Every generation leaves a footprint some defining moment, movement, or innovation that becomes its legacy. The Baby Boomers had the civil rights movement and the moon landing. Generation X brought grunge, punk rebellion, and early tech innovation. Millennials introduced the world to the power of the internet and social media. But when it comes to Gen Z and late Millennials, a provocative question keeps surfacing online and in social conversations: Will our generation be remembered for anything apart from vibes?
This question may sound like a joke something said over TikTok, in memes, or group chats but it reflects a deeper concern about identity, legacy, and impact. Are we doing enough to be remembered as a generation that changed something, or are we floating through history, powered by aesthetic, pop culture trends, and viral content?
The Rise of the “Vibe” Culture
It’s no secret that the current generation is dominated by “vibe culture.” Whether it’s the “soft life,” aesthetic routines, daily outfit reels, or curated Spotify playlists, Gen Z and young Millennials are experts at creating moments that feel good. There’s nothing wrong with that after all, embracing joy, self-care, and emotional balance is a valid form of self-expression. But does all this come at the cost of meaningful change?
With attention spans decreasing and life becoming more digital, we often prioritize how things look or feel over their actual substance. We’re quick to jump on trends and hashtag movements, but slow to follow through with real action. We’re more likely to repost a cause than protest in the streets. We say “that’s not my vibe” as a way to avoid discomfort, conflict, or responsibility. Is this a sign of emotional intelligence or disengagement?
The Good We’re Actually Doing (But Often Overlook)
To assume our generation hasn’t done anything meaningful would be unfair. We are the most aware, connected, and digitally literate generation in history. Climate change activism has found powerful voices in our generation like Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate, and thousands of young activists worldwide who are pushing governments to act. The Black Lives Matter movement, though it started earlier, saw its largest global wave of support from young people in 2020. Social media was flooded not just with posts, but with organizing tools, fundraisers, and education.
We’ve also seen a shift in mental health awareness. Therapy, once taboo, is now being normalized especially among African youth who are breaking cultural silence on trauma, depression, and emotional wellbeing. Our generation is open to talking about feelings, fighting toxic masculinity, challenging gender norms, and accepting diversity in ways that older generations refused to.
Even in the business world, youth entrepreneurship is booming. Side hustles, creative start-ups, and digital careers are redefining how we work and survive in unstable economies. From Kigali to Lagos to Los Angeles, young people are coding apps, creating content, freelancing, and monetizing skills in unconventional ways. This entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by limited job opportunities and the desire for financial independence, is part of our quiet revolution.
The Pressure of Being “Great”
It’s important to ask: why do we feel like we must be remembered for something groundbreaking? Every generation has its share of ordinary people living ordinary lives. Not everyone becomes an MLK, Mandela, or Marie Curie. Sometimes, living through uncertainty with grace and humor is enough.
Our generation is battling issues older generations never faced at this scale climate anxiety, economic instability, job automation, and social media pressure. We’re growing up in a world of constant crisis, from wars to pandemics to identity politics. The fact that we’re still standing, still creating, and still finding joy in the small things is a form of resistance.
The Dark Side of Vibes
Still, there’s a danger if we become too obsessed with vibes only. We risk becoming apathetic, detached, and avoidant. Real change often requires discomfort, confrontation, and deep focus things that vibe culture sometimes tries to escape.
We can’t vibe our way out of climate disasters. We can’t meme our way to political freedom. We can’t aestheticize our mental health issues away. At some point, substance has to meet style. Posting is not the same as protesting. Awareness is not the same as action. Representation is not the same as liberation.
If we want to be remembered for more than curated Instagram feeds and TikTok trends, we need to make sure we’re also showing up offline voting, volunteering, organizing, creating policy, building community, and shaping the future with intention.
What Legacy Do We Want?
The good news is this: we still get to decide what we’ll be remembered for. History isn’t written in one day. It’s written in the everyday choices we make what we support, what we build, what we defend.
Maybe our generation will be remembered as the one that made emotional intelligence mainstream. Maybe we’ll be known for deconstructing toxic systems of capitalism, gender roles, and mental health taboos. Maybe we’ll be remembered as the most creative generation turning memes into movements and humor into healing, or maybe, we’ll be remembered for the vibes but not just any vibes. The vibe of choosing peace over pressure. The vibe of redefining success on our own terms. The vibe of healing generational wounds. The vibe of doing what we can with what we have, even if it’s not loud or glamorous.
In the end, it’s not vibes vs impact. It’s about using both. Let the vibes fuel the creativity, and let the action drive the legacy.
So, will our generation be remembered for anything apart from vibes?
Yes, but only if we choose to make the vibes mean something.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
