back to the Start
Nokia: Gulp
Sony Bravia: Play-Doh
Motion Graphics
Cinema 4D
Adobe After Effects
Nuke
Product Launches
Brand Building
Title Sequences
Data Visualizations
Salesforce by Superside
Google: Welcome to the Gemini era
Netflix 25th Anniversary Video
Housing.com Look up
Global Landscape: How is Animation Market in India, Japan & United States?
The U.S. leads globally in content creation, export value, and consumption, bolstered by major studios (Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks) and driving roughly 40% of the world's animation exports
The U.S. is a pioneer in developing cutting-edge animation software and techniques, such as photorealistic CGI, real-time rendering, and AI-assisted workflows.
Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime heavily invest in original animated content, influencing global tastes and production trends.
Japanese studios like Toei Animation, Studio Ghibli, MAPPA, and Ufotable have created enduring franchises such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia.
Japanese animation heavily influences global pop culture, fashion, music, and art, with anime conventions and fan communities thriving worldwide.
India is a preferred hub for animation and VFX outsourcing due to its skilled talent pool, cost-efficiency, and English proficiency. Many U.S. and European studios partner with Indian firms.
Indian studios like Prime Focus, Technicolor India, and Tata Elxsi contribute heavily to international films, commercials, and animated series.
Explore Regional and Segmental Animation Market Insights@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/animation-market
Animation Market Opportunity:
What is the Opportunity for the Animation Market?
Growing Expansion of E-Learning Surges Demand for Animation
The growing expansion of e-learning increases demand for animation in creating visually appealing and interactive content. The growing focus on making learning more enjoyable increases the adoption of animation for the development of training materials and online courses. The focus on easy understanding of subjects like engineering, science, and medicine increases demand for animation for creating visual representations.
The increasing demand for e-learning among individuals and organizations fuels the adoption of animation. The focus on flexible learning experiences and enhancing learners' experiences increases the adoption of animation. The increasing demand for diverse learning styles, like kinesthetic and visual learners, requires animation. The growing focus on simplifying concepts increases demand for animation. The growing expansion of e-learning creates an opportunity for the animation market.
Also Read@ Corporate E-Learning Market Expands Amid Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work
Animation market Challenges and Limitations:
What is the Limitation for the Animation Market?
High Production Cost
Despite several benefits of animation in various industries, high production costs restrict the market growth. Factors like advanced technology, project complexity, skilled labor, and time-consuming processes are responsible for high production costs. The need for skilled labor, like illustrators, voice actors, animators, storyboard artists, and directors, leads to higher production costs. The need for expensive hardware and software like Cinema 4D, Maya, and 3ds Max directly affects the market.
The complex processes like character design, advanced visual effects, animation style, and detailed environment increase the cost. The need for higher-quality control processes and time-consuming processes increases the production cost. High production cost hampers the growth of the animation market.
Animation Market Report Coverage:
Report Attributes
Key Statistics and Insights
CAGR 2025 to 2034
7.46%
Market Size in 2024
USD 436.24 Billion
Market Size in 2025
USD 462.32 Billion
Market Size in 2030
USD 664.34 Billion
Market Size in 2032
USD 779.73 Billion
Market Size by 2034
USD 895.71 Billion
Base Year
2024
Forecast Years
2025 to 2034
Historic Years
2020 to 2023
Leading Region in 2024
North America (Holding 33.97% of Market Share) led by the U.S. animation studios and platforms.
Fastest Growing Region (2025-2034)
Asia-Pacific - Surging growth due to outsourcing hubs, anime popularity, and local content demand.
Segments Covered
Product Type, Industry and Regions
Key Product Type (2024)
3D Animation – Accounted for 44.16% market share, driven by cinema, advertising, and gaming.
Top Industry by Revenue (2024)
Media & Entertainment – Contributed over 29.75% revenue due to content streaming boom.
Fastest Growing Industry
Manufacturing – Leveraging animation in design visualization and training tools.
