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- Gen Z pop culture around the world is a blend of activism, creativity, and self-expression, shaped by local and global influences.
- From fashion to music, each country adds its unique twist while embracing social media as a key part of the culture.
- Across the globe, Gen Z is redefining what it means to be young, aware, and bold in todayâs world.
We Asked 15 Gen Zers from Different Countries to Describe Gen Z Pop CultureâHere's What They Shared
Gen Z pop culture is straight-up fire, no cap. Itâs wild how a generation from different corners of the globe can vibe to the same TikTok sounds, obsess over the same celebs, and still keep it real with their local flavor. Whether itâs rocking vintage drip in Stockholm, breaking it down to reggaeton in Madrid, or turning up to Amapiano beats in Johannesburg, weâre all serving up unique takes on what it means to be us. But what happens when you ask 15 Gen Zers from around the world to describe their countryâs pop culture in their own words? You get a seriously diverse, high-energy mix that shows just how global and connected we really areâwhile staying unapologetically authentic. So sit tight and get ready to dive into what defines Gen Z, straight from the voices living it every day.
1. United States
"Pop culture here in the U.S. is like a wild mix of everything you find on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTubeâitâs a constant feed of memes, viral challenges, and influencer trends that shape how we dress, talk, and even think. Weâre obsessed with personalities like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, who represent this vibe of being unapologetically yourself. Activism is also a huge part of itâwhether itâs supporting LGBTQ+ rights or standing up against racial injustice, Gen Z here is always using social media to rally behind a cause. At the same time, weâre deeply rooted in meme cultureânothing is too serious, and weâll find a way to turn even the most intense situations into something laughable. Itâs all about being ironic, authentic, and socially aware while flexing the latest trends, from streetwear to eco-friendly fashion."
â Madison, 20, New York
2. Japan
"In Japan, pop culture is a mix of futuristic technology and deeply rooted traditions. Weâre all about anime, manga, and video games, which dominate the entertainment scene, but theyâre more than just hobbiesâtheyâve shaped how we see the world. The kawaii (cute) aesthetic is everywhere, whether itâs in our fashion choices, accessories, or even the way we decorate our rooms. K-pop is also massive here, blending seamlessly with our own J-pop, and we love the artistry of it all. Thereâs this balance between wanting to stand out with unique, bold fashion and still maintaining a sense of harmony in how we present ourselves. Technology plays a huge role tooâeveryoneâs plugged into social media, whether itâs Twitter, Instagram, or our own local apps, and weâre always on top of the latest trends. But even with all this modern influence, we still hold onto our traditions, and that mix makes Gen Z pop culture here super distinctive."
â Haruto, 21, Tokyo
3. Spain
"Spainâs pop culture is all about combining our fiery passion for life with the global influences that come from being so connected online. Music is hugeâreggaeton is the heartbeat of our generation, with artists like RosalĂa and Bad Bunny being practically worshipped. But itâs not just music; fashion and art are equally expressive. We love mixing street style with something more traditional, like a modern take on flamenco, and everythingâs always colorful and bold. Thereâs this real sense of being unapologeticâwhether itâs through fashion or activism, Gen Z here isnât afraid to speak their mind. Social movements, especially feminist and LGBTQ+ causes, are super important, and youâll see us organizing protests or using Instagram to spread awareness. Itâs this perfect mix of being deeply rooted in our Spanish culture while being super in tune with whatâs happening globally. We take pride in standing out and making noise in everything we do."
â Carmen, 19, Madrid
4. Australia
"Australian Gen Z pop culture is like a chill mix of global trends with our own laid-back, beachy vibes. Weâre really into indie music, with artists like Tame Impala and The Kid LAROI representing this sense of cool without trying too hard. Thereâs a huge focus on sustainability here, so youâll see a lot of us shopping at thrift stores, wearing vintage clothes, or supporting eco-friendly brands. Social media plays a massive role in how we stay connectedâTikTok is where we find new music, new fashion, and, of course, new memes. But itâs not just about trends; thereâs a growing consciousness about being more socially aware, whether thatâs through climate activism or pushing for Indigenous rights. Weâve got this âno worriesâ attitude, but weâre also very much in tune with whatâs going on in the world, and weâre all about creating positive change while staying true to our easygoing, Aussie spirit."
