It’s our future, but what will it look like? Gen Z on politics, tech, house prices, and more …

1. Families will be smaller
“People my age are unsure if they want kids, why would we want to bring someone into the world if they can’t thrive?” – Vicki Jones, illustrator, 21, Birmingham

“People are more likely to live away from their families when it’s so easy to connect online.” – Anna Marshall, writer, 21, Lancashire

2. Our community will be strengthened
“During lockdown I’ve been ‘facewineing’ with my friends. I’m looking forward to being in a room with other people. Get me to a bar!” – Milli Ahern, photographer, 23, south London

“Our generation is largely empathetic; the internet has allowed us to find spaces where our ideas are mirrored.” – Kiera Moran, writer, 24, Merthyr Tydfil

3. Diverse representation will be a normal part of the media
“We especially care about people who older generations didn’t focus on.” – Ayat Mohamed, writer, 18, south-west London

“My schooldays were full of minorities being picked apart, for race but also for different features like curly hair, so I think we’ve come a long way in championing diversity.” – Vicki

“We care about inclusion and global affairs, and being proactive about using our voices to make a difference.” – Milli

4. Sustainability will be easier, systematic change is possible
“We’re an eco-conscious generation that is tired of the current world.” – Ayat

“We have to make sure that we don’t go back to flying all the time.” – Fanny Beckman, photographer, 24, London, via Malmo, Sweden

5. Coronavirus will make us live more mindfully
“In a year’s time, I hope I remember this feeling, but we all forget so quickly.” – Fanny

“I need to stop being so lazy and start living while I have the opportunity to.” – Milli

“Everything about the coronavirus pandemic is really scary. It hurts to think about it a lot.” – Vicki

6. Mental health will be prioritised as much as physical health
“We’re the generation who grew up in the early 2000s, watching people cry on TV for being unfit or ugly, and we reject that.” – Anna

“It’s easier to write down our feelings and share them than ever before.” – Fanny

7. Politics has to be more personal
“I see hope and worry in our generation. We don’t have much of a clue and don’t really have much faith.” – Chris Martin, illustrator, 22, Lake District

“We want a direct connection to leaders and issues.” – Anna

“Now that essential workers have been defined, we’re seeing more of an appreciation for people who work in these roles, and we want the government to look after them.” – Sam Carrick, writer, 18, Gosport

Related: Four young artists reveal how they express their unique voice – in pictures

8. Technology will be used for creative solutions
“There’s a misconception of young people as being attached to our phones, but when you consider what we invent with those phones, it’s clear we’ve got drive.” – Kiera

“Working from home will be more socially accepted.” – Chris

“There are some things you can’t do digitally; coronavirus is making us work out what those things are.” – Fanny

9. There will be more ethical businesses
“I really hope this changes the behaviour of big companies. Transparency is really important.” – Chris

“House prices will be more affordable, and there will be more entrepreneurs, as people take risks they feared before.” – Kiera

10. Our hobbies will be more mindful and less virtual
“There’s been a big rejection of forced productivity, and a sense of just embracing the moment. Lots of people have reconnected with drawing, knitting, and jigsaws.” – Anna

“I just really want to stand in a crowd and experience live music.” – Sam