How Gen Z Sees Pop Culture: 15 Views from Around the World

We Asked 15 Gen Zers from Different Countries to Describe Gen Z Pop Culture—Here's What They Shared

Gen Z pop culture is straight-up fire, no cap. It’s 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 it’s rocking vintage drip in Stockholm, breaking it down to reggaeton in Madrid, or turning up to Amapiano beats in Johannesburg, we’re 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 country’s pop culture in their own words? You get a seriously diverse, high-energy mix that shows just how global and connected we really are—while 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 YouTube—it’s a constant feed of memes, viral challenges, and influencer trends that shape how we dress, talk, and even think. We’re obsessed with personalities like Harry Styles and Billie Eilish, who represent this vibe of being unapologetically yourself. Activism is also a huge part of it—whether it’s 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, we’re deeply rooted in meme culture—nothing is too serious, and we’ll find a way to turn even the most intense situations into something laughable. It’s all about being ironic, authentic, and socially aware while flexing the latest trends, from streetwear to eco-friendly fashion."
— Madison, 20, New York

2. Japan

"In Japan, pop culture is a mix of futuristic technology and deeply rooted traditions. We’re all about anime, manga, and video games, which dominate the entertainment scene, but they’re more than just hobbies—they’ve shaped how we see the world. The kawaii (cute) aesthetic is everywhere, whether it’s 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. There’s 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 too—everyone’s plugged into social media, whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, or our own local apps, and we’re 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."
— Haruto, 21, Tokyo

3. Spain

"Spain’s pop culture is all about combining our fiery passion for life with the global influences that come from being so connected online. Music is huge—reggaeton is the heartbeat of our generation, with artists like Rosalía and Bad Bunny being practically worshipped. But it’s 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 everything’s always colorful and bold. There’s this real sense of being unapologetic—whether it’s through fashion or activism, Gen Z here isn’t afraid to speak their mind. Social movements, especially feminist and LGBTQ+ causes, are super important, and you’ll see us organizing protests or using Instagram to spread awareness. It’s this perfect mix of being deeply rooted in our Spanish culture while being super in tune with what’s happening globally. We take pride in standing out and making noise in everything we do."
— 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. We’re really into indie music, with artists like Tame Impala and The Kid LAROI representing this sense of cool without trying too hard. There’s a huge focus on sustainability here, so you’ll 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 connected—TikTok is where we find new music, new fashion, and, of course, new memes. But it’s not just about trends; there’s a growing consciousness about being more socially aware, whether that’s through climate activism or pushing for Indigenous rights. We’ve got this ‘no worries’ attitude, but we’re also very much in tune with what’s going on in the world, and we’re all about creating positive change while staying true to our easygoing, Aussie spirit."
— 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 it’s 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 it’s not just about looks—sustainability is key. You’ll find us buying second-hand, supporting eco-conscious brands, or advocating for environmental issues, because we genuinely care about the planet. Music is also huge—Swedish artists like Zara Larsson and Swedish House Mafia are global names, but we’re just as obsessed with international acts. And when it comes to activism, we’re 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. It’s about looking good and doing good at the same time."
— Linnéa, 20, Stockholm

6. Egypt

"Gen Z pop culture in Egypt is this exciting mix of old and new, where we’re constantly pushing against the boundaries of tradition. Music, especially Egyptian rap and trap, is a major part of our identity—it’s raw, it’s 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 there’s this balance between being trendy and respecting cultural norms. You’ll see people blending Western street style with traditional Egyptian elements, and that’s 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; we’re using it to redefine what it means to be young and Egyptian in the 21st century, while staying rooted in our deep cultural heritage."
— Noor, 21, Cairo

7. Albania

"Pop culture in Albania is this cool mix of local pride and global trends. We’ve got a strong sense of national identity, so even though we’re 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 life—local hip-hop and folk-inspired pop are really popular, but we’re also into international artists like Drake and Dua Lipa (who’s part Albanian herself, so that’s a big deal). Fashion is bold and edgy, with a mix of European streetwear and traditional influences. We’re 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 we’re talking about human rights or environmental issues, we use our platforms to make sure our voices are heard. It’s this fusion of past and present that really defines Gen Z pop culture here."
— Arben, 20, Tirana

