Aimee L
I’ll be honest: the internet doesn’t feel like it used to. Not in a bad way, just in a “you need to keep up or risk missing the joke entirely” kind of way. If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok, wandered onto a Discord server, or dipped a toe into decentralised platforms, you’ve probably noticed that Gen Z humour doesn’t just break the rules of comedy, it sets them on fire, dances on the ashes, and then edits the whole thing into a meme format no one over 30 can decipher.
Gen Z humour is fast, ironic, self-aware, and sometimes intentionally nonsensical. Think inside jokes layered within other inside jokes. A punchline doesn’t need to make sense; it just needs to feel funny in the moment. That’s why memes often trend for about a week before being deemed “cringe” and replaced with something stranger. It’s chaotic, but that chaos is the point—it keeps digital culture constantly moving.
From centralised to decentralised
While older generations made Instagram their digital stage, Gen Z has been experimenting with decentralised platforms and niche online communities. Platforms like Discord and decentralised social media apps (Mastodon, Bluesky, and blockchain-based networks) don’t just give people a place to connect; they remove the gatekeepers. In other words, you don’t need to crack Instagram’s algorithm or chase brand partnerships to be “seen.” You just need the right meme at the right time in the right micro-community.
What this means for influencers
Traditional influencer culture, think polished Instagram feeds and carefully curated brand deals, is losing its grip. Gen Z values authenticity, and authenticity now means being unfiltered, self-deprecating, or even chaotic on purpose. Influencers who thrive today are often those who lean into vulnerability, who can laugh at themselves, and who embrace the “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” humour native to Gen Z.
And here’s the kicker: influence itself is becoming decentralised. Instead of a handful of mega-influencers dominating the cultural conversation, we’re seeing smaller creators build loyal followings in very specific niches. It’s less about one-size-fits-all appeal and more about hyper-specific relatability.
My take
Personally, I think this shift is refreshing. Social media is finally starting to feel less like a perfectly staged showroom and more like a messy living room where everyone is in on the joke. Decentralised platforms give people more freedom to engage without chasing likes, and Gen Z humour ensures that influence isn’t about perfection—it’s about personality.
The influencer culture we knew a decade ago isn’t dead, but it’s evolving fast. If the internet has taught me anything, it’s this: the future of influence looks less polished, more participatory, and a whole lot weirder. And honestly, I’m here for it.