Latest news with #GenZers
North Wales Live
3 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Brits ditch birthday celebrations because of dieting
A recent survey has discovered that half of health-conscious Britons are skipping social events to stick to a diet. The study, involving 2,000 adults, discovered that occasions such as birthday dinners and takeaway nights are frequently skipped. Four out of ten have a hankering for ice cream in the summer months, and a quarter wish they could indulge more in weekend brunches. It appears that younger individuals are more inclined to turn down invitations centred around food compared to older generations. The research indicated that a significant number of Millennials and Gen Zers have previously passed up on social gatherings due to their devotion to healthy eating habits. Nevertheless, seven out of ten participants said that skipping social occasions was the most challenging aspect of maintaining their diet, suggesting that a balanced diet should not mean giving up their favourite food and drinks. The study was conducted on behalf of Arla LactoFREE, which has recently teamed up with Bompas and Parr to introduce the Sky Shakes pop-up, an endeavour to show that lactose-free options can still be delicious. Strategic brand manager for Arla LactoFREE, Laura Butler, commented: "Wellness no longer has to mean going without." She explained: "It's important to find food and drink options which can be enjoyed no matter what your dietary requirements are, without having to miss out on the taste and flavour. "While it's important to many people to eat well, they also want food which feels exciting and worth sharing, which is what we hoped to deliver with the sky themed shakes made using lactose free milk and cream and crafted to be flavoursome. "Certain foods and drinks become a part of our routine and habits, be it a tea and biscuit break or an evening snack on the sofa, it's hard to stop these altogether so it's important to find alternatives." The study revealed that indulgent snacks are difficult to abandon due to their taste and the comfort they provide. Regarding nutritious eating, half of those surveyed believe it involves striking a balance between what they relish and what they perceive they 'ought' to be eating. As a result, most respondents stressed the significance of healthy options still delivering that treat-like experience. Visual appeal also matters, especially amongst younger demographics. A staggering 52 percent of Millennials and 47 percent of Gen Z admitted they're more likely to buy food or drink simply because it appears 'Instagram worthy'. Nevertheless, people would be more inclined to regard healthy food or drink as an indulgence rather than a burden if it delivers a luxurious taste, bursts with flavour, and offers reassurance. Laura Butler remarked: "Finding food and drink which can be enjoyed no matter what your dietary requirements are, without having to miss out of the taste and flavour, shouldn't mean having to compromise. "Everyone deserves to enjoy things which boost their moods and enable them to share the fun with others, from birthday meals to ice creams and milkshakes on a hot day."
Fast Company
4 hours ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Google's new AI feature helps Gen Zers who are afraid to make a phone call
The tool contacts small businesses for you, without the need for human-to-human contact. RIP interpersonal skills. [Images: Google] BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 2:52 Socially anxious Gen Zers, rejoice: Google's new AI search feature will make phone calls so you don't have to. The feature, which launches today, is designed to help users check current pricing and availability for services at local businesses through an AI-powered calling function. According to a Google spokesperson, it's an example of how agentic AI —or a model capable of thinking, planning, and acting autonomously in real time—can help make everyday tasks easier by acting on behalf of a user. While the spokesperson says that the tool was made for all users, the Google team thinks it might be particularly helpful for Gen Zers, who tend to be more reticent to make phone calls than other generations. A 2024 study by the company Uswitch showed that a quarter of 18 to 34-year-olds never answer the phone at all. The phenomenon even has a name: telephobia. According to a May survey by Google, users aged 18-24 already show higher engagement than other generations when they use Google's existing AI Overviews tool in search. Now, Google is hoping that agentic AI might also help young users tackle certain quotidian tasks without ever picking up the phone. Subscribe to the Design latest innovations in design brought to you every weekday SIGN UP An AI bot for appointments and inquiries To use the new tool, users simply need to search a query related to local small businesses, like, 'nail salons near me' or 'local dog groomers.' These types of requests will yield a prompt that says, 'Have AI check pricing' directly beneath the map of suggested businesses. If a user clicks that prompt, they'll be taken through a short questionnaire related to their needs—in the dog groomer example, that might mean follow-ups like, 'what kind of dog do you have?' or 'what service do you need?' Using those responses, an AI will then make calls to several of the top suggested businesses based on Google reviews, and return to the user with an email or text of each pet groomer's response. While this questionnaire step does take some extra time, the spokesperson notes that it saves the user from needing to make all of the calls themselves, and the whole process should take 30 minutes or less. On the business end, the tool sets a daily limit of how many times one business can be contacted within a day, as well as providing each business an opportunity to opt out of the calls if they choose. Currently, Google's AI-powered calling feature is available for a select group of local business categories, including beauty and wellness, auto maintenance, pet services, and professional services. In the future, though, the Google spokesperson says there's plenty of room to expand this option to additional domains. It's essentially outsourcing the drudgery (and, for some Gen Zers, anxiety) of making a new appointment to your own personal assistant. The super-early-rate deadline for Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Awards is Friday, July 25, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Grace Snelling is an editorial assistant for Fast Company with a focus on product design, branding, art, and all things Gen Z. Her stories have included an exploration into the wacky world of Duolingo's famous mascot, an interview with the New Yorker 's art editor about the scramble to prepare a cover image of Donald Trump post-2024 election, and an analysis of how the pineapple became the ultimate sex symbol More
