DIY fashion, activism and entrepreneurship are tracking for 2023, according to Instagram.
The social media platform’s 2023 trend report serves as a “data-driven guide to the cultural and social trends” as defined by Gen Z. Instagram partnered with WGSN to field a survey with U.S. Gen Z consumers. The results shed light on how the cohort plans to embrace fashion, beauty, dating and community in the new year.
Understanding the Gen Z mindset, however, starts with knowing their rosy outlook. Instagram and WGSN asked survey takers to sum up 2023 in one word. Top responses were healing, energized and “main character energy.”
Community-building will play a key part in all three.
Described as “an activist generation,” the ranks of young U.S. consumers reaching voting age in 2023 will help drive increased visibility and activism for political issues, Instagram said. They will also put their money where their mouth is by using platforms like Instagram to donate money to causes and communities that fuel their passion.
Disability advocacy is one of those leading issues. The survey found that three out of four Gen Z social media users want to follow an influencer who has a disability. “Expect more members of the next gen to engage with creators who advocate for those with intellectual or physical disabilities,” Instagram said.