Inside the Minds of Gen Z: 4 Passions That Drive Today’s Youth
May 01, 2025
Tune In & Connect
From the latest TikTok trend to a new gaming release, teens and tweens are constantly discovering new interests that shape their identities and social lives. While it might seem like these fascinations shift faster than the seasons, many of today’s most popular pursuits among young people are rooted in timeless desires: connection, creativity, and self-expression.
For teachers, school administrators, and parents, understanding what captivates young minds can lead to stronger relationships and more meaningful engagement — in school and at home.
Here are four of the most popular interests for today’s teens and tweens, along with some insights into why they matter and how adults can harness them for connection and learning.
1. Social Media: A Digital Neighborhood
Love it or loathe it, social media is a major part of how tweens and teens communicate, explore identity, and form opinions. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are more than just digital playgrounds — they’re hubs for creativity, community, and culture.
Why it matters:
For tweens and teens, social media provides a way to be seen and heard. It gives them access to diverse perspectives and allows them to contribute to cultural conversations. While there are valid concerns around screen time and online safety, social media also fosters digital literacy and creative expression.
What adults can do:
Instead of shutting down screen time, talk about it. Ask what they’re watching or creating. Discuss what makes a video meaningful, funny, or inspiring. Use social media as a launchpad for conversations about values, current events, and critical thinking.
2. Gaming: The New Social Arena
Gaming is no longer just a solitary pastime. Multiplayer games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox have become social spaces where kids collaborate, build, and compete with peers across the globe.
Why it matters:
Gaming develops problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and even leadership. It also offers a safe space for social interaction — especially important in a post-pandemic world where digital friendships are sometimes just as real as in-person ones.
What adults can do:
Show interest. Ask what they’re building in Minecraft or what strategies they’re using in Fortnite. You might even try playing alongside them — many educators have found ways to incorporate gaming into lessons on storytelling, history, and teamwork.
3. Streaming and Fandoms: Stories That Stick
From binge-watching Netflix series to obsessing over K-pop bands, teens and tweens are deeply connected to streaming media and the fan communities that grow around them.
Why it matters:
Fandoms offer young people a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a favorite show, YouTuber, or pop group, shared enthusiasm can lead to creativity (fan art, fan fiction), connection, and emotional expression.
What adults can do:
Instead of dismissing a teen’s 15th re-watch of Stranger Things or intense love for BTS, ask what they love about it. Encourage them to explore the storytelling, music, or production behind the scenes. This kind of engagement helps build trust and encourages deeper learning.
4. Activism and Identity: Finding Their Voice
Today’s youth are more socially aware than ever. Many tweens and teens are passionate about issues like climate change, mental health, gender identity, racial justice, and equity in education. They’re not just learning — they’re speaking up.
Their interest in activism is often tied to their desire for authenticity, empathy, and purpose.
Why it matters:
This generation cares deeply about making the world a better place. Their interest in activism is often tied to their desire for authenticity, empathy, and purpose. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and use their voices to advocate for change.
What adults can do:
Support their interest in causes. Encourage research, help them explore respectful dialogue, and connect them with opportunities to volunteer or lead school-based initiatives. When adults take young people seriously, it boosts their confidence and sense of agency.
Final Word: Listening Leads to Connection
It’s easy to view the latest teen trend as trivial or fleeting, but underneath every interest is a deeper need — one that often mirrors our own. Whether it’s the need to connect, create, compete, or contribute, the passions of today’s teens and tweens offer a window into what they value most.
By staying curious, asking questions, and showing genuine interest, adults can turn pop culture moments into bridges of connection, growth, and real student engagement. After all, when we tune in to what kids care about, we don’t just understand them better—we empower them to thrive.
What are your students or children into right now? Have you tried joining them in one of their interests?
We'd love to hear from you!
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Check out Even More Hacking Engagement for 50 new ways to make your classroom fun for everyone. Apply these strategies, and your class will become the one they don’t want to miss.
Read More
- Sturtevant, James. 2016. Hacking Engagement: 50 Tips & Tools To Engage Teachers and Learners Daily. Times 10 Publications.
- "From Paper to Play: Using AI to Bring Critical Digital Citizenship Frameworks to Life." X10 Publications blog post. April 29, 2025.
- “🎮 Level up Learning with Gamified Platforms 🧙♂️.” X10 Publications blog post. February 17, 2025.
Resources
- Main image of young photographer by Kevin Snyman from Pixabay.
- Cosplay characters image by Donald Tong from Pexels.
- Minecraft image by Alexander Kovalev from Pexels.
- Planet B image by Kevin Snyman from Pixabay.
- Teens on cell phones image by Silviu on the street from Pixabay.
