Latest news with #GenZ
The Citizen
33 minutes ago
- Business
- The Citizen
How SA's youth make and (should) spend their money
While some consider Gen Z a lazy bunch who want everything for nothing, the truth is quite different according to a survey. South Africa's youth are grappling with deepening financial challenges, including crushing unemployment, limited asset ownership and mounting debt levels, making older people wonder how they make and spend their money. Eighty20, a consumer analytics and research company, analysed people younger than 24, who make up 44.5% of the population. With nearly 30 million people under the age of 24, South Africa's economic future hinges on whether this generation can break the cycle of financial exclusion that currently defines their prospects. The research reveals that of the 6.7 million young people between the ages of 18 and 24, only a million are credit-active. However, among these credit users, nearly half have already defaulted on their loans. With an average monthly income of R3 400 (less than half the national average of R7 000) and a youth unemployment rate of 62.4% according to Statistics SA, financial strain is widespread in this age group, Andrew Fulton, director at Eighty20, says. ALSO READ: SA youth not unemployed, rather under-employed SA's youth mainly use retail credit Among the million credit-active youth, retail credit dominates, with 85% of the respondents holding store accounts. Personal unsecured loans follow at 17%, while 9% have credit cards. In addition, young people represent approximately 4% of South Africa's total outstanding debt, carrying R10 billion in combined obligations. However, Fulton points out that their credit performance is worse than the national average, with R1.1 billion, or 11% of their total debt, currently overdue. This elevated delinquency rate signals particular financial stress within this age segment, Fulton says. MRF's Marketing All Product Survey (MAPS) of 20 000 South Africans shows that the youth are more concerned about privacy when it comes to credit. They prefer that others do not know they are taking a personal loan and would rather take the loan from a financial institution rather than from friends or family. South Africa faces a stark financial inclusion divide among young adults, Fulton says. 'While people under 24 represent approximately 20% of new credit market entrants over the past three months, a few hundred thousand individuals, this figure masks a deeper problem that many young South Africans never enter the formal credit market at all. ALSO READ: The dark picture of youth unemployment in South Africa Exclusion among youth creates two distinct groups Fulton says this exclusion creates two distinct groups: people who successfully access credit can join the formal financial system and participate in the economy, while many others remain locked out, classified as 'thin file' clients due to their lack of credit history. 'Without access to formal credit, these young South Africans are excluded from significant economic opportunities.' A credit score serves as the gateway not only to lending products and favourable terms, but to essential services across multiple sectors. A healthy credit profile enables access to cellphone contracts, rental agreements and can even influence employment opportunities, Fulton says. 'Expanding credit access among young adults represents both individual economic empowerment and broader formal economy development.' However, he says a further challenge lies in how people who do qualify for credit perform: approximately half of young borrowers default early in their credit journey, with most maintaining high-risk credit scores. 'This pattern underscores the urgent need for enhanced financial education and for those in distress to get into debt counselling early.' ALSO READ: Entrepreneurship a solution to youth unemployment – but there are challenges Youth make money with side hustles How do young people make their money to make ends meet? Enter the side hustle economy. Fulton points out that youth unemployment is at crisis levels, with fewer young people in formal employment now than in 2008. Harambee, an NGO focused on youth employment solutions, reports in its quarterly Breaking Barriers analysis that of the one million young people entering South Africa's labour market annually, only 40% find work in the short to medium term, while 30% find intermittent employment but remain mostly unemployed or outside education and training, 20% want to work but never find opportunities and 10% stop seeking work altogether. In addition, for those who are employed, side hustles have become essential to make ends meet. BrandMapp, a survey of South Africans in households earning over R10 000 monthly, shows a notable shift: in 2021, 55% reported having no side activities that create extra income, but this dropped to 49% in their most recent survey. The survey asks for details on these activities and the percentage of people who say they are running small businesses as a side hustle, or taking second jobs in their primary field has grown by 50%. This trend mirrors international patterns, with about 50% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z reporting side hustles. ALSO READ: Minister agrees unemployment statistics should include work in informal sector Kind of side hustles the youth choose The nature of these side hustles varies by demographic. BrandMapp data shows that 'home industry' activities are more common among black married couples, while temporary and shift work in restaurants and bars is more prevalent among white South Africans. Fulton says the intersection of limited formal employment, growing debt burdens and the rise of alternative income sources creates challenges as well as opportunities for South Africa's young people. 'In the face of considerable financial headwinds, many young people are turning to side hustles as a means of creating opportunity in a tough economy, but with the right support structures and a focus on keeping their credit history clean, this generation has the potential to drive long-term, inclusive growth.'
