: 2023 marked the year AI-generated content went mainstream, with viral "ghostwriter" tracks and AI covers of pop stars like Drake and Ariana Grande challenging traditional copyright and "talent" norms.
: In cinema, the simultaneous release of Barbie and Oppenheimer revitalized the theatrical experience for Gen Z, proving that bold, meme-able cultural moments still drive significant engagement. Strategic Takeaways for Creators
: Brands are moving away from product-centric marketing to "dare entertainment" experiences. Examples include Krash Cosmetics launching interactive campaigns that prioritize the "experience" of the user over the item itself. Popular Media Landmarks for the 2023 Cohort
To reach the 2023 "Ersties" demographic, content must be . Freshmen are increasingly wary of "glossy" corporate media, preferring "Brutalist" web designs and "retro" authenticity that feels less polished and more human.
: Rather than following top-down institutional advice, 2023 freshmen rely on User-Generated Content (UGC) . Short-form vlogs on TikTok and Instagram Reels have replaced traditional orientation guides, offering "snackable" and highly relatable peer perspectives.
: Major hits like The Last of Us and Succession on Max set the standard for cinematic storytelling, while Amazon's The Lord of the Rings series targeted the younger generation's appetite for epic fantasy.
: Platforms like Ersties have pioneered a "connection-first" approach to adult and lifestyle entertainment, emphasizing performer autonomy and consent as primary viewer demands.
Social Media Trends for Back to School 2023 | by Good Rebels
For the 2023 freshman class, media consumption is no longer a passive activity but a social "hello". Key trends defining this year include: