Agorum Investigates: The Gen-Z Roaring 20s: How Social Media & the COVID-19 Pandemic Have Shaped a Generation
A century ago, flappers and jazz ushered in the Roaring Twenties. Now, we’re living through a new wave of cultural upheaval—the Gen-Z Roaring 20s. But this isn’t about cigars and speakeasies. This time, it's viral TikTok videos, influencers, and pandemic-induced existentialism. It’s almost as if social media and COVID-19 have teamed up to completely redefine what it means to be young, connected, and craving experiences in a world of both infinite choices and unprecedented limitations.
A Virtual Playground with Real-World Consequences
Gen-Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in social media. From Snapchat streaks in high school to Instagram reels as the new personal diary, our generation’s experiences are lived out publicly. The result? Our behaviors are both hyper-aware and hyper-performative. Every action is filtered (sometimes literally) through the lens of what’s shareable. The pressure to be seen—on socials and beyond—has created a culture that seeks experiences not just for the fun of it, but for the digital proof.
FOMO? That’s old news. Now it’s FOLI—Fear of Living Irrelevantly.
Curated Instagram feeds and viral TikTok videos have set the bar sky-high for how life is supposed to look. If you're not traveling, capturing the perfect "weekend shot” with friends at the US Open, or DJing at a rooftop party (because, of course, everyone DJs now), are you even living your best life? For Gen-Z, there's a constant push-pull between chasing authentic joy and keeping up appearances in the digital sphere.
Pandemic Aftershocks: YOLO and the Pursuit of the"Ultimate Experience"
Enter the pandemic—a seismic event that threw the brakes on everything and thrust a generation raised on limitless access into lockdown. But for Gen-Z, this wasn’t just a pause. It was a reckoning. Deprived of their freedom to experience the world, many turned inward, questioning what actually matters.And as restrictions lifted, they came out swinging—with an almost frenetic desire to make up for lost time.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just about posting a cute pic from a brunch spot—now, it’s about immersing themselves in experiences that feel deeply meaningful.
Think of the post-pandemic vibe as a mix between YOLO and an existential awakening. Every party, every trip, every career decision is scrutinized. “Is this worth it?” quickly became the anthem of a generation recalibrating what it means to live well in a world where time can slip away so unexpectedly.
The "Experience Economy" on Steroids
The 20s are typically marked by a yearning for self-discovery, but for Gen-Z, this is happening against the backdrop of an "experience economy" that has reached new heights. We crave the physical, immersive real life experiences that juxtapose our digital reality. Just look at the rise of spontaneous house parties organized via apps like Partiful, or the growing trend of pop-up events that tap into the culture of immediacy and exclusivity.
To Gen-Z, experiences aren’t just bought—they’re earned. They’re meant to reflect personal values, challenge societal norms, and above all, be shareable. “It’s not enough to just be somewhere; you need to be part of something that speaks to your core.”
A New Kind of Roaring 20s
While the Roaring 20s of the past were all about rebellion and breaking free from societal norms, the Gen-Z 20s are more nuanced. Yes, there’s still a drive for liberation and self-expression, but it’s balanced with a sense of deeper purpose. It’s more about living with intention and finding real experiences in a largely digital world.
As the world continues into a new age of AI and shifting cultural norms, Gen-Z is rewriting the script. Their 20s are being shaped by a balanced pursuit of meaning—filtered through a screen, but still undeniably real. Gen-Z is living in a world of both infinite possibilities and heightened awareness. Our version of the Roaring 20s is just getting started.
