Standards, the Only Thing Gen Z is Lifting

For fitness, for jobs, for travel—intentionality is in.

LinkedIn, But Make It Useful

Everyone is buzzing about Series, the new networking app founded by two Gen Z Yale students that just raised $3.1 million—but the real story here isn’t just about another startup. It’s about a deeper shift in how Gen Z wants to grow professionally. The success of this start up proves that Gen Z is tired of the posturing in networking. In it’s place they want personal support and connections.

According to our Youthtellers (ages 15–27), 64.4% of Gen Z prefer going to people they know for advice rather than online forums. This insight proves what the Series founders already knew; that while Gen Z may be fluent in the internet, when it comes to career growth, they’re choosing trust and relatability over algorithms and cold emails.

That’s where this platform fits in. Rather than broadcasting a shiny personal brand of perfection, users on Series send real, actionable requests—whether it’s help writing a business plan, building a website, or finding a collaborator. The platform uses an AI agent to represent users and facilitate those asks, making networking feel less like a performance and more like a conversation.

But the success of Series isn’t just a product win, it’s a cultural cue. Gen Z is over the illusion of access that traditional platforms sell, but don’t actually give. What they’re craving instead are peer-to-peer systems where help is mutual, the vibe is safe, and you’re not punished for asking instead of posturing.

Has Gen Z Abandoned Their January Fitness Goals?

We had to know: did the motivation stick?

The short answer? Kind of.

While 92% of our Youthtellers kicked off the year wanting to try a specific workout (mostly the ones trending on TikTok, from pilates to weightlifting), the deeper intention wasn’t about sculpting a six-pack. For 67%, it was simply about moving more. No pressure, no PRs, just movement. As one 16-year-old in Orlando put it, “Just move. Stop worrying about trends. Just move your body, and that is enough.” But by the time Q1 wrapped, only 39% were still going strong. Another 58% said they’re on and off—think of it as wellness intervals. The consistency might not be there, but the vibe of trying still is.

Here’s why this matters: Gen Z may be sporadic, but they're still spending time and money on their health. Reports show that the wellness industry is largely insulated from recession worries, thanks to Gen Z and Millennials investing in their fitness and mental health—regardless of whether their workout streak is intact.

The takeaway is less about discipline and more about access. Gen Z wants to feel good, but they don’t want to be guilt-tripped into it. Brands that make movement feel intuitive, forgiving, and emotionally satisfying will win. Because this generation doesn’t want a new body. They want a better mood.

Post-Grad, Pre-Burnout: Is Gen Z Still Taking Graduation Trips?

A post-grad trip used to be a celebratory staple, now today’s graduates are hesistant to book one. Affordability is the biggest barrier. A majority—79%—plan to pay for the trip themselves, and most are working with modest budgets: 31% say they could swing $1,000–$2,000, while 21% are looking at the $500–$1,000 range. As one 26-year-old from Remington, IN told us, “It’s good to travel and explore the world, but our generation can barely afford groceries and clothes.”

When we asked our Youthtellers (ages 15–27) how they’re feeling about the classic grad trip, 38% said they definitely want to take one, but only 13% are actually booked and ready. The rest? They’re stuck in the “I want to but…” zone, with 59% citing obstacles like tight budgets, conflicting schedules, or family obligations.

But one thing is clear, Gen Z isn’t giving up on travel, they’re simply looking into how to do it with what they have. One in three are sticking to domestic trips, and 67% are gravitating toward experiential getaways: nature escapes, scenic roadtrips, anything that promises meaning over material.

It’s clear that Gen Z still wants to travel, but the pressure to make it glamorous is gone. The new flex isn’t five-star—it’s going on the trip in general. Because for this generation, a graduation trip isn’t about leaving it all behind. It’s about stepping into what’s next—with clarity, curiosity, and just enough cash to get there.

*This article was originally posted on Substack. Click HERE to subscribe