”I KNOW I’LL BURN OUT IF I KEEP PUTTING ALL MY ENERGY INTO EVERYTHING, SO I HAVE TO PRIORITISE.” – Alma, 16
New research comissioned by Amos Rex reveals how Gen Z is actively shaping their lives to cope with uncertainty, polarisation and brain rot – and what art museums can learn from them.
The research by Amos Rex and Noren on the everyday lives of 16–18-year-olds shows that young people consciously build resilience in response to an increasingly unpredictable world.
The ethnographical research followed five diverse friend groups from the capital region and included interviews, museum and gallery visits, and participation in analysing the findings.
Rather than relying on one linear life path, young people actively create strategies to navigate an uncertain future, such as cultivating useful and empowering skills, attitudes and relationships, while protecting themselves from what drains their energy and confidence.
Four remarkably similar strategies emerged despite differences in backgrounds and resources available.
All names have been changed for anonymity.
1. Actively increasing resources
Young people challenge themselves and build meaningful skills such as concentration, intentionally limiting what they call “brain-rotting” screens in favor of more rewarding offline experiences. Mikko describes staying “locked in” during a concert at Musiikkitalo:
“We had studied it at school, so I had some background knowledge, which is why I was able to concentrate even though I normally can’t.” Mikko, 17
2. Protection from stressful issues
In an era of toxic public debate, young people chose to avoid polarising topics and retreat to smaller, trusted circles. Their social media presence is carefully curated.
“We don’t talk about politics, at least not in a big group, we don’t want to disturb the peace. We stay on a superficial level. With closer friends you can talk about deeper things.” Sean, 18
3. Enabling recovery and renewal
Young people describe feeling stressed and drained. They try to counterbalance both brain rotting and useful activities with moments where they can let loose and just have fun.
“At a previous Amos Rex show I liked that I could lie on my stomach and there was mood lighting … You didn’t have to do anything.” Iisa, 16
4. Self-realisation through creativity
Practicing creativity is an overarching strategy for young people to strengthen resilience and build a connection to their authentic selves. They understand creativity in its broadest sense: everything from painting to choosing clothes to playing football is seen as a form of self-expression.
“Minecraft can also be an art form, you can build anything from scratch … Once we discovered a secret bunker weeks after a friend had built it without anyone knowing about it.” Mikko, 17