The 2016 presidential election is unlike any we've seen. While most teenagers may not be able to vote, many are paying attention, playing a part and participating in the political process. Given the impact the government can have on young people's lives, this makes sense. And, given the fact that political opinions are shaped in youth, gauging teens' thinking today can help shed light on their future activities.

In just two and half years, the first contingent of Generation Z - people born from the mid-'90s to early 2000s - will graduate college. They'll have independence, careers, and, soon, disposable income. While Gen Y was the most researched generation in history, businesses that want to capture the hearts, minds and market share of Gen Z shoppers have some catching up to do.

There is a significant shift taking place in how and when young people identify as adults. Whereas Millennials ushered in an era of extended adolescence and held onto their youthful ways, Gen Z is growing into adulthood much earlier.

Three breakout successes rocked the media industry at the end of 2015. At the box office, Star Wars: The Force Awakens shattered opening weekend records, and is well on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film of all-time. In music, Adele's 25 sold seven million copies in the U.S. in its first five weeks alone. On TV, NBC had some much-needed validation of its holiday event strategy with its third annual live musical, The Wiz Live, followed a week later by the TV movie Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors. The Wiz scored 11.5 million viewers and a 3.4 rating …

Gen Zs (individuals ages 4 - 18) are the largest cohort the U.S. has seen since the Baby Boomers and also the most ethnically diverse. Among both generations, Hispanic, African-American, Asian and mixed-race populations make up 40% and almost 50% of Millennials and Gen Z, respectively.