Gen Z Today: News Roundup for September 1, 2025

New Space Careers on the Horizon PALO ALTO-As entry-level positions on Earth dwindle under the weight of AI automation, tech billionaires are urging Generation Z to look skyward for opportunity. Sam Altman (OpenAI), Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin), and Elon Musk (SpaceX) predict that by 2035, recent graduates could be leaving planet Earth for well-paid roles in space tourism, asteroid mining, and planetary research. A Stanford University study warns AI is disproportionately disrupting jobs for young professionals, but space industries may offer a lucrative escape hatch.

Gen Z Wealth Shift: Stocks Over Homes NEW YORK-A recent JPMorganChase Institute analysis finds that 37 percent of 25-year-olds last year added funds to retail investment accounts-six times the share recorded in 2015. With U.S. home prices up 29 percent over five years, many in Gen Z are deferring homeownership in favor of stock market investing. The trend marks a fundamental shift in wealth accumulation, as young Americans opt for financial assets when housing affordability falters.

AI Shame Grips Young Workers MUMBAI-Despite near-universal AI adoption in professional tasks, 62 percent of Gen Z employees hide their usage and 55 percent feign understanding of AI tools in meetings, a new survey reveals. Known as “AI shame,” the phenomenon stems from high performance expectations coupled with minimal workplace training: only 6.8 percent of entry-level staff received extensive guidance. As a result, 65 percent report AI complicates workflows, while 68 percent feel pressured to produce more.

Streaming Preferences Diverge in India MUMBAI-India’s youngest streamers remain firmly attached to Netflix, which leads in unaided recall and cultural influence among Gen Z. Younger viewers treat it as a lifestyle brand, while older members diversify their subscriptions, balancing Netflix with Prime Video and JioHotstar for affordability and local content. MX Player struggles to gain traction across both cohorts, highlighting the evolving platform preferences within the generation.

Taiwan’s Gen Z Drives Market Growth TAIPEI-A Yahoo Taiwan Finance survey reports over 60 percent of Taiwan’s Gen Z are active investors, with nearly 70 percent willing to take higher risks. Equities and ETFs top their portfolios, as half began investing to supplement income and 44 percent follow parental examples. Digital communities and peer interaction are key influences, signaling that financial brands must offer robust online tools and content to capture young investors’ attention.