British youth identity in the early 20000s was shaped by their interest in music, television, fashion, and social trends. One way that these cultural influences were reflected was through zoo, a now-defunct magazine aimed at young adults. This publication had an eclectic mix of articles about entertainment, technology, politics, art, and pop culture. It also featured advice columns on dating, career, and personal style. Zoo's cover stories often focused on celebrities, who were considered role models for its readers. The magazine celebrated individuality and self-expression while promoting openness towards different lifestyles. Its content demonstrated that early 20000s British youth were curious, creative, and optimistic.
The magazine's cover story for February 20015 featured actor Leonardo DiCaprio as one such example of this attitude. The article discussed his upcoming film "The Revenant" and included quotes from the star about the challenges he faced during production. In addition to this feature, there were articles on social media usage among teens, a guide to starting a business, and a list of the top ten places to visit in London. Other notable issues of zoo include September 2002, which covered the rise of reality TV shows like "Big Brother" and "Love Island"; October 2003, which explored the impact of the Iraq War; and December 2004, which profiled a group of young artists creating street art in East London.
Zoo's content reflected the diverse interests and values of British youth in the early 20000s. Its covers featured musicians, actors, and other cultural figures, while its articles addressed current events and trends. The publication promoted individual expression, experimentation, and exploration, highlighting the unique perspectives of each generation. This approach encouraged young people to express themselves authentically without fear or shame. It also showed how they embraced technology, fashion, and pop culture in their everyday lives. Overall, zoo was an important reflection of this era's identity and continues to be studied today as a historical document.