Rachel Janfaza
Coverage of Rachel Janfaza in the Nexus archive.
- Today's teens are a more sober, less social generation
Teens today are drinking less than their parents did, with a significant decline in teen drinking starting from the late 90s. The trend has accelerated, with 41% of 12th graders, 24% of 10th graders, and 11% of 8th graders having drank in the past 12 months in 2025. Researchers attribute this shift to various factors, including social isolation, body optimization culture, and economic pressure.
- Gen Z isn't a monolith — and the data shows it
Gen Z is divided into two sub-generations, Gen Z 1.0 (pre-pandemic) and Gen Z 2.0 (post-pandemic), with distinct political and cultural views. Younger Gen Z 2.0 men are shifting rightward, while overall youth voter preferences remain volatile. Experts highlight generational divides in trust, technology, and political engagement.