The Wire
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
India's First Emotionally Available AI Is Getting Ready to Listen — Without Judging
Hyderabad (Telangana), June 27, 2025 — In a world brimming with smart devices, What if we built something that's not just intelligent — but kind? That question sparked the birth of WTMF (What's The Matter, Friend?), an upcoming emotionally aware AI companion developed by Hyderabad-based startup Knockverse Private Limited. Scheduled for beta launch in mid-August 2025, WTMF is positioning itself as India's first AI solution designed not for productivity — but for presence. In a time when mental health apps are abundant but often feel clinical, robotic, or disconnected from Indian cultural reality, WTMF is stepping in as a bold and heartfelt alternative. Built with emotional intelligence at its core, the app offers users a space to talk, vent, or simply be heard — especially during those quiet, vulnerable hours of the night when traditional support systems are out of reach. 'It all started as a conversation about loneliness,' says Kruthivarsh Koduru, Co-Founder at Knockverse. 'Everyone is building AI to sound smart. We thought — what if it just made you feel better?' A Homegrown Answer to Global Companions While global players like Replika and have set early benchmarks for AI companionship, WTMF takes a distinctly Indian approach — understanding mixed-language messages, local slang, and emotional nuance with cultural sensitivity. With over 1,500 users on the waitlist, the app is generating buzz for its two signature interaction modes: • 'Vent': a calm, empathetic voice that listens, reassures, and validates your emotions. • 'Rant': a spicier, sassier mode that speaks to users with wit, sarcasm, and playful energy. The result? An emotionally tuned chatbot that doesn't just hear you — it gets you. Building AI with Feeling Behind the scenes, WTMF is built to feel like someone who knows you. It learns how you like to be spoken to — soft and soothing, or full of sass and emojis. You can even shape your own AI friend by setting things like tone, mood, and slang. It's not just smart replies — it's replies that sound like you'd want them to. 'We didn't want to build another dry, robotic chatbot,' says Shreyak Singh, Co-Founder at Knockverse. 'We wanted to create something emotionally available — a voice that actually texts back when you're spiraling at 2:43 AM.' Unlike mental health platforms that aim to diagnose or advise, WTMF provides a judgment-free space where users can speak freely, without fear of stigma or misinterpretation. Designed for Gen Z, Built for Everyone From journaling tools and mood tracking to voice-based conversations and safe-space interactions, WTMF's experience is crafted with emotional safety and digital comfort at its core. The app is tailored especially for Gen Z and young millennials — a group that, studies show, reports higher levels of loneliness, emotional overwhelm, and therapy hesitancy. The team believes emotional technology should feel human, not clinical. 'This isn't a replacement for therapy. It's not a productivity tool. It's a soft corner in your phone — the kind we all need sometimes, more like your AI Bestfriend' adds Shreyak. The Road Ahead WTMF is currently in its final stages of product development, with a public beta expected to go live by August 2025. The startup is also in talks with early investors and impact-driven collaborators to support its growth, with an open call to partners who share the belief that kindness is the future of technology. To explore the project, join the waitlist, or collaborate, visit Press & Partnerships: hello@ (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
The loneliness of remote work: 7 signs Gen Z and millennials are quietly struggling
When remote work became mainstream, it felt like a generational win — especially for Gen Z and Millennials, who had long questioned rigid office culture. Finally, we had the freedom to work from anywhere, wear what we wanted, and reclaim time for ourselves. But several years in, the happy-phase is over. What many young professionals are now experiencing isn't just burnout — it's the slow, quiet ache of disconnection. There are no watercooler chats, no after-work plans, and often, no real sense of community. Remote work has solved many problems, but it has also created new ones — and for Gen Z and Millennials, those problems often go unseen. Here are 7 signs remote work is quietly taking a toll — and what you can actually do to push back. You're communicating constantly, but still feel disconnected Sure, you ping coworkers with memes or drop emojis in Slack threads. But without real, unplanned human interactions — quick coffee breaks, casual brainstorming, or shared side-eyes during meetings — remote communication can feel mechanical, even isolating. Zoom fatigue doesn't help either. When every interaction is scheduled, performative, or boxed into a rectangle, connection starts to feel like a chore. What to do: Start small: DM a teammate just to check in, without a work agenda. Join casual online spaces like hobby channels, meme groups, or book clubs. Opt for voice or walk-and-talk calls to reduce screen fatigue. You're working hard, but feel like no one notices You hit deadlines. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo You're responsive. You're 'on.' But somehow, you feel invisible. In remote settings, visibility isn't automatic. If you're introverted, new, or not physically in the room, it's easy to be overlooked for mentorship, projects, or praise — even if you're delivering results. What to do: Share your wins in team channels to keep your work visible. Ask your manager for feedback and clarify your growth path. Volunteer for cross-functional or public-facing projects. You're never truly off the clock Your bedroom doubles as your office. Emails bleed into dinner. Slack notifications buzz long after dark. 'Work from anywhere' can quickly become 'work all the time.' Without boundaries, rest becomes optional — and guilt about 'not doing enough' becomes constant. What to do: Create hard stops: shut your laptop, switch locations, change clothes. Block time for meals, breaks, and walks — and treat them like meetings. Use structure tools like Pomodoro timers or focus apps to reclaim routine. You feel stuck in your career before it even begins Many Gen Z professionals started their careers remotely — with no real office, onboarding, or mentor presence. That means missing the unspoken stuff: observing how meetings work, learning through casual chats, or being pulled into conversations you didn't know you needed. Without these moments, early-career growth can stall — or feel like a lonely uphill climb. What to do: Ask to shadow teams or join optional calls just to learn. Schedule regular 1:1s with leaders, even for informal chats. Seek out internal mentorship or buddy programs. You're struggling mentally, but no one sees it Remote work lets you hide in plain sight. You can smile on camera, type 'All good!' in chat, and disappear when it gets hard. And because others don't see your body language, mood, or silence, you might suffer for weeks without anyone checking in. The worst part? You may start thinking you should be okay — that flexibility should cancel out everything else. What to do: Normalize emotional check-ins, even with close coworkers. Use therapy apps, journaling tools, or peer support groups. Take personal days — you don't need to justify rest. You feel ungrounded, even if you're free to roam Remote work gives the illusion of freedom — digital nomads, travel, independence. But in reality, many feel emotionally untethered. Without a consistent environment or local network, it's hard to build routine or belonging. Eventually, you start asking: Where do I actually belong? What to do: Stay in one place long enough to form local routines. Anchor your week with habits — co-working days, recurring meetups, favorite cafés. You miss real community The office once gave us built-in friendships, mentors, even roommates. Now? Community isn't handed to you — you have to create it. Across platforms, across time zones, with intention and courage. It's hard work. But without it, remote life can feel emotionally starved. What to do: Host recurring virtual or real life gatherings — game nights, dinner parties, clubs. Join alumni meetups, coworking mixers, or professional Slack communities. Don't wait for invites. Be the person who reaches out. Remote work still offers freedom, flexibility, and autonomy. But it also demands more from us — more self-advocacy, more structure, and more effort to stay connected. If you're feeling lonely, stuck, or unseen, you're not doing it wrong. You're just discovering what remote work doesn't automatically provide: real connection, mentorship, emotional safety, and a sense of place. The question isn't how to be more productive from home — it's how to feel more human while doing it. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
The Hindu
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
From rap career to politics, Zohran Mamdani is shaking up New York city politics
Zohran Mamdani is 33. He met his wife Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-born illustrator, on Hinge, a dating app. While grocery shopping, he listens to an hour-long auto-tuned version 'One Pound Fish' by a Bangladeshi man trying to sell fish in London's Queen's Market. His parents are filmmakers Mira Nair and Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani. He went by 'Mr. Cardamom' when he had a rap career. Mamdani's campaign promises include freezing rent, making public transport free, and subdising grocery stores. He also has a chantable, two-syllable name. 'Zoh-ran' 'Zoh-ran' seems to have a nice ring to it. Facts. So many facts off the top of my head. On June 24, when he won the democratic primary against his opponent Andrew Cuomo Rohan Joshi, an Indian stand-up comic and content creator, suggested in an Instagram reel that we go out to hug our South Bombay friends who were enthusiastically celebrating his victory in the democratic primary — a portion of the New York Mayoral elections. The chronically-online Indian millennial and Gen Z audience suddenly seemed to know far more about Mamdani and voting in New York than facts about their own Members of Parliament. All this, and the guy isn't even mayor yet. What about him has captured the fancy of a young Indian voter base that rarely gets out to vote and cannot name the Member of Legislative Assembly representing their