â Ethan, 22, Sydney
5. Sweden
"In Sweden, Gen Z pop culture is all about blending minimalism with a sense of purpose. We love things that look clean and simple, whether itâs our fashion, design, or even how we present ourselves on social media. Think neutral tones, sleek lines, and a kind of understated coolness that reflects our Scandinavian heritage. But itâs not just about looksâsustainability is key. Youâll find us buying second-hand, supporting eco-conscious brands, or advocating for environmental issues, because we genuinely care about the planet. Music is also hugeâSwedish artists like Zara Larsson and Swedish House Mafia are global names, but weâre just as obsessed with international acts. And when it comes to activism, weâre very vocal about things like climate change and equality. We have this balance between being trendsetters in fashion and tech while also pushing for a better world. Itâs about looking good and doing good at the same time."
â LinnĂ©a, 20, Stockholm
6. Egypt
"Gen Z pop culture in Egypt is this exciting mix of old and new, where weâre constantly pushing against the boundaries of tradition. Music, especially Egyptian rap and trap, is a major part of our identityâitâs raw, itâs real, and it talks about everything from social issues to daily life in the city. At the same time, fashion here is super expressive, but thereâs this balance between being trendy and respecting cultural norms. Youâll see people blending Western street style with traditional Egyptian elements, and thatâs what makes our look so unique. Social media is huge, and we use platforms like Instagram and Twitter not just for fun but to challenge societal expectations and speak up about political issues. Pop culture here is rebellious in its own way; weâre using it to redefine what it means to be young and Egyptian in the 21st century, while staying rooted in our deep cultural heritage."
â Noor, 21, Cairo
7. Albania
"Pop culture in Albania is this cool mix of local pride and global trends. Weâve got a strong sense of national identity, so even though weâre obsessed with things like TikTok, Instagram, and global fashion trends, we still stay connected to our Albanian roots. Music here is a massive part of lifeâlocal hip-hop and folk-inspired pop are really popular, but weâre also into international artists like Drake and Dua Lipa (whoâs part Albanian herself, so thatâs a big deal). Fashion is bold and edgy, with a mix of European streetwear and traditional influences. Weâre not afraid to stand out and be a little extra. Social media plays a huge role in how we express ourselves, especially when it comes to activism. Whether weâre talking about human rights or environmental issues, we use our platforms to make sure our voices are heard. Itâs this fusion of past and present that really defines Gen Z pop culture here."
â Arben, 20, Tirana
8. Singapore
"In Singapore, pop culture is a total blend of East meets West. K-pop is massiveâBTS, Blackpink, and EXO are practically gods hereâbut weâre also super influenced by Western music and movies. At the same time, we hold onto our own traditions, so youâll see people mixing modern streetwear with traditional elements during festivals or special occasions. Weâre really tech-savvy, always on our phones, scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit to keep up with the latest global trends. Fashion is all about keeping it fresh but practicalâthereâs a love for both minimalist looks and quirky, unique pieces that stand out. Social issues are becoming more important to us too, especially things like mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. Weâre still a pretty conservative society, but Gen Z is definitely pushing for more openness and freedom of expression. Itâs a cool mix of being forward-thinking while staying connected to our roots."
â Jia Ling, 19, Singapore
9. Hong Kong
"Pop culture in Hong Kong is like this constant balancing act between tradition and modernity. Weâre huge on fashionâespecially streetwearâand itâs all about mixing Western brands like Supreme and Off-White with our own local designers. You can walk down any street here and see someone rocking the latest trends alongside someone else in a traditional cheongsam for a family event. Music-wise, Canto-pop is still big, but K-pop and Western artists are taking over, and we love a good mashup of both worlds. Social media is where we liveâInstagram, Facebook, and WeChat are essential for staying connected. At the same time, weâre very politically aware. The protests here in recent years have shaped how we see the world, and a lot of Gen Zers in Hong Kong are using their platforms to speak up for freedom and democracy. Itâs this tension between wanting to be part of the global pop culture scene and fighting for our local identity."
â Mei, 21, Hong Kong
10. France
"Gen Z in France is all about mixing classic French chic with a rebellious, avant-garde attitude. Fashion here is practically an art formâwhether itâs high-end couture or thrifted vintage pieces, we take pride in looking effortlessly stylish. Think berets, oversized blazers, and monochrome outfits, but with a modern twist. Music is just as eclecticâwhile we love our local artists like Aya Nakamura and Christine and the Queens, weâre also huge fans of international genres like trap and indie rock. What really defines Gen Z in France, though, is our passion for activism. Whether itâs fighting for climate action, womenâs rights, or LGBTQ+ equality, weâre constantly organizing protests or using social media to raise awareness. Pop culture here isnât just about trendsâitâs a form of resistance, a way for us to express our individuality and challenge the status quo. We take our art, our style, and our activism seriously."
