Gen Z celebs are proving that authenticity is the way forward

What do Emma Raducanu, Olivia Rodrigo, Coco Gauff and Simone Biles all have in common? Easy: they belong to Generation Z and they’re all using their platforms to speak out on important issues. 

Let’s be real, we’re all obsessed with our phones and social media. Take a walk down the street and I’m sure you’ll find at least half of the people around you are scrolling through social media. Sure, there’s a downside to our social media addiction (TikTok rabbit holes, I’m talking to you here) but as an open forum for discussion, Gen Z are really making the most of it. 

Traditionally, athletes and celebrities have always represented a brand or team, with the expectation to speak to the press at organised conferences. One of the most famous quotes of all time in sports media comes from NFL player Marshawn Lynch’s interview where he revealed “I’m here so I won’t get fined.” In the past, celebs have been made to comment on their performance in whatever industry they’re in, without straying too far away from the topic.

But Gen-Z  celebs are really switching things up and tbh, we couldn’t be happier.

Gen-Z sports, film, and pop stars are all redefining their role and using their platforms to encourage discussion on topics from mental health; to the battle for racial equality. 

Over the last few years, we have seen an increasing number of Gen-Z personalities speaking out and creating a new authentic voice that the industry hasn’t seen before. With Gen-Z now the largest demographic on Earth — a huge 32% of the population in 2020 – and the most digitally savvy, it isn’t surprising that Gen-Z have taken to socials to voice their concerns and make an impact. 

Pressure and media expectations 

“I’m still 19. Like, it’s a joke.” These are the words of British tennis star Emma Raducanu when asked about the pressure she faces in the hard-court season and the defence of her US open title. Shooting into British tennis’ hall of fame when she won the US Open last year, Emma Raducanu faced media scrutiny after her hopes of another Grand Slam win were ended in straight sets by Caroline Garcia on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. 

Gen-Z athletes, in particular, are under a huge amount of media scrutiny. Over the last few years, Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, and Coco Gauff have all found themselves in the headlines after using their platforms in this new authentic way. 

Gen Z-ers like tennis player Coco Gauff have found themselves in the headlines after using their platforms in this new authentic way. 

Bryan Bedder