Regional Scope
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa (MEA)
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Case Study: Pixar Animation Studios – A Benchmark in 3D Animation Excellence
Presented by Precedence Research:
As part of our in-depth analysis of the global animation market, Precedence Research identified Pixar Animation Studios as a pioneering force whose journey reflects the transformative potential of 3D animation. This case study explores Pixar's strategic evolution, technological innovation, and its ripple effect on the global animation economy, trends that mirror the findings of our market forecasts.
Business Transformation Through 3D Innovation
In 1995, Pixar changed the animation landscape forever with the release of Toy Story, the world's first full-length film created entirely using 3D computer animation. At a time when traditional 2D hand-drawn animation dominated the market, Pixar took a calculated risk—one that catalyzed a new creative era.
Precedence Research data indicates that 3D animation accounted for 44.16% of the global market share in 2024, making it the leading product type by revenue. Pixar's foundational role in legitimizing 3D storytelling is a key driver of this continued dominance.
Strategic Moves That Shaped the Market
Pixar's ascent was built on three foundational pillars:
Technological Investment: Through its proprietary RenderMan software, Pixar led breakthroughs in shading, lighting, and real-time rendering.
Narrative Excellence: Films like Finding Nemo, Up, and Inside Out showcased how emotional storytelling could be elevated with immersive visuals.
IP Ecosystem Expansion: Beyond box office, Pixar's characters became global franchises with revenue streams across gaming, streaming, toys, and theme parks.
Precedence Research forecasts that the animation market will reach USD 895.71 billion by 2034, with 3D animation continuing to lead due to demand from cinema, advertising, gaming, and educational sectors.
Outcomes & Industry Influence
Toy Story generated over USD 370 million globally, while later Pixar films regularly surpassed USD 800–900 million.
Pixar's animation style became a global reference point, inspiring studios worldwide to transition to 3D pipelines.
Streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime now invest heavily in Pixar-style 3D content—a market trend tracked in Precedence's latest report.
'Pixar didn't just produce hit films, they established a scalable, repeatable model for monetizing high-quality animation across formats. This multi-platform expansion has become a blueprint for today's top studios,' said Precedence Research Analyst.
Global Market Correlation
Precedence Research data highlights that:
North America led the animation market in 2024 with a 33.97% share, supported by U.S.-based giants like Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks.
The U.S. animation market alone was valued at USD 59.27 billion in 2024, expected to more than double by 2034.
Technological advancements such as AI-assisted animation and virtual production pipelines, pioneered by early adopters like Pixar, are now integral across industries—including healthcare, e-learning, and retail visualization.
Key Insights for Stakeholders
Pixar's case offers valuable lessons for investors, studios, and technology vendors:
Investing early in cutting-edge animation tools creates long-term creative and financial returns.
IP development combined with cross-platform expansion multiplies monetization opportunities.
The integration of storytelling and software is central to modern content success.
Relevance in Today's Market
As the animation market continues to diversify across media & entertainment, education, manufacturing, and healthcare, Pixar's journey underscores the power of innovation and emotional resonance in shaping global consumption trends.
With 3D animation remaining the fastest-growing segment globally, Precedence Research recommends strategic investments in 3D content production pipelines, cross-sector animation applications, and proprietary IP development.
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Animation Market Segmentation Analysis:
Product Type Analysis
How 3D Animation Segment Dominated the Animation Market?
The 3D animation segment dominated the animation market in 2024 owing to the growing demand for the creation of special effects, immersive worlds, and characters in the gaming industry increases demand for 3D animation. The increasing focus on creating believable and stunning visuals in movies increases demand for 3D animation.
The focus on creating more engaging and realistic content in various sources helps market growth. The increasing demand for patient education, medical training, and surgical planning in the healthcare sector fuels the adoption of 3D animation. The growing consumer demand for interactive content like immersive experiences, interactive games, and virtual tours increases demand for 3D animation. The growth in online streaming services and the growing demand across industries like virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR), marketing, film, & advertising drives the overall growth of the market.
