# Independent Essential Gen Z demands additional education, creating new, teen-friendly resources. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Aug 8, 2017 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/independent-essential ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Independent Essential trend? **Independent Essential:** The desire for more education on essential, yet under-discussed topics such as sexual health or finance is echoed by both members of Generation Z and their parents alike. Educational resources that are explicitly teen-friendly by way of medium or messaging are manifesting as a result. This solidifies the idea that Generation Z is not a complacent youth generation, but one that thinks deeply about their future and potential success. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 23, 2016 to Feb 15, 2018 - Published: Aug 8, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Independent Essential trend ### Youth-centered education Generation Z's desire for additional education on essential yet under-discussed topics and their parents' readiness to support this are manifesting as mediums or messaging that explicitly prioritize the teen audience. ### Gamification of education 'Pennybox' and the Assassins Creed Discovery Mode are examples of how edtech companies are looking at making education more interactive and attention-holding by incorporating gaming mechanisms into their products. ### Interactive learning aids Chatbots like Tinker Bot and the NYC Health & Hospitals campaign are demonstrating how conversational language is being harnessed to help users learn and explore topics more casually, without the need for constant searches. ## What the Independent Essential trend means for industry ### For Education Edtech companies can utilize these trends to create innovative platforms or products to provide education and training to students and professionals of all ages while satisfying their growing need for flexibility, user-friendliness, interactivity, and personalization. ### For Women's health and reproduction Reproductive rights zines like reprorightszine can be developed to educate women about their reproductive rights, encouraging them to exercise control over their bodies and promote gender equality. ### For Travel and tourism Assassins Creed Discovery Mode is a key example of the ways video games, virtual reality, and augmented reality technology can be applied to create unique, safe, and immersive travel experiences that allow people to explore world history and culture in unprecedented ways. ## Workshop question How are you closing the information gap for consumers who are seeking more knowledge? ## Trend signals for Independent Essential Trend score 2.0 out of 10, from popularity 28%, activity 24%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 28% - Activity: 24% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Independent Essential trend 5 featured examples from Jul 23, 2016 to Feb 15, 2018. - [Interactive Learning Chatbots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinker-bot): 'Tinker Bot' Uses Facebook Messenger to Help Users Learn (Category: Tech) Implication: The rise of interactive learning chatbots like 'Tinker Bot' presents opportunities for the education technology industry to develop innovative tools and platforms for digital lear… - [Reproductive Rights Zines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-zine): The Free Zine Initiative Aims to Educate Women About Reproductive Rights (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunities for healthcare brands to leverage zines and accessible education to empower and educate women on their reproductive health. - [Sex Education Emojis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nyc-health-hospitals): NYC Health & Hospitals Campaign Uses Emojis to to Teach About Sex Ed (Category: Social Media) Implication: The healthcare industry can use sex education emojis to improve outreach and engagement with younger patient populations in areas such as sexual health and preventative care measu… - [Educational Video Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assassins-creed-discovery-mode): Assassins Creed Discovery Mode Teaches Players Egyptian History (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for video game developers to create educational video game experiences that blend entertainment with learning. - [Gamified Educational Finance Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teach-kids-money): 'Pennybox' Can Teach Kids Money in a Fun, Social Way (Category: Tech) Implication: The EdTech industry has the opportunity to create more gamified educational apps that assist in teaching financial literacy and money management skills. ## Recent trend clusters - [Constructible Franchises](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/constructible-franchises) (Life-Stages) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Retro Graphic Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nostalgic-graphic-tees) - [Screen-Free Kids Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/screen-free-kids-phones) - [Edible Oil-Based Lubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coco-lube) - [Women's Health-Focused Probiotic Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-health-probiotic-capsules) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)