USA Today
5 hours ago
- General
- USA Today
Gen Z's blank stare is the internet's latest obsession
Ever received an awkward response to a 'Hi how are you?' from a younger neighbor or a deer in the headlights look from a teenage customer service worker? TikTokers say there's a name for that — the 'Gen Z stare.' Users on the platform say it refers to the vacant stare young people might give in response to small talk, simple customer service questions or workplace inquiries. Hypothetical skits on the platform mocking Gen Z responses are going viral. It's sparking a broader conversation about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic technology use, and if Gen Z (the cohort born between 1997 and 2012) lacks communication skills in the workplace and social settings. What is the Gen Z stare? The Gen Z stare is a term used to refer to the blank, expressionless look some say is characteristic of young people's interactions. It might manifest as an awkward encounter with a barista or a lack of verbal response from a coworker. Most of the viral skits portray the stare in customer service interactions, where a Gen Z cashier or customer responds with a blank, wordless stare where small talk would usually fill the void, sometimes as a result of a senseless questions. "It's literally just exhausted teenagers working part time trying to put up with school while paying bills,' one person commented under a skit with 2.3 million views from TikToker Mark Gaetano, known on the platform as Snarky Marky. 'The Gen Z stare is usually just us being in complete disbelief of what we're witnessing,' says another. But commenters from other generations argued back that the stare goes beyond the typical customer service blank face. 'We're talking about the stare when anyone tries to have just a normal human interaction with you, like in the flesh, and you guys freeze,' one TikToker posted, "I can't even count to you how many times I've tried to say hi to neighbors walking by that are like in their teens and they just look at you like they just saw a ghost." More: She's working two jobs and filming it for TikTok: Gen Z's economic reality is going viral Social skills shaped by 24/7 technology and the pandemic The videos have sparked intergenerational discourse. Some Gen Zers defended the stare as a response to illogical questions from customers, while others acknowledged it as a reflection of anxiety in social interactions. And it's possible the stare is the result of Gen Z's social development being hindered during the pandemic. Online school and social distancing during lockdowns influenced how people of all ages navigated in-person interactions and awkward social situations. Plus, nearly half of teens say they're online constantly, according to 2024 data from the Pew Research Center. Gen Z, nicknamed 'the anxious generation' by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, is more anxious and isolated than older generations. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy sounded the alarm on loneliness during his term, explaining in a report that young adults are almost twice as likely to report feeling lonely than those older than 65. There are jokes about every generation's communication skills, from jabs about the millennial pause to boomers' struggles to understand emojis. Whether it's rooted in pandemic-induced social anxiety or changing workplace norms, it's a sign of how young people are engaging with the world around them. Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@ and@rachelleighhale on X.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
How much is your ‘base tan' really protecting you against sun damage and cancer? Melanoma expert weighs in
A sunburn might not be the only thing you need to worry about this summer. 'There's no such thing as a safe tan,' Krista Rubin, nurse practitioner at Mass General Brigham's Center for Melanoma, told The Post. 'It's an injury to the skin.' But what about the popular belief that a 'base tan' can protect your skin from sun damage? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Advertisement 4 Gen Z youths are bringing back tanning as skin cancer cases are on the rise. Studio Firma/Stocksy – Across the country, about 1 in 3 US adults intentionally tan outdoors — with women and younger adults leading the pack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). And while indoor tanning beds have declined since their '90s heyday, research shows that roughly 7.8 million Americans still regularly use them. Rubin said she often hears from patients who believe a 'base tan' will help prevent sunburn. While there's some truth to that, the protection it offers is minimal at best. Advertisement When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it causes genetic damage to the DNA in your skin cells. In response, your skin produces more melanin — the pigment that darkens your skin and acts as a natural defense mechanism by absorbing and scattering UV rays to reduce further damage. 'It's like the body's way of putting up a fence to protect its DNA,' Rubin explained. Advertisement 4 Approximately one-third of American adults experience at least one sunburn each year. Pattarisara – But experts estimate that natural 'fence' only provides about SPF 2 to 4 protection. 'That isn't enough to rely on alone,' Rubin warned. Crucially, tanning itself means DNA damage has already occurred — and your risk of skin cancer has gone up. Advertisement 'People with darker skin tones may be less likely to get skin cancer, but anybody with skin can have damage at the cellular or DNA level,' Rubin said. Some people maintain a year-round tan, whether from spending long hours outdoors or artificial methods like tanning beds. This, Rubin said, is a sign of chronic sun damage. 