Industry Analysis
Why Media & Entertainment Segment Held the Largest Share of the Animation Market.
The media & entertainment segment held the largest revenue share of the animation market in 2024, owing to the increasing demand for animated movies and series that helps in the market's growth. The growth in binge-watching of short content, feature films, and TV series helps in the development of animation. The strong presence of streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ helps the market growth.
The growth in the playing of video games increases demand for animation to offer an immersive experience. The growing utilization of Over the Top (OTT) platforms increases demand for animation. The growing investment in animation by major companies like Sony, Disney, and DreamWorks drives the overall growth of the market.
The manufacturing segment is the fastest-growing in the market during the forecast period. The growing focus on breaking down complex manufacturing processes increases demand for animation. The focus on demonstrating the product maintenance, assembly, and operation increases demand for animated videos.
The need to improve communication between stakeholders, engineers, and designers fuels demand for animation. The demand for streamlining the development & design process and virtual testing in the manufacturing sector supports the overall growth of the market.
Animation Market Regional Analysis:
How Big is the U.S. Animation Market Size?
According to Precedence Research, the U.S. animation market size was valued at USD 59.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 63.62 billion in 2025 to USD 131.16 billion by 2034 and is representing a solid CAGR of 8.3% from 2025 to 2034.
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The United States stands as the powerhouse of the global animation industry, driving innovation, production quality, and market revenues. In 2024, North America accounted for the largest share of the global animation market at 33.97%, with the U.S. contributing the lion's share thanks to the presence of industry giants like Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. The U.S. animation sector is deeply integrated with global streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which continue to invest heavily in original animated content, fueling exponential content demand and consumption.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for visual effects in video games, movies, and television. The BLS also notes that the median annual wage for animators and multimedia artists was $98,950 in 2023, reflecting the strong economic value of animation professionals within the creative economy. (Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/)
Moreover, the U.S. government, through initiatives such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and state-level tax incentives for film and digital media, continues to support animation and VFX projects. States like California, Georgia, and New York offer tax credits to production companies that employ local talent and technologies, creating a fertile ground for growth and job creation in the animation ecosystem. (Source: https://www.arts.gov)
Technologically, the U.S. animation landscape is rapidly evolving with the integration of real-time rendering, AI-assisted animation tools, and virtual production pipelines, significantly reducing production time and cost. Additionally, the application of animation in non-entertainment sectors like healthcare, education, advertising, and manufacturing visualization is further widening the scope of market expansion.
In essence, the U.S. animation market remains at the forefront of global content creation, technology adoption, and commercial scale, making it a critical driver of growth in the global animation economy over the next decade.
How Did North America Dominate Animation Market?
North America dominated the Animation Market in 2024 owing to the major investments in AR/VR technologies with a strong presence of major players in the market. The growing demand for animated content in various forms, like video games, film, and television, helps in the market growth. The growing technological advancements in animation technology, like virtual reality and motion capture, increase the adoption of animation in various applications.
The strong presence of streaming services, film studios, and television networks increases demand for animation. The presence of skilled technicians, animators, and artists helps in the production of higher-quality animation. The presence of major animation studios like DreamWorks, Disney, and Pixar drives the overall growth of the market.
For inquiries regarding discounts, bulk purchases, or customization requests, please contact us at sales@precedenceresearch.comWhich Region is the Fastest-Growing in the Animation Market?
Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The presence of a large population and growing demand for entertainment increases the adoption of animation. The increasing adoption of mobile devices and streaming services helps the market growth. The presence of skilled animators in countries like Japan, India, China, and South Korea supports the development of animated content.
The growing popularity of K-pop, anime, & K-drama and strong government support for the animation industry increase the adoption of animation. The growing availability of streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix supports the overall growth of the market.
Related Topics You May Find Useful:
Animation Production Market: The global animation production market size accounted for USD 373.23 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 393.39 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 631.52 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.40% from 2025 to 2034.
