It’s a well-known fact that gen Z is all about TikTok, Diet Coke breaks, and social justice. Whether we mean to or not, we’re changing the world, one trend at a time. But the real question is, are we gen Zers led by our inner activists, or our relentless TikTok FYPs? Are we embracing veganism because we want to save the world, or are we making fun of Pepsi drinkers because of the algorithm’s influence?

First things first, let’s start with the trendy stuff. Not unlike lower millennials, gen Zers love nothing more than trying out the latest food craze. One day it’s acai bowls, the next it’s charcoal lattes. It’s almost second nature for us to constantly be on the lookout for the next big thing to become obsessed with for a couple of weeks. But is it all just for show?

Well, let’s be real here—some of these trendy foods out there are actually pretty delicious. Who can resist a perfectly crafted avocado toast or a mouth-watering sushi burrito? But do they actually provide us with any nutritional value? That’s up for debate.

Sure, avocado is high in healthy fats and sushi can be a good source of protein. But when you’re dousing your acai bowl with sugary toppings or drowning your charcoal latte in whipped cream, it kind of defeats the purpose. So, while these trendy foods may look good on camera, they may not necessarily be the healthiest option.

But don’t worry, gen Z isn’t all about the latest food craze. We’re also becoming more aware of the importance of eating well. With the rise of veganism, vegetarianism and flexitarianism (which allows for a small amount of meat), it’s clear that our generation is very concerned about the impact our food choices have on the environment and animal welfare.

The popularity charts for it over the previous few years have gradually climbed from left to right, year after year. The Guardian estimates that there are 79 million vegans in the world.

Another significant factor that shapes gen Z’s food choices is convenience. Due to the rising cost of living, inflation, and everyday recessions, learning to be thrifty with your meals has become a critical consideration for gen Zers when deciding what to eat.

Let’s not forget about the importance of mental health. With social media playing such a big role in our lives, it’s also pushed us to realise that what we put into our bodies has a big impact on our mood and overall well-being.

As much as we can recognise this hard truth, we also know that eating ‘well’  well can be pretty expensive. And when you’re a broke gen Zer, sometimes you just need to settle for a Tesco Meal Deal—and I’m not talking about a Tesco Finest* one.

So, to answer the question: Are gen Zers more focused on food trends or healthy eating? The answer is both. We’re definitely fans of trying out the latest food crazes and adopting them as our own, but our inner activists have also led us to take up plant-based diets en masse.

Let’s also not forget the most important thing—food is supposed to be enjoyed and savoured. It’s the thing we devour after a night out with friends, and it’s the comfort that nurses us out of our hangover the next morning.

It’s safe to say that gen Z is having a major impact on the food industry. While some may scoff at our past obsession with pesto eggs and cloud bread, the fact is that we are the most powerful force when it comes to shaping the future food industry.

Society has had an obsession with celebrities’ weight and body image for as long as the limelight has existed. And while this affliction affects every individual in the public space, it’s no question that women have always faced the brunt of the criticism. Previously, speaking out about this issue was deemed “un-ladylike” or “over-dramatic.” Now, however, women in the spotlight are officially calling for this behaviour and discourse to stop.

On 11 April 2023, Ariana Grande took to TikTok with a clear message for those who’d been spending time online discussing her physical appearance. In the video, the Positions singer stated: “I just wanted to address your concerns about my body and talk a little bit about what it means to be a person with a body and to be seen and to be paid such close attention to.”

Grande continued: “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful. I know personally, for me, the body you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body. I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthy but that in fact wasn’t my healthy.”

“I know I shouldn’t have to explain that but I thought that maybe having an openness and some kind of vulnerability here would be—that something good might come from it, I don’t know. But that’s the first thing: healthy can look different,” the artist concluded.

@arianagrande

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♬ original sound - arianagrande

Grande has recently been in the process of filming the feature film adaptation of Wicked, alongside theatre icon Cynthia Erivo. Playing the role of Glinda, fans had been swarming social media with comments about Grande’s appearance and opinions on the singer’s health and well-being.

Ariana Grande is currently too skinny. Anyone saying “all bodies are ok,” especially in an instance like this, is encouraging unhealthy behaviour.

No extreme is ever safe or cute when it comes to weight. https://t.co/cjILQ5vnqH

— Natasha Biase (@natbiase) April 12, 2023

I know Ariana Grande has always been small & skinny but she looks unhealthy skinny rn it’s not normal

— florhunnid (@Florhunnid) April 11, 2023

We’ve all been witness to the ways in which netizens have ripped women apart online. While we’ve become slightly more accepting of the fact that ordinary people experience fluctuations in weight, this acceptance has definitely not extended to the lives of celebrities.

There’s nothing more disappointing than a fanbase who only celebrate an artist when they’re at their thinnest. Lana Del Rey is a powerhouse in the music industry, both as a lyricist and as a performer. However, over the past few years, it seems as though stans are much more interested in her body than they are her songs.

On TikTok, the first result that appears when you type Lana Del Rey into the search box is “Lana Del Rey weight gain.” Once there, your feed is littered with video compilations comparing the singer’s body from a decade ago to present day. What’s worse is users almost always pair a meme-ish or viral audio to the clip, further emboldening the fact that they’re okay with trivialising and poking fun at Del Rey.

The same can be said for artist Selena Gomez who is not only having to bat away ridiculous falsified rumours involving a supposed feud with Justin and Hailey Bieber, but is also having to repeatedly deal with trolls making comments on her physical appearance and the changes her body has gone through.

In February, Gomez also took to the video-sharing platform to rebut the negative comments she’d been receiving. The singer stated: “I tend to hold a lot of water weight and that happens very normally, and then when I’m off it I tend to kind of lose weight. I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what [you’re] going through, [when] nobody knows the real story… You’re beautiful and you’re wonderful.”

It’s incredibly harrowing to contemplate the fact that these women are having to publicly address their bodies and physical appearances, as if they owe it to society to justify anything. Moreover, this conversation becomes that bit more sad when you consider the fact that Gomez has been battling Lupus disease for some time now, a condition that’s seriously impacted her day-to-day life.

Oh, and just for good measure, the trolls also tried (and failed) to take a hit at the queen of body acceptance: Lizzo.

On 10 April, a Twitter user called @CassyWearsHeeels posted a split image of herself in an evening dress and a picture of Lizzo where the singer is undressed. She then captioned the post: “Me or Lizzo?” Presumably, the woman was trying to body shame Lizzo and insinuate that she looks unattractive in the picture.

https://twitter.com/CassyWearsHeels/status/1645485421579894784?s=20

Unfortunately for Cassy, she seriously underestimated the power and allegiance of Lizzo fans on the internet. Almost immediately, users began commenting below the tweet, supporting Lizzo and calling out Cassy for participating in the evidently widespread issue of fatphobia. It seems as though we are seriously taking ten steps backwards.

It’s truly no surprise that these women are facing such vitriol at the moment in regard to their appearances—whether it be them being deemed too skinny or too fat. Heroin chic is in full effect and weight loss drugs have never been more popular. We as a society are chronically obsessed with our appearances, and if this toxic mindset continues, we should all expect to see many more celebrity public statements such as Grande’s this year.