Let’s be honest: if you haven’t used the word “vibe” in the last month, you’re missing out on a massive cultural shift—especially among Gen Z. The phrase “I’m vibin’” or “This has a good vibe” has moved from casual slang into everyday business and marketing lingo. It’s become shorthand for that intangible “feel” of a moment, experience, or relationship . In fact, it’s so ingrained now that we even have a new economic term—“vibecession” —coined by Kyla Scanlon to describe how market sentiment and societal mood can impact the broader economy, regardless of what the real numbers say.
Image credit: @BloombergOpinion on TikTok
But the concept of “vibe” doesn’t stop at slang or social media. It’s creeping into product design, UX strategy , and even artificial intelligence. Suddenly, everything from the social platforms we use to the trading platforms we trust are infused with a “vibe.” Let’s break down what that means for investors, for innovators in tech, and for all of us who love a good feeling—whether it’s in an app, on the trading floor, or in an AI chatbot .
Gen Z’s Vibe: More Than Just A Word
What does vibe mean across generations? Although Gen Z is often credited with bringing “vibin’” back into mainstream culture, the concept of vibe resonates with all age groups. For Gen Z specifically, vibe is more than just a passing slang term—it’s about authenticity and emotional resonance. This generation, born roughly between the mid-90s and early 2010s, grew up connected to each other and to brands through digital platforms. They can sniff out inauthenticity a mile away. So when Gen Z talks about vibe, they’re talking about the real emotional cues that make them say, “I like this,” or “I trust this,” or “I want more of this.”
Image credit: Urban Dictionary
Take a quick look at Urban Dictionary’s definition of “vibin'” and you’ll see it generally means “feeling good, going with the flow, enjoying the moment.” While Gen Z’s usage has brought fresh attention to the term, vibin’ can be applied across generations. At its core, vibin’ is about alignment with personal values, brand personality , and a communal sense of belonging. It’s a quick gut check that shapes how people—from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha—invest, communicate, and consume content.
Vibecession: Investing In Feelings
What is a vibecession? According to Kyla Scanlon, a vibecession can be described as a “recession in vibes,” where economic data might say one thing, but public sentiment says another. It might be a tongue-in-cheek term, but it captures a very real dynamic in today’s markets—the power of perception. People’s feelings can sway buying decisions, market movements, and even the tone of mainstream news.
Here’s a quick clip where Kyla elaborates on the concept:
VIDEO
What Does It Mean For Investing?
Market sentiment matters: In the digital age, tweets, memes, and viral videos can shift sentiment quickly. If everyone’s “feeling” negative—even if the fundamentals are strong—confidence can drop, and the markets can head south.Communications shift: Brokerage firms, fintech apps, and investment platforms need to consider how they talk to their users. Beyond simple charts and graphs, they need to offer a reassuring, relatable vibe.Building products for the new era: If the mood of the market can be swayed by how comfortable or connected investors feel, then investing tools should emphasize community-building, transparent storytelling , and (dare I say) a touch of fun. After all, it’s a lot easier to hold onto a volatile asset when you “vibe” with the platform that’s guiding your decisions.
So What’s The Vibe?
In a world that’s increasingly connected and more “emotional” than ever, vibe is the new competitive advantage. From how we talk about money (vibecession) to how we interface with technology (ChatGPT 4.5’s “personality”), we’re realizing that feelings matter just as much as facts.
It’s an exciting time to be in marketing, UX, and product development in the financial industry. The rules of engagement are shifting in favor of experiences that resonate on a more human level. So go forth and create solutions that don’t just work, but also feel good. Your audience—and yes, even your bottom line—will thank you for it.
Have more questions about creating a product or investment platform with the right vibe? Contact us
This post was originally published on LinkedIn.
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About the Author: Shane Stiles
Shane Stiles is President of Gate 39, a financial services marketing firm providing online marketing and application development for financial services across futures, equities, alternative investments and insurance.
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