Video Streaming Market: The global video streaming market size accounted for USD 129.80 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 865.85 billion by 2034, growing at a solid CAGR of 20.90% from 2025 to 2034.
Medical Animation Market: The global medical animation market size accounted for USD 428.47 million in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 511.59 million in 2025 to approximately USD 2,372.21 million by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 18.67% from 2025 to 2034.
Visual Effects (VFX) Market: The global visual effects (VFX) market size was USD 10.60 billion in 2024, estimated at USD 11.19 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 20.29 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.83% from 2025 to 2034.
Mobile 3D Market: The global mobile 3D market size is calculated at USD 94.02 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach around USD 602.87 billion by 2034, expanding at a healthy CAGR of 20.42% from 2024 to 2034.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Market: The global artificial intelligence (AI) market size was USD 638.23 billion in 2024, calculated at USD 638.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 3,680.47 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 19.20% from 2025 to 2034.
Location-based Entertainment Market: The global location-based entertainment market size is projected to be worth around USD 73.50 billion by 2034 from USD 5.84 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 28.83% from 2024 to 2034.
3D Imaging Market: The global 3D imaging market size is accounted for USD 42.41 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach around USD 233.52 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 18.60% from 2024 to 2034.
Animation Market Top Companies
SideFX
Adobe
Broadcast2World, Inc
Smith Micro Software, Inc.
Animation Sharks
IdeaRocket
Triggerfish Studios
EIAS3D
NewTek, Inc
BRAFTON
Corel Corporation
Autodesk Inc.
Videocaddy
Maxon Computer
WinBizSolutionsIndia
Animation Market Recent Developments:
In June 2025, Android 16 beta launched a shrinking screen animation for Visual Tweaks and Gemini AI. It offers a more tactile and immersive interaction experience. (Source: https://www.businesstoday.in)
In August 2023, Ynput launched a free animation and VFX pipeline, Ayon. It is an open-source and can be used by studios of any size. It consists of various applications like 2D animation software, 3D content creation tools, and compositing & editing tools. It has ready-made templates for VFX projects, 2D animation, and 3D animation. (Source: https://www.cgchannel.com)
In April 2025, Applause Entertainment launched the ApplaToon animation channel on YouTube for young minds. (Source: https://www.business-standard.com)
Animation Market Segments Covered in the Report
By Product Type
2D Animation
Software
hardware
Services
3D Animation
Software
hardware
Services
Stop Motion
Software
hardware
Services
Other
Software
hardware
Services
By Industry
Direct
Education
Media and Entertainment
Aerospace and Defense
Manufacturing
Automotive
Healthcare
Others
By Region
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Sweden
Denmark
Norway
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Thailand
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
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Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. We are obliged to serve our different client base present over the enterprises of medicinal services, healthcare, innovation, next-gen technologies, semi-conductors, chemicals, automotive, and aerospace & defense, among different ventures present globally.
Web:
1. What's fueling the growth of the animation market?
Rising demand from streaming, gaming, e-learning, and adoption across sectors like healthcare and manufacturing is driving strong market growth.
2. How big is the animation market and what's its forecast?
The market is valued at USD 436.24 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 895.71 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.46%.
3. Which animation type dominates the market?
3D animation leads with a 44.16% share in 2024, driven by its use in gaming, film, AR/VR, and product visualization.
4. Which industry uses animation the most?
Media & Entertainment leads with a 29.75% share, followed by education, gaming, and healthcare.
5. Why is 3D animation growing rapidly?
It creates immersive, realistic visuals used in movies, medical training, architecture, and games.
6. What's the biggest challenge in the animation market?
High production costs due to skilled labor, complex tools, and time-intensive processes limit scalability.
7. How is the U.S. performing in the animation market?
The U.S. leads globally, valued at USD 59.27 billion in 2024, backed by major studios and tech innovation.
8. Why is Asia Pacific the fastest-growing region?
Due to strong content demand, mobile usage, anime popularity, and outsourcing hubs in India, Japan, and China.