constituency? Is it his A) humble and relatable off-the-rack suit, tie and Casio demeanour B) several hundred Hindi references, appealing to the Indian diaspora C) work with communities including the Blacks, gays and the immigrant population? D) simple good looks and youth or E) ability to use public transport and walk long distances. (You are allowed to choose over one option). Politico says, 'Critics scoffed at the 33-year-old democratic socialist's pie-in-the-sky agenda. And then he trounced everyone.' I'd like to think that Mamdani has struck a chord with young voters globally because he knows how to work social media. His Instagram reels speak to a generation that seeks what he promises: affordable housing, free transport and decent use of taxpayer money. They also want to see their pestilent youth represented in the office. It's why Mamdani's campaign deliberately uses clear fonts and easy chants in colours the Gen Z loves. I now know how much food at a halal cart costs even though I have never set foot in America, let alone eaten at one. While he is now being hailed as Lenin's second coming in liberal circles that are finally coming into their polity, skeptics wonder if his policies will even work in today's age. It's the optimism that works in his favour though. Despite these several opinions, I wonder what I will do with as much information about Mamdani and his campaign. Considering I will never vote there, will I shut this information in the brainrot corner of my head, or will it inform how I envision politics transforming in my own country? Elections in India are not won because of social media but dramatically influenced by it. Only last year, during the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be seen rubbing shoulders with influencers. With only one year to go for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, one can see the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Bharatiya Janata Party's IT wings buzzing. Going by evidence from previous elections, it seems like politicians will only use social media to promote supercuts of their fan edits. It is unlikely that they will harness the tool to not just speak, but also connect and elicit a response from the audience. But 10 months is too soon to tell. For now, I have little choice. I will go to bed thinking of what it must be to eat Mamdani's promised eight dollar chicken on rice at the several halal carts outside Central Park, drinking iced coffee in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, with a byline that someday ends at New York, New York. Level up Zaddy: You might think this is some interesting portmanteau that Gen Z came up with but it really is just what it sounds like, a sexy, charismatic daddy who is usually older. Now you know why Zohran is called Mamzaddy. Are you wondering about the what's happening on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and Discord? Pop it like it's hot, a fortnightly column from The Hindu, catches you up on everything pop culture. All you need to do, is tune in.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
I'm Sorry Millennials, But There's Absolutely Zero Chance You Will Be Able To Pass This Quiz...Plus Four More Quizzes You Might Do Well On
The aim of these quizzes is to distinguish all the millennials out there from Gen Z, Gen X, or cuspers on either end. Nobody's saying any one generation is better than the other, only that there are certain things the millennial mind will remember a bit better. 1.I'm Sorry Millennials, But There's Absolutely Zero Chance You Will Be Able To Pass This Quiz In theory, millennials shouldn't do so great on this quiz unless you were particularly observant and have a great memory. Are you up for the challenge? Take the quiz here. Related: Most People Can't Make It To Letter Q Or Further In This Alphabetical Logo Quiz — Can You? Millennial Women Will Remember What These Specific Products From The '90s And 2000s Are These products were incredibly popular among teenagers in their heyday, so if you're the right age you'll definitely remember them. Take the quiz here. Related: If You Get 12/15 On This Honors Vocab Quiz, Your IQ Has To Be At Least 150 Officially An Elder Millennial Or Young Gen X'er If You've Done Half Of These 48 Things (Unless You Lie And Say You Did) This quiz won't ask you to recognize any more ancient artifacts, but it will ask you to admit if you ever did something as embarrassing as drawing a fingerstache or wearing a fedora. Take the quiz here. Millennials Will Be Able To Correctly Answer These Real Jeopardy! Questions About 1990s Movie Quotes Really, anyone with good taste should recognize these movie lines. But millennials should find these Jeopardy! questions especially easy. Take the quiz here. Millennials, If These 31 Films Aren't On Your Watched List, Are You Really One Of Us? No right or wrong answers here. We just want to know if you're familiar with these cinematic touchstones of millennial culture. Take the quiz here. Also in BuzzFeed: This 30-Question Quiz About Your Life Will Reveal Your Entire Personality Type Also in BuzzFeed: I'm Sorry, But I HIGHLY Doubt Anyone Can Name 16/16 Of These Logos Based On Their Mascots Alone Also in BuzzFeed: 18 Facts That Are So Creepy, I Looked Around In Paranoia After I Read Them