8. Singapore

"In Singapore, pop culture is a total blend of East meets West. K-pop is massive—BTS, Blackpink, and EXO are practically gods here—but we’re also super influenced by Western music and movies. At the same time, we hold onto our own traditions, so you’ll see people mixing modern streetwear with traditional elements during festivals or special occasions. We’re 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 practical—there’s 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. We’re still a pretty conservative society, but Gen Z is definitely pushing for more openness and freedom of expression. It’s a cool mix of being forward-thinking while staying connected to our roots."
— Jia Ling, 19, Singapore

9. Hong Kong

"Pop culture in Hong Kong is like this constant balancing act between tradition and modernity. We’re huge on fashion—especially streetwear—and it’s 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 live—Instagram, Facebook, and WeChat are essential for staying connected. At the same time, we’re 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. It’s this tension between wanting to be part of the global pop culture scene and fighting for our local identity."
— 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 form—whether it’s 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 eclectic—while we love our local artists like Aya Nakamura and Christine and the Queens, we’re 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 it’s fighting for climate action, women’s rights, or LGBTQ+ equality, we’re constantly organizing protests or using social media to raise awareness. Pop culture here isn’t just about trends—it’s 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."
— Amélie, 22, Paris

11. Italy

"Pop culture in Italy is this seamless blend of elegance and modern street style. We’ve got deep roots in fashion—Milan is a global fashion capital, after all—so looking good is practically second nature. But it’s 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. We’re also obsessed with aesthetics, whether it’s 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 Måneskin representing that fusion of Italian and global influences. And of course, we’re super into social media, where we keep up with trends, but we also use it for activism—Gen Z in Italy is vocal about everything from climate change to mental health. It’s a culture that’s stylish, passionate, and deeply expressive."
— Marco, 21, Milan

12. Canada

"In Canada, Gen Z pop culture is a mix of inclusivity, activism, and creativity. We’re really into global trends, whether that’s fashion, music, or social media challenges, but we always bring this Canadian twist to it. For example, sustainability is huge here—thrifting is almost a lifestyle, and you’ll see us rocking vintage clothes or eco-friendly brands. We’re also very focused on social justice, and you’ll 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, too—while we love our Canadian icons like Drake, The Weeknd, and Shawn Mendes, we’re also really into indie and alternative scenes. And even though we’re always in tune with what’s happening in the U.S. and beyond, we’re proud of our unique Canadian identity. It’s a pop culture that’s creative, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the global conversation."
— 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 generation—it’s everywhere, and it’s how we party, how we dance, how we express ourselves. But we’re also into global artists like Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, who influence our local scenes. Fashion here is bold—think bright colors, streetwear, and a mix of international brands with local designers who reflect our unique Brazilian style. We’re all about standing out, whether that’s 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. We’re passionate about everything, from environmental activism to fighting for equality, and we’re not afraid to make some noise about it."
— 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 lives—it’s the soundtrack to everything from beach parties to city nights. But we’re 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 you’ll see a lot of Gen Zers opting for eco-friendly choices. Social media is massive too, and TikTok has taken over—whether it’s for entertainment, fashion inspiration, or activism. We’re very much connected to global pop culture through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but we always keep our Costa Rican pride at the forefront. There’s a real sense of community here, and we’re all about promoting a lifestyle that’s fun, sustainable, and uniquely ‘pura vida.’ It’s a culture that’s laid-back but aware, fun but purposeful."
— Diego, 22, San José

15. South Africa

"Gen Z in South Africa is all about the remix—we’re blending African street culture with global influences in a way that’s totally our own. Music is at the heart of everything we do—Amapiano and Gqom are massive, but we’re 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 isn’t just about looking good—it’s about speaking up. We’re 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 you’ll see us organizing protests or using Instagram and Twitter to spread awareness. We’re all about creating change, whether it’s through art, fashion, or just being loud about the things that matter to us. It’s a culture that’s dynamic, diverse, and unapologetically bold."
— Zola, 21, Johannesburg

From the neon streets of Tokyo to the laid-back beaches of Costa Rica, it’s clear that Gen Z’s pop culture is a fusion of bold individuality and collective energy. Whether it’s through fashion, music, activism, or just vibing online, we’re defining our generation with creativity and courage. Every country has its own flavor, but we’re all connected by the power of social media, the constant hustle for authenticity, and a hunger to stand up for what we believe in. It’s not just about keeping up with the latest trends—it’s about owning them, remixing them, and making them something personal. We’re 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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