'They're more likely to have wrinkles, premature aging, and especially as they get older, a higher risk of skin cancer,' she said. 4 Skin cancer risk increases as you get older, but people of any age can be affected. WavebreakMediaMicro – That should serve as a wake up call for Gen Zers, who are bringing the bronzed look back into fashion with Y2K aesthetics and viral tanning trends dominating social media. On TikTok alone, the hashtag #tanlines has racked up over 236 million posts — many featuring influencers hawking tanning hacks, from slathering on accelerators for a faster glow to timing their sunbathing with the UV index. But all that fun in the sun comes with a price. Advertisement Skin cancer rates are rising among teens and young adults — and melanoma, the deadliest type, is now the third most common cancer in Americans ages 15 to 39, according to the NIH. Despite this, 20% of Gen Zers say that being tan is more important to them than protecting themselves from skin cancer, and 30% admit they'd rather look 'great' today with a tan 'even if it means looking worse later in life,' according to survey data from the American Academy of Dermatology. 4 Tanning beds are having a resurgence despite concerns about their risks. Drazen – 'There are a lot of influencers out there giving false information, and unfortunately, a lot of young people are getting burned,' Rubin said. 'It's dangerous; if you have skin, you should want to protect it because it's with you for the rest of your life.' Advertisement If you're planning to spend time outdoors, she recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher — and reapplying every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming. Rubin also advises seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing whenever possible, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. 'Babies under six months really shouldn't be in direct sun at all,' Rubin warned. 'Their immune systems are too immature to properly filter ultraviolet radiation, so inflammation from sun damage can start early — and their bodies may not be able to repair it.'
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
70% of Gen Z in the US turn to social media for job advice: Has TikTok replaced America's career counsellors?
70% of Gen Z in the US turn to social media for career advice If you're still thinking of TikTok as a space for dances and memes, it's time to think again. For millions of young Americans, platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become much more than entertainment. According to the Broken Marketplace Study , a comprehensive national survey by the Schultz Family Foundation and HarrisX, 70% of Gen Z in the US now turn to social media for career advice. With uncertainty clouding traditional career pathways, this generation is finding clarity, and sometimes even community, in the scroll. The career guidance gap The Broken Marketplace Study , based on more than 5,700 interviews with young adults between 18 to 24 years of age, parents, educators, and employers, reveals a system that's struggling to keep pace with the needs of modern youth. Young people want direction, but the people and institutions around them are often out of step. Parents offer advice based on their own experiences, which no longer align with today's job landscape. Counsellors are overburdened or rely on outdated models of career prep. Employers demand work experience, but rarely provide early access or learning opportunities. This lack of coordination has created what the study calls a 'broken marketplace', where young people's ambition is strong, but the available support is weak or misaligned. Social media steps in as the new career coach In the absence of personalised, practical career guidance, Gen Z is turning to platforms that feel current, authentic, and accessible. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are more than just entertainment hubs: they've become informal guidance offices. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cách giao dịch ETH/USD mà không cần nắm giữ Ether IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The study finds that: 70% of young people engage with career-related content on social media. 40% actively search for it, while 30% encounter it passively while scrolling. YouTube has emerged as the most trusted platform for educational and career content. What makes this content resonate is relatability. Many creators are just a few years ahead of their viewers and offer advice that feels personal, honest, and achievable. From 'day in the life' vlogs to resume tips and freelance tutorials, social media is shaping how Gen Z sees the world of work — in formats they prefer and understand. A generation filled with questions This shift isn't just a matter of preference; it's a response to widespread anxiety. According to the study: 57% of young adults are unsure whether there will be enough job opportunities in the future. 46% feel unprepared for the jobs they're aiming for. 54% worry that AI could replace their future roles. At the same time, many Gen Zers are still exploring their identities and interests. A notable 65% say they're still figuring out what drives them, and they're using digital platforms to help connect the dots. Social media doesn't just offer information — it offers hope. In fact, 85% of those who use it for career guidance say they feel inspired after seeing others make progress toward their goals. The benefits of going viral for advice Social media has clearly filled a void. It's fast, digestible, and visual. It allows for peer-to-peer learning, and it democratises information in a way traditional systems often don't. But as the Broken Marketplace Study points out, there's also a downside: Not all advice is accurate or grounded in expertise. Algorithms can amplify hype or oversimplified career paths. There's no personalised feedback — no one reviewing your resume or matching you with realistic options. The solution isn't to dismiss social media. It's to blend its strengths with institutional accountability. Career guidance must evolve to become more relevant, accessible, and engaging, whether that's through better digital tools, earlier exposure to career options in school, or employer-supported mentorships. The bottom line Gen Z is not disengaged or directionless: they're navigating a rapidly changing world with the best tools they have. The fact that 70% are looking to TikTok and YouTube for career advice is not a failure on their part. It's a signal that traditional systems haven't kept up. Rather than competing with social media, schools, employers, and policy-makers need to integrate with it. The next generation is already building their future — one scroll at a time. It's time for the rest of the system to catch up and plug back in. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