9. What role does e-learning play in the animation demand?
E-learning drives demand for animated content to simplify complex topics and enhance engagement.
10. Which companies are key players in the animation market?
Major players include Adobe, Autodesk, Maxon, Smith Micro, SideFX, and Triggerfish Studios, among others.
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That terminology doesn't always fly with Gen Z. 'That perception seems to have largely disappeared when you look at what Gen Z is saying,' Lehmiller noted. 'They seem to cast the younger partners as victims who are being preyed upon or 'groomed.'' Gigi Engle, a certified sex and relationship psychotherapist and resident intimacy expert for dating app 3Fun, worries that the term 'grooming' is being overapplied and losing its meaning. 'The narrative is really toxic here and in many other cases,' she told HuffPost. 'Trans people are groomers, gay people are groomers, older people dating younger people are groomers ― and this just isn't accurate. It's a really fear-mongering time we live in.' Gen Z may be hyperfocused on this because of their age: If you're a 35-year-old woman, you're probably less hung up on the idea of a 50-year-old guy expressing interest in you. 'I think younger people may be more susceptible to manipulation and are therefore more afraid of it,' Engle said. 'The reality is, age-gap relationships have been happening since humans have existed, and it is absolutely not some one-size-fits-all. In the vast majority of relationships like this, nothing untoward is happening.' Here's What Gen Z Has To Say About Age Gaps Talking to actual Gen Zers, you'll find that their opinions on age gaps run the gamut. As with most things, their takes on the subject are much more nuanced than those found on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, would have you believe. That said, many are genuinely bothered by age gaps. While the #MeToo movement gave them the language to talk about power imbalances, some 20-somethings say their opinions are more colored by their own personal experiences. Layla — a 23-year-old who asked to use her first name only for privacy reasons, like others in this story — thinks it's better to date within your own age group, ideally within a two- or three-year range. 'When I was around 21 and 22, I tried talking to guys who were 30 and over, but soon realized it wasn't right,' she told HuffPost. 'They had so much more life experiences than me, and it was awkward being from different generations.' Layla said she'd tried to joke and laugh about certain things ― a meme or a TikTok video ― and got a lot of blank stares. She wasn't a fan of their humor, either: Men recounting the umpteenth Seinfeld episode or that one Step Brothers scene gets a little old after a while. 'Trying to relate to one another just didn't work out, and it felt awkward and wrong,' she said. 'I believe a relationship between an 18- and 25-year-old is problematic,' Layla said, noting that this applies regardless of gender. 'I actually wish women got called out for their predatory behavior, too,' she said. 'It almost seems like no one wants to hold women accountable.' Mona, a 21-year-old college student in Georgia, even finds her own parents' 11-year age gap a little 'predatory': Her dad was in his late 30s and a divorced father of one when he met her mom, who was in her late 20s and didn't have children. Mona would date someone three years older. She wouldn't consider going younger, though. 'I do think that an 18- and 25-year-old together is unacceptable,' she said. She is particularly weirded out when she hears people talk about how their partner basically raised them or taught them 'how to be a woman,' as Beyoncé said to Jay-Z in a 2006 birthday toast that went viral recently. Mona is also wary of anyone who almost exclusively dates young people ― the Leonardo DiCaprios of the world. Every time the 49-year-old actor gets a new girlfriend, a graph highlighting the fact that each of his ex-girlfriends has been 25 or under starts circulating again. 'Any respectable adult would have the common sense that pursuing a teenager is extremely weird, and I also believe it says a lot about the headspace of the older person,' the 21-year-old said. Mona also thinks the COVID-19 pandemic might've been a factor in Gen Zers' apprehension over age gaps. They might technically be 21, but given that weird few-year pause, they don't feel it. 