As the summer of 2025 kicks off under the lingering cloud of economic uncertainty, young Americans are approaching the season with a mix of muted rebellion, emotional ambiguity and a focus on living in the moment, according to new research
from CivicScience.
Last year’s so-called “Brat Summer” -- a cultural wave driven by 18-to-24-year-olds embracing unapologetic self-interest and carefree defiance inspired by pop singer Charli XCX -- has given way to a more tempered mood. This time around, the same age group appears caught somewhere between optimism and anxiety, leaning toward indulgence, spontaneity and self-care as coping mechanisms.