Remember when the stock market felt like something your parents, or worse, your economics teacher, talked about? Fast-forward to 2025, and Gen Z isn’t just listening in on investing conversations, they’re leading them. This is where FOMO meets finance: fueled by TikTok tips, Discord chats, and a powerful fear of missing out, this generation is reshaping what financial participation looks like.
So, what’s driving this wave? Let’s unpack it.
The TikTokification of Finance
Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are serving up bite-sized lessons on ETFs, options trading, and crypto, where FOMO meets finance. Influencers like Tori Dunlap and Humphrey Yang have made investing relatable, sometimes even entertaining.
From HODL to YOLO the Psychology Behind the Surge
FOMO isn’t just an internet meme, it’s a mindset. And Gen Z, raised on viral trends and rapid growth stories, are applying that same urgency to their portfolios.
Apps like Robinhood and Public makes investing feel as easy as swiping on a dating app. Add in zero-commission trades and sleek UX, and suddenly, buying stocks feels more like a dopamine hit than a financial decision.
The Democratisation of Market Access
Gen Z doesn’t wait for permission. The barriers to entry that once guarded Wall Street are crumbling. Fractional shares, crypto wallets, and micro-investing apps like Acorns and Stash is opening doors for people who once thought they needed thousands just to get started.
In 2024 alone, 53% of Gen Z adults in the U.S. reported owning at least one form of investment up from 34% just two years prior, according to a report by Pew Research.
Community Driven Investing from Memes to Movements
What starts as a Reddit post can end up shaking markets. Just ask GameStop. While some of that frenzy has settled, the collaborative, almost tribal nature of Gen Z investing remains.
Platforms like WallStreetBets or newer niche finance Discord servers let users share DD (due diligence), memes, and market gossip in real-time.
In many ways, investing has become social currency, where FOMO meets finance, and nobody wants to be the one who ‘missed the next Tesla.
The Rise of Values-Driven Investing
It’s not just about making money; Gen Z wants to invest in companies that align with their values. Climate tech, ethical supply chains, and DEI-focused startups are getting more attention than ever. Tools like Ethic and OpenInvest help align portfolios with personal beliefs.
So yes, the memes are real, but so is the mission.
What This Means for the Future of Finance
Institutions are taking notes. We’re seeing a push toward transparent financial products, mobile-first platforms, and even AI-driven insights tailored for Gen Z behaviour. In this era where FOMO meets finance, fintech companies that can blend education, entertainment, and ethics are poised to win big.
The challenge? Ensuring that these new investors are making sustainable choices, not just hype-driven bets. Because while FOMO may get you in the door, it won’t always pay the rent.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z is not your average investor. They’re bold, connected, and unafraid to challenge old rules. But they’re also learning in public, where FOMO meets finance, a mix that comes with both potential and pitfalls.
In 2025, FOMO isn’t just a feeling. It’s a financial force which is changing the game.