'You hear about how we're mentally the same age that we were when the pandemic first started,' she said. 'That might play a role in why some people are not settling on older people pursuing them ― you feel you're still too young.' Not everyone agrees. Rei, a 22-year-old who is queer, said they don't find age-disparate relationships inherently problematic. They said there's a lot more than age that gives people power over each other, and if you consider five years an 'age-gap relationship,' then Rei is currently in one. 'Though my partner is older than me, I have a college degree and she doesn't,' they said. 'So arguably I have a better financial and career outlook that would make me the 'abusive one,' if you're using that language.' Age gaps may be more common in the queer community, Rei said. 'I don't know a gay guy who hasn't been with someone much older than him,' they said. 'It's just normal to us.' Problematic dynamics can exist no matter the age. 'People now don't know what grooming is and just use the term as synonymous with age gaps,' Rei said. To some extent, Rei sees the hubbub over age gaps as an overcorrection of the mores ushered in by the #MeToo movement. 'People overadjust and assume that any relationship out of the norm is abusive,' they said. 'In my experience, people who feel age gaps are problematic are also the same people who argue the internet is harmful and should be censored because they had a bad experience as a kid. Your experience isn't universal.' For Amelia, 24, actual age matters less than the stage of life you're in. She figures if you're a relatively accomplished 28-year-old dating an accomplished 40-year-old, what's the big deal? The word 'grooming' really only applies when an adult is introduced to a future partner when they're underage, Amelia said. She cited the relationship between Dane Cook and his wife as an 'egregious' example of a questionable age gap. (The now-52-year-old comedian met Kelsi Taylor at a game night he hosted when she was in her late teens.) 'Do I think it's possible for people like that to have a healthy and happy relationship? Sure,' Amelia said. 'But the older I get, my desire to talk to high schoolers grows slimmer and slimmer. I really can't put myself in the shoes of someone who would want to befriend a high schooler.' That said, Amelia thinks that some Gen Zers take their judgment too far. To her, the concern over age gaps seems like a weirdly 'paternalistic' brand of feminism, where women feel the need to protect women from men. 'It's similar to how Swifties treat Taylor Swift,' she said, referring to the now-34-year-old pop star. 'You have young women 'looking out for' a billionaire woman in her 30s. I'm a fan of Taylor Swift, but I don't think she needs protecting from Travis Kelce because Travis Kelce got in the face of his NFL coach during the Super Bowl.' The anti-age-gap sentiment held by many plays into the 'puriteen' narrative that's been inescapable lately. Online, there's a lot of hand-wringing over Gen Zers' seeming aversion to sex: Studies show that they're having less of it than earlier generations and that they don't want sex scenes in their movies. Though Amelia overall disagrees with age-gap critics ― she feels like their arguments rob women of their agency, she said ― she gets where those in her peer group are coming from. 'The majority of us had unsupervised internet access from a young age. We were in chatrooms, on Tumblr, and other various corners of the internet that we probably should not have been on at that age,' she said. 'It was easy for grown men on the internet to reach us if they wanted to.' If you've been oversexualized at a young age ― or seen others in your age bracket be oversexualized ― that experience is understandably going to shape how you perceive these kinds of things, Amelia said. But the reality is, there are likely just as many happy May-December unions as there are disappointing ones. 'Believe it or not, we often see more ― not less ― equity in these relationships,' Lehmiller noted. All of the Gen Zers we spoke to said that ultimately, two consenting adults can do whatever they want in their private lives, even if others find it off-putting. 'Men can like women that are younger and not be a creep,' Amelia said. 'He also can be a creep, but some random person with a Twitter cartoon avatar shouldn't necessarily be the judge of that!' This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Solve the daily Crossword


WIRED
6 minutes ago
- WIRED
Do You Need a Barbecue Knife?
