5 Things Gen Z Has Cancelled in 2025 — And What’s Replacing Them
5 Things Gen Z Has Cancelled in 2025 — And What’s Replacing Them
Every generation has its breaking point — and in 2025, Gen Z is making it clear what they’re done tolerating. As the first fully digital-native generation steps deeper into their economic power, they’re rewriting the rules of taste, ethics, and influence. And they’re not afraid to call it like they see it.
Here are five things Gen Z has officially cancelled this year — and what they’re choosing instead.
1. Hustle Culture → Soft Success
Cancelled: Bragging about 80-hour weeks, burnout-as-badge-of-honour, and toxic productivity.
Replaced with: Balance, boundaries, and the rise of the “soft life.”
Gen Z has seen enough of burnout and overwork. Instead of idolizing non-stop grinding, they’re embracing a more human approach to success — one that prioritizes mental health, flexibility, and fulfillment over performative busyness. “Bare Minimum Mondays” and “Quiet Quitting” weren’t just trends — they were early warning signs that a major shift was coming.
Stat to know: According to a 2024 Deloitte study, 62% of Gen Z workers say they’ve prioritized mental health over career advancement in the past year.
2. Fast Fashion → Thrifted, Ethical, or AI-Personalized
Cancelled: Hauls from ultra-cheap, mass-produced brands.
Replaced with: Thrift flipping, slow fashion, resale apps — or AI-powered, made-to-order clothes.
Gen Z loves a look, but they care about how it was made. Climate anxiety and ethics matter — even if the solution isn’t always perfect. Platforms like Depop, Vinted, and Poshmark are booming, and more consumers are turning to AI tools to create custom, timeless wardrobes.
Stat to know: ThredUP’s 2025 Resale Report shows Gen Z is 2.5x more likely than Boomers to buy second-hand fashion.
3. Influencer Worship → Real-Life Credibility
Cancelled: Flawless, over-filtered influencers with cookie-cutter brand deals.
Replaced with: Real people, niche creators, and messy-but-authentic content.
Gen Z has major filter fatigue. They can spot a sponsorship from a mile away, and what they really want is relatability. The rise of the “de-influencer” trend — where creators share what not to buy — speaks volumes. Micro-influencers and UGC creators with genuine opinions now carry more trust than mega-stars.
Stat to know: 84% of Gen Z consumers say authenticity matters more than popularity when choosing who to follow (Morning Consult, 2025).
4. Blind Brand Loyalty → Brand Ethics & Transparency
Cancelled: Sticking with a brand just because of tradition or nostalgia.
Replaced with: Supporting businesses that align with their values.
Gen Z expects receipts — not just ads. They research how companies treat employees, source materials, handle social issues, and react under pressure. Brands that don’t walk the talk are quickly called out or abandoned.
Stat to know: In a 2025 IBM survey, 68% of Gen Z shoppers say they’ll stop buying from a brand if it’s not transparent about sustainability or social responsibility
5. Owning Everything → Access Over Excess
Cancelled: Clutter, debt, and buying things “just because.”
Replaced with: Renting, borrowing, sharing, and buying with intention.
Minimalism is still in — but now it’s more about conscious consumption than aesthetics. From car-sharing to fashion rentals and even subscription furniture, Gen Z is opting for flexibility and access over ownership. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about avoiding waste and being agile in a fast-changing world.
Stat to know: 57% of Gen Z consumers say they’ve used a rental service in the past year to avoid a one-time purchase (Statista, 2025)
Final Thoughts
Gen Z isn’t just cancelling things for fun — they’re reimagining culture with purpose. For brands, businesses, and even older generations trying to keep up, the message is clear: adapt, listen, and above all, be real.
This generation isn’t buying the old way of doing things. And in 2025, that’s a trend worth paying attention to.
Sumi Saleh, Communications Manager – Consumer Choice Award
