It’s time for another Youth Updates and this time we are looking at photo-dumping, a popstar that generation Z relates to, the anti-trend of football and our word of the month!
DIGITAL WORLD: Photo-dumping
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a photo-dump is where someone drops a bunch of photos all in one post on social media (usually Instagram). They tend to be unedited in style; blurry, grainy and candid. Where professional and slick was once the ‘go to’ style – the opposite seems to be gaining traction. (Although there’s a good chance that editing to make photos look unedited is also going on!)
These ‘dumps’ also give opportunities for young people to post old photos or a mix of photos from different occasions without having to explain why. Photodumps seem to be quite freeing in their appeal, though they do sometimes get used to sneak in a good selfie or be an opportunity for a ‘humblebrag’.
As brands and influencers stick to the ‘polished’ look, and young people seem to be leaning towards lowkey photos, it’s interesting to think about our approach to any social media we aim at this generation too.
POP CULTURE: Olivia Rodrigos’ ‘sour’
Olivia Rodrigo is an 18 year old starlet who first rose to fame on the Disney channel in shows such as Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and, recently, she released her debut album ‘Sour’.
‘Sour’ got a whopping 1 billion streams on its first weekend, 3 of her songs are currently in the UK Top 10 and her song ‘Driver’s License’ has been in the charts for 20 weeks including 9 weeks at number 1. Her album revolves around her break up with an ex co-star and the songs explore the various feelings she has felt throughout it all. She touches on jealousy, wishing him well (but hoping he won’t be happier with someone else), the sadness as she drives by his street and more.
Rodrigo is a bit like a new version of Taylor Swift – emotive break up songs galore! However, it’s clear Rodrigo has mass appeal to Gen Z. She is exceptionally vulnerable and authentic in her songs and gives plenty of relatable material. From lyrics saying ‘I’m not cool and I’m not smart’ to expressing how everyone tells her to enjoy being young but that she’s finding it tough – there’s a lot of content here that teens can find a piece of themselves in.
TRENDS: Euros and the ultimate anti-trend
Euro 2020 is now underway, and it serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of football. In many ways football is the ultimate anti-trend of youth culture. It rarely changes over the years, yet has mass appeal amongst young people. It’s an instant connector in conversation no matter the age as long as you bond over the sport.
As Euro 2021 kicks off, there are TikTok trends allowing young people to express themselves and, as of 5th June 2021, FIFA (a football game for PlayStation and Xbox) is at the top of the video game charts in the UK. Add to this the fact that the youngest player in the Euros is just 17 years old and it’s clear to see football still holds its appeal.
Word of the Month
Salty: To be angry, irritated, bitter or hostile. To become annoyed or jealous about something; especially as a result of being slighted or losing something.
For example, ‘She’s so salty that you’re dating her ex.’
Note: This is particularly interesting as a young person recently pointed out it’s good for us to be aware of youth language when unpacking the Bible (particularly with those who aren’t hugely familiar with the Christian faith). Her particular example was around when the Bible tells us to be salt and light. For a generation where being salty isn’t a good thing – how do we make sure the heart of the Bible is communicated well?
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