These specialty blades—cutlass-shaped mini machetes made for chopping grilled and smoked meats—aren't a necessary addition to your grill game. But they're fun, and they get the job done. Courtesy of Schmidt Brothers/Messermeister All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. A while back at my favorite kitchen-gear trade show, I spotted what appeared to be a trending category: barbecue knives. Their distinguishing characteristics seem to be a fairly tall blade, a shape that encourages a wokka-wokka–style rocking motion, and a target audience that skews heavily toward dudes with beards. Not all of those traits scream 'great for grilling,' but I was intrigued. One question immediately stuck in my head: What, if anything, makes a knife grill-friendly? Those I'd come across certainly had a look that blended pirate cutlasses and samurai swords, along with Japanese kitchen knives and occasionally Chinese cleavers. Ads with Guy Fieri look-alikes who were 'blown away' by this 'radical design' quickly began crufting up my social media feeds. I sent a note off to my trusted knife guy, Bob Tate, at Bozeman Knife Sharpening & Supply to get his take on barbecue knives. He had just sharpened one for a client and found that it 'looked like a cross between something Attila the Hun would use in battle and a zombie slayer.' This one in particular struck him as the product of celebrity chefs and knife designers who needed to justify their existences. He clearly couldn't see the point, preferring to steer customers considering a set toward the famous trifecta of a chef's knife, paring knife, and bread knife. 'I tell them they'll be able to do 90 percent of everything they need to do and be way happier doing it 'cause they've got a superior product,' Tate says. Courtesy of Messermeister Charmed Knife Though I didn't smell a rat, something felt just a little bit made up about this knife style, so I called a couple of them in for testing. First to arrive was the eight-inch Messermeister Avanta Kendrick BBQ Knife, with a swashbuckler vibe, a curved spine (the top of the blade), a handle that continued that arc upward, and the sides of the blade painted black. (If you need even more macho than all that, check out the video.) The knife is a bit blade-heavy, a style that is not my jam, but it felt good to wield. Messermeister is a well-respected brand among both pro chefs and home cooks. Chad Ward, author of An Edge In The Kitchen , calls one of Messermeister's traditional nine-inch chef's knives 'just about perfect.' This led to a bit of confusion as I got chopping, when my reaction started at 'what the?' and proceeded to 'ouch!' A few things became clear as I chopped my way through piles of onions, carrots, herbs, and meat. First, the upward handle angle had peculiar effects on the knife's behavior. Imagine the grip you'd use on a 'regular' knife, which is vaguely like shaking someone's hand. Now watch what your hand needs to do to accommodate an upward handle angle. It gets awkward kind of quickly, right? Courtesy of Mike Panic/Messermeister First, it made me want to be taller, which is peculiar because I'm a smidge over six feet, and in kitchens I'm usually wishing for a higher countertop. Here, I wanted my cutting board a few inches lower to compensate for the knife. Plus the blade height, well over two inches high for most of its length, meant that using the tip to do delicate work was not really an option. Plus, in a reversal from the rocking motion the knife seems to be designed for, the handle angle encouraged me to use more of a push cut, more typically used with a knife like a santoku with very little curve to the edge. This got more peculiar when I held it up next to my existing knives and realized the big swoop of the blade was notably similar to my classic German chef's knife. Unconsciously, this made me move my pinch grip—where the blade is held between the thumb and forefinger while the other three fingers stay on the handle—even further forward in order to get the knife to cut like I wanted it to. When I asked the folks at Messermeister specific questions about it, the company's executive vice president responded with a quote, more than half of which was marketing copy pulled directly from the Messermeister website. He also mentioned European butchers and fishmongers, a 'butcher's style blade,' a compact cleaver, mezzaluna, and a 'ulu-style skinning knife.' It was some serious knife-dude word salad, but apparently I was covered from prep to flensing! Did I mention the sharp corners on the top of the spine started giving me blisters? Courtesy of Schmidt Brothers In pleasant contrast, the other barbecue knife was a lot of fun. Schmidt Brothers Cutlery sent me the eight-inch Chef's BBQ Knife from its Zebra Wood 6-PieceBBQ BBQ Knife Set, a firmly middle-of-the road collection it sells through Costco and kitchen gear retailers. It is light, not too tall, with a gradual taper and dimples (aka kullens) along the sides that help keep food from sticking. It was a bit of a cross between a slicer and a santoku, particularly the latter's profile and the minimal swoop of the belly. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed using it. I liked the rounded and slightly large grip and far more centered weighting. A butternut squash would max out this knife's capabilities, and it's certainly not made for skinning anything, but I still loved using it. Frankly, the whole 'barbecue knife' concept is a little lost on me, but more than once I considered adding this knife to my own lineup. What all this testing with two very different blades underscored was the importance of trying a knife out before committing to it. Messermeister isn't mistakenly making a blade-heavy knife; some people love that. I suppose you could cheat and order one online and ship it back if it doesn't work out, but swinging past a great knife shop will allow you to compare multiple styles and pay big dividends. (If you're in Bozeman, Montana, go see Bob Tate and tell him I said hello!) A barbecue knife may be more of a hazy marketing idea than anything else, but they're not complete bunk, either. If you try one and like it and because of that enjoy cooking more, then that sounds like a great knife to me.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Who is Hulk Hogan's Ex-Wife, Linda, & What Is Their Relationship History?
