Conventionally, content creators turned influencers exist on entirely different levels than celebrities. While online influencers traditionally gain a following through their expertise on a particular niche earning their reputations by targeting a narrower demographic, celebrities often find fame appealing to a vast audience.

However, in the eyes of Gen Z, online influencers have just as much impact on the larger culture than traditional celebrities, such as actors and singers. In fact, 83% of survey participants shared this sentiment. This data signals that Gen Z-ers legitimizes online influencers by eroding the division between them and conventional celebrities.

Micro-influencers, in particular, also got a shout-out. According to the study, one in four Gen Z-ers believes that micro-influencers with highly-engaged fanbases are the most impactful in creating original trends. 

Originality and innovation are essential in every area, and Gen Z-ers are interested in how social media is changing people's shopping experiences. The Trend Report indicates that 27% of participants plan on shopping through social media sites by utilizing in-app features. Additionally, about 23% of Gen Z-ers plan on using second-hand websites to enjoy a virtual thrift shop experience.

As new shopping experiences come into style, so does the trend of maximalist fashion. Roughly half of the participants wanted to experiment with bolder fashion trends this upcoming year, such as goth-inspired looks. Precisely, aesthetics like Goblincore and Dark Academia are predicted to come into style. 

In contrast to the rise of maximalist fashion, Instagram predicts minimalistic beauty trends will take over 2022. Additionally, "clean" beauty products that are vegan or have less environmentally harmful impacts are piquing many Gen Z-ers' interests. One in three participants said they were interested in exploring "clean" skincare and makeup products.

If there's one thing Gen Z is known for, it's their shared passion for challenging the status quo–and this is being highlighted in their views on education. 

Over two-thirds of survey participants expressed that they're beginning to question the value of a traditional college education. Similarly, a whopping 90% of Gen Z-ers say the best education comes from experience instead of a classroom.

Gen Z-ers are also challenging ideas regarding their relationship with prospective careers. Seventy-one percent of participants said they would "rather have a meaningful job even if it means [they] make less money," essentially putting their happiness over their paycheck. Research also indicates this view may have something to do with the pandemic, as 63% of Gen Z-ers said COVID-19 caused them to "reassess" their career-based pursuits.

Another side-effect of the pandemic may be Gen Z's obsession with trying new recipes. Over 25% of study participants experimented with new culinary creations through food-focused creators.

On top of this, nearly one in five Gen Z-ers are also interested in learning about at-home mixology, and this trend is expected to grow strong throughout 2022.

Advances in technology have allowed music experiences to expand to a new level–and this mainly came in handy during the pandemic with innovations like Verzuz battles and other virtual concerts. In 2022, the increased interest in audiovisual content will lead to more albums containing visual components.

While this is by no means a new feature, the increased interest in audiovisual media is anticipated to take off next year. One in four Gen Z-ers said they plan on live-streaming concerts and visual albums through social media in 2022.

One significant benefit that social media provides is disseminating information quickly and efficiently.

Of the survey participants, 52% follow at least one social justice account. Additionally, 28% say they plan on following even more in 2022, showing how these advocates are revolutionizing social media for good.