â AmĂ©lie, 22, Paris
11. Italy
"Pop culture in Italy is this seamless blend of elegance and modern street style. Weâve got deep roots in fashionâMilan is a global fashion capital, after allâso looking good is practically second nature. But itâs not all high-end couture; Gen Z here is really into mixing luxury with casual, like pairing a Gucci bag with sneakers and oversized hoodies. Weâre also obsessed with aesthetics, whether itâs on Instagram or in real life, and we love curating our feeds to look as perfect as our outfits. Music is another big part of our scene, with artists like Mahmood and MĂ„neskin representing that fusion of Italian and global influences. And of course, weâre super into social media, where we keep up with trends, but we also use it for activismâGen Z in Italy is vocal about everything from climate change to mental health. Itâs a culture thatâs stylish, passionate, and deeply expressive."
â Marco, 21, Milan
12. Canada
"In Canada, Gen Z pop culture is a mix of inclusivity, activism, and creativity. Weâre really into global trends, whether thatâs fashion, music, or social media challenges, but we always bring this Canadian twist to it. For example, sustainability is huge hereâthrifting is almost a lifestyle, and youâll see us rocking vintage clothes or eco-friendly brands. Weâre also very focused on social justice, and youâll see a lot of young people using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to speak up about Indigenous rights, climate action, and mental health. Music is diverse, tooâwhile we love our Canadian icons like Drake, The Weeknd, and Shawn Mendes, weâre also really into indie and alternative scenes. And even though weâre always in tune with whatâs happening in the U.S. and beyond, weâre proud of our unique Canadian identity. Itâs a pop culture thatâs creative, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the global conversation."
â Avery, 20, Toronto
13. Brazil
"Brazilian Gen Z pop culture is all about vibrancy and expression. From music to fashion, everything here is loud, colorful, and full of life. Funk carioca is the heartbeat of our generationâitâs everywhere, and itâs how we party, how we dance, how we express ourselves. But weâre also into global artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, who influence our local scenes. Fashion here is boldâthink bright colors, streetwear, and a mix of international brands with local designers who reflect our unique Brazilian style. Weâre all about standing out, whether thatâs through our clothes or the way we present ourselves on social media. Speaking of which, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are huge here, not just for staying connected but for raising awareness about social and political issues. Weâre passionate about everything, from environmental activism to fighting for equality, and weâre not afraid to make some noise about it."
â Sofia, 19, Rio de Janeiro
14. Costa Rica
"Pop culture in Costa Rica is all about blending our deep connection to nature with the global trends that come our way. Reggaeton is a huge part of our livesâitâs the soundtrack to everything from beach parties to city nights. But weâre also really conscious about the environment, and that influences how we approach fashion and lifestyle. Thrifting and sustainable brands are becoming more popular here, and youâll see a lot of Gen Zers opting for eco-friendly choices. Social media is massive too, and TikTok has taken overâwhether itâs for entertainment, fashion inspiration, or activism. Weâre very much connected to global pop culture through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but we always keep our Costa Rican pride at the forefront. Thereâs a real sense of community here, and weâre all about promoting a lifestyle thatâs fun, sustainable, and uniquely âpura vida.â Itâs a culture thatâs laid-back but aware, fun but purposeful."
â Diego, 22, San JosĂ©
15. South Africa
"Gen Z in South Africa is all about the remixâweâre blending African street culture with global influences in a way thatâs totally our own. Music is at the heart of everything we doâAmapiano and Gqom are massive, but weâre also into hip-hop and international artists. Fashion here is bold and expressive, with a focus on streetwear and local designers who reflect the vibrancy of our cities. But pop culture isnât just about looking goodâitâs about speaking up. Weâre very politically aware, and a lot of us use social media to challenge the issues we face, from inequality to climate change. Activism is a big part of our identity, and youâll see us organizing protests or using Instagram and Twitter to spread awareness. Weâre all about creating change, whether itâs through art, fashion, or just being loud about the things that matter to us. Itâs a culture thatâs dynamic, diverse, and unapologetically bold."
â Zola, 21, Johannesburg
From the neon streets of Tokyo to the laid-back beaches of Costa Rica, itâs clear that Gen Zâs pop culture is a fusion of bold individuality and collective energy. Whether itâs through fashion, music, activism, or just vibing online, weâre defining our generation with creativity and courage. Every country has its own flavor, but weâre all connected by the power of social media, the constant hustle for authenticity, and a hunger to stand up for what we believe in. Itâs not just about keeping up with the latest trendsâitâs about owning them, remixing them, and making them something personal. Weâre shaping the world we want to live in, one Instagram post, one protest, one viral video at a time.
Stay connected with more insights from the global Gen Z scene at Woke Waves Magazine.
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