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Nike is acknowledging Gen Z anxieties with a new campaign asking, “Why Do It?”

Sep 08 2025

Nike is acknowledging Gen Z anxieties with a new campaign asking, “Why Do It?” While certainly not replacing the classic “Just Do It” slogan, the new twist is speaking to young people’s fears of looking lame or being judged if they do something bold. Narrated by Tyler, The Creator and as always, showing major athletes, the spot asks, “With so much room to fail. Why risk it?” But the brand wants to emphasize that regardless of cringe culture, authentically trying their best isn’t something to be embarrassed of. The ad also shows moments of choosing to try, rather than the moment of a win. YPulse just recently dove into Gen Z’s fear of looking cringe in our Cringe report, and brands encouraging confidence is one way to make a positive spin on this trend toward fear of looking bad. (Fast Company, ADWEEK)

👀 Read more from YPulse: Gen Z’s 10 Biggest Sources of Anxiety, In Their Own Words

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