What is the vibe

If you hear the kid next to you go, 'the tea is scalding', don't start looking for a tissue yet! Our Gen Z series, 'What's the Vibe?', answers the big question: what really makes this generation tick?

From things that 'slay' to those that get labelled a 'red flag', we’re decoding Gen Z life in real time -- fun trends, confusing lingo, and everything in between. No cap, no cringe.

Here, you’ll find stories that untangle the complexities of modern love -- how dating apps, Instagram algorithms and social media filters test digital boundaries and emotional wellbeing. We dive into consumption patterns that challenge conventions, from sustainable spending to meme-driven marketplaces and the rise of conscious minimalism.

Follow along to track how Gen Z connects, disconnects, and rewires social norms in spaces both virtual and physical.

WHAT IS THE VIBE NEWS

Beyond home and work: 'Third spaces' might be the secret antidote to India's loneliness problem

July 21, 2026 4:01 pm

You might wonder if this is just another cafe or bookstore, but a third space stands out and draws value because of its neutrality.

Why Gen Z is pretending to order food they’ll never receive

July 18, 2026 2:00 pm

A South Korean app lets users browse menus, place orders and track deliveries, without any food ever arriving.

How playlists became Gen Z’s ultimate relationship test: 'Low-key personality reports'

June 29, 2026 11:00 am

Music has become the new language of modern romance. For Gen Z, playlists are not just songs; they’re love letters, personality reports, and emotional diaries.

'Goblintimacy' dating trend: Why more people are choosing authenticity over perfection

June 26, 2026 9:37 am

It may help reduce dating fatigue, improve compatibility, and foster more genuine connections.

'Graveyard dating': Gen Z's unusual relationship trend explained

June 17, 2026 6:13 pm

Many Gen Z couples are now going beyond and above café or movie dates to experiment with their relationships.

Doomjobbing: Why professionals are panic-applying for random jobs in the age of AI

June 17, 2026 10:04 am

Many experts describe doomjobbing as the career version of doomscrolling, wherein professionals constantly scroll job portals, apply mindlessly for multiple roles they may not even want.

Burned Haystack: Expert decodes viral dating trend

June 13, 2026 6:15 pm

Tired of ghosting, situationships, and mixed signals? The viral burned haystack dating trend encourages people to quickly filter out incompatible matches.

Why Sonakshi Sinha thinks replying with 'k' to a text should be 'illegal'

June 07, 2026 6:05 pm

The conversation then moved to a report suggesting that many Gen Z users perceive full stops and thumbs-up emojis as passive-aggressive in text messages.

'They're just more honest': Imtiaz Ali defends Gen Z's approach to love and romance

June 06, 2026 6:09 pm

Imtiaz Ali stressed that the younger generation initially focuses on external qualities before gradually realising that love comes from within rather than from the person they idealise.

Why more Indians are falling in love with vinyl records and gramophones all over again

June 05, 2026 10:26 am

From Khan Market to Kolkata, an expanding community of collectors is transitioning from invisible digital playlists to tangible music ownership.

WHAT IS THE VIBE PHOTOS

Meet Nelio Biedermann, the breakout Gen Z author

May 26, 2026 10:10 am

Nelio Biedermann is a trending Gen Z author whose book, Lázár, has become an international bestseller. Here's everything you need to know about him and his work.

Fresh Gen Z dating terms you need to know

May 19, 2026 10:17 am

Master these fresh Gen Z dating terms before your next date

New Gen Z slang you need to know

April 27, 2026 10:24 am

Gen Z slang is unique because it is driven by TikTok algorithms and gaming culture.

What is the 'soft masculinity' aesthetic, and why is it suddenly everywhere?

March 27, 2026 11:56 am

The 'soft masculinity' aesthetic is a visual manifestation of gender fluidity, allowing men to experiment with traditionally 'feminine' elements like pastels, lace, and emotional vulnerability.

The definitive list of books by India’s Gen Z authors you must read

January 19, 2026 3:14 pm

These books offer fresh perspectives from India's Gen Z authors. Let's look at them,

Gen Z Lingo: Top words you might want to know about

November 25, 2025 10:44 am

Here's a list of top six words from the gen z lingo, you absolutely need to know right now.

Fridge Cigarette: Know more about this Gen Z stress ritual

August 29, 2025 10:35 am

Get to know more about what fridge cigarette is and if it is good for your health.

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