A recent surge of nostalgia has swept through Gen Z, typically defined as those aged 12-27, as they reflect on the era of millennials. Derek Deng, 22, from Brooklyn, discussed his newfound appreciation for millennial culture, citing elements like BuzzFeed quizzes and hipsters as delightfully cringe yet wholesome. Many others in Gen Z have expressed similar sentiments, longing for experiences they never had as adults.
Videos celebrating millennial culture have flooded platforms like TikTok, with references to Tumblr, skinny jeans, upbeat music, Barack Obama, and the TV series “Girls.” Pamela Aronson, a sociology professor at University of Michigan-Dearborn, believes this wave of nostalgia may stem from the uncertainties and challenges facing today’s young adults, who are entering adulthood amidst a pandemic and turbulent social and political climates.
Christian Guarin, 22, from Orange County, California, recalls the 2010s as a more hopeful time, marked by the election of the first Black president. Music from that era, including artists like Katy Perry and Walk the Moon, evokes a sense of optimism and nostalgia for Guarin and others.
The resurgence of popular music from the mid-2010s has become a trend online, with parodies and throwback videos capturing the essence of that time. However, despite these moments of nostalgia, Gen Zers are grappling with a decrease in overall happiness, particularly as the pandemic disrupts their transition into adulthood.
The percentage of Gen Z individuals experiencing happiness decreases significantly as they transition into adulthood, according to Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. A large number of Gen Z respondents admit to feeling anxious and depressed, particularly as they grow older. Many young adults express dissatisfaction with the lack of social opportunities, feeling like they are missing out on the typical experiences of their 20s.
The current social and political climate adds to these frustrations, leading to a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. The pressure to constantly engage online exacerbates the challenges of adulting, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat creating a need for curated personal images, unlike the more authentic spaces found on older platforms like Tumblr.
The idealized tech culture of the past contrasts with the current environment, where every aspect of life can be scrutinized and judged online. Some younger individuals find solace in revisiting the TV show “Girls,” associating it with peak millennial culture and identifying with the flawed characters.
The revival of interest in “Girls” coincides with a shift in how Gen Z views millennials, moving away from labeling them as “cringe” and seeing freedom in embracing flaws and imperfections, as expressed by Guarin.