Wondering who exactly is ex-wife? The iconic wrestling figure, celebrated for his extraordinary persona and memorable appearances in the WWE arena, recently passed away at the age of 71. As admirers cherish his legacy, a significant number are also curious about his private life—particularly his previous relationships and family experiences. So, here is all the information you need to know regarding Hogan's ex-wife, their children, and their relationship. Who is Hulk Hogan's ex-wife? Hulk Hogan was first married to . (née Claridge) Born on August 24, 1959, in Miami, Florida, Linda is a well-known internet personality who has also acted in films such as WCW Monday Nitro (1995), Thunder in Paradise (1994), and Little Hercules (2009). In addition to this, she became famous alongside her former husband through their reality TV series Hogan Knows Best, which aired for four seasons from 2005 until 2007. On her official Instagram account @linda_hogan_, Linda identifies herself as an Animal Rights Activist and Author. Her page also showcases her personal life and interests — she proudly shares that she is a mom to her kids, along with her cherished dogs and cats. Here's how many kids Hulk and Linda Logan have Hulk and Linda Hogan have 2 kids together. Even though Hulk and Linda got separated long ago, they share two children: a daughter named Brooke and a son named Nick. Brooke, their first child, was born in May 1988, making her 37 as of writing. On the other hand, Nick was born in July 1990 and is currently 34. Hulk and Linda Hogan's relationship explained Hulk Hogan and his ex-wife, Linda Hogan, reportedly first met in the early 1980s. As per multiple reports, the two first met one another at a restaurant in Los Angeles. For almost two years, Hulk and Linda maintained a long-distance relationship, staying connected through phone calls. Eventually, they got married in 1983. However, Hulk and Linda's relationship began to unravel when he allegedly had an affair with his daughter's best friend, Christian Plante. (via Today) After 24 years of marriage, Linda filed for divorce in 2007, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation attracted significant media attention due to financial disputes and infidelity claims. The divorce was finalized in 2009, ending a notable marriage in the wrestling industry. 'I still love him. He's the father of my children,' Linda told The Tampa Tribune. Hulk added, 'When you're married to someone for 23 years … you hope for the best …. We just got torn apart.' (via People) Over the years, the former couple had a tumultuous relationship. Recently, in March 2025, Linda broke her silence on her Instagram stories, reported by E! News. She said, 'I'm okay with most things, but today, something hit. It's been 15—or longer—years since I left Hulk Hogan, and my family is in the worst mess.' However, the two seemingly buried the hatchet, as just four days before Hulk Hogan's passing, Linda reminisced about him by sharing a nostalgic Instagram photo featuring herself and the WWE icon. She wrote in the caption, 'The good old days!' Currently, numerous fans and friends have shared their condolences as Hulk's family copes with his loss. Originally reported by Ayesha Zafar on The post Who is Hulk Hogan's Ex-Wife, Linda, & What Is Their Relationship History? appeared first on Mandatory. Solve the daily Crossword