18 Times Gen-Z Made a Huge Impact Online
From TikTok trends to social media activism, Gen Z knows how to use the internet to make waves. They’re not just consumers of content—they’re creators, advocates, and change-makers who use the web to influence culture, spotlight social issues, and sometimes just make us laugh. Here are 18 times Gen Z made a huge impact online, showing us just how powerful this generation really is.
1. The Viral #BlackLivesMatter Movement
Gen Z took to social media to amplify the Black Lives Matter movement, especially in 2020, when protests surged worldwide following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter were filled with educational posts, donation links, and calls to action. Gen Z’s online advocacy fueled global conversations about police brutality and racial justice, proving social media’s power in mobilizing social movements.
2. Climate Change Walkouts Led by Youth
Inspired by climate activist Greta Thunberg, Gen Z organized and participated in massive climate change walkouts. These protests trended worldwide, with young people using social media to demand action on environmental issues. Hashtags like #FridaysForFuture and #ClimateStrike encouraged millions to speak up, spread awareness, and urge governments to make impactful changes.
3. Voting Rights Campaigns on TikTok
With hashtags like #Vote2020, Gen Z used TikTok to share voting guides, explain why voting matters, and encourage young people to make their voices heard. Creators posted funny, relatable videos that broke down complicated topics like mail-in voting and voter registration, increasing turnout among young voters. Their grassroots approach made voting cool and accessible to a new generation.
4. TikTok’s “Alt TikTok” and the #POV Trend
Alt TikTok, a side of the app filled with bizarre, surreal humor, became a huge cultural phenomenon thanks to Gen Z’s love of irony and weirdness. The #POV (point of view) trend also went viral, with users putting creative twists on scenarios ranging from the hilarious to the haunting. Gen Z’s humor and imagination redefined what social media content could look like.
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5. Turning “OK Boomer” into a Cultural Movement
“OK Boomer” became a rallying cry for Gen Z’s frustration with older generations who they feel ignore pressing issues like climate change and economic inequality. The phrase went viral as a lighthearted yet pointed response to outdated perspectives, sparking debate and inspiring countless memes. It became a cultural shorthand for intergenerational tension and Gen Z’s desire for progress.
6. Using Instagram to Expose Fast Fashion
Gen Z influencers and advocates started calling out fast fashion brands on Instagram for their unethical practices, from labor issues to environmental harm. The “#BoycottFastFashion” hashtag encouraged people to shop sustainably, and thrift haul videos became popular as young people turned to secondhand shopping. Gen Z is changing the fashion industry by demanding transparency and ethics from brands.
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7. The Gamestop Stock Saga
In early 2021, Gen Z Reddit users on the subreddit r/WallStreetBets made headlines by driving up the price of Gamestop stock. This “meme stock” movement disrupted traditional finance, shaking up Wall Street and sparking debate on wealth inequality. By turning stock trading into a viral moment, they showcased the internet’s power to democratize finance—if only for a moment.
8. K-Pop Fans Drowning Out Hate Speech
K-pop stans (fans) have become an online force, using their numbers to fight for social justice. They famously drowned out racist and hate-filled hashtags on Twitter by flooding them with K-pop fan videos, effectively taking over the conversation. It was a digital demonstration of unity, showing how fandoms could be mobilized for good.
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9. Taking Over Donald Trump’s Tulsa Rally on TikTok
Gen Z TikTok users and K-pop fans pulled off a legendary prank by reserving tickets to Donald Trump’s Tulsa rally in 2020, only to not show up. The result? A mostly empty arena. This online mobilization was a creative protest that used the power of social media to make a statement about political activism and youth engagement.
10. Mental Health Awareness on Instagram and TikTok
Gen Z has been vocal about mental health in ways previous generations were not, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to talk about anxiety, depression, and self-care. By sharing personal stories and promoting mental health resources, they’ve destigmatized these topics. Hashtags like #MentalHealthMatters created safe spaces for discussion and encouraged seeking help without shame.
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11. Raising Awareness for Missing Indigenous Women
Gen Z advocates on TikTok and Instagram have helped bring attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in North America. Through hashtags like #MMIW and #NoMoreStolenSisters, they’ve raised awareness of this crisis, urging authorities and communities to take action. It’s a vital cause that Gen Z has helped bring into the mainstream.
12. #FreeBritney Movement
The #FreeBritney movement, started by fans of Britney Spears, saw a resurgence thanks to Gen Z, who raised awareness about her conservatorship issues on social media. The movement went viral, resulting in mainstream media coverage and renewed calls for justice. Gen Z’s advocacy helped shed light on issues surrounding mental health, celebrity control, and personal autonomy.
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13. Satirical “How to DIY” Political Campaigns on TikTok
Ahead of the 2020 election, TikTok was full of satirical videos from Gen Z creators humorously explaining “how to campaign for [insert absurd political figure here].” These parody videos used humor to comment on current events and offered a new way to engage with politics. Gen Z’s approach to political satire shows how humor can be a tool for social commentary.
14. The Virtual Graduation on Minecraft
When COVID-19 caused graduation cancellations, Gen Z created their own ceremonies on Minecraft. Thousands of students built virtual graduation stages, donned avatars in caps and gowns, and celebrated with friends in a digital world. It was a unique way to adapt to the times and celebrate a rite of passage.
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15. Gen Z vs. Millennials: The “Skinny Jeans & Side Parts” Debate
When Gen Z declared war on millennial fashion staples like skinny jeans and side parts, the internet exploded. TikTok became a battleground of style preferences, with Gen Z claiming mom jeans and middle parts as their aesthetic. The playful feud became a massive online trend, sparking conversations about generational identity and style.
16. Petitions and Fundraisers on Change.org
Gen Z has used Change.org to make an impact on various social and political issues, from supporting victims of police brutality to environmental causes. Their engagement with online petitions, fundraisers, and social justice initiatives demonstrates their commitment to activism, making a real-world impact with online tools.
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17. #SayHerName Campaign for Breonna Taylor
In the aftermath of Breonna Taylor’s death, Gen Z took to social media with the #SayHerName campaign to honor her memory and demand justice. TikTok and Instagram became hubs for sharing information, petitions, and resources, helping to keep her story alive. This movement highlights Gen Z’s dedication to amplifying stories that deserve attention.
18. The Great Meme Wars of Reddit and TikTok
Gen Z has elevated memes to an art form, using humor to spread messages and influence culture. Whether it’s participating in meme wars on Reddit or making viral trends on TikTok, they use humor to express opinions, build community, and even protest. Memes have become a defining tool of Gen Z’s cultural commentary.
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