Why is Gen Z Obsessed With The 90s? (2024)

FAQs

Why is Gen Z Obsessed With The 90s? ›

But for Gen Z, even though they did not grow up in that era or truly experience it, listening to and loving the '90s has got to do with their search for comfort, and escapism and for a time when life was less stressful and more carefree.

It's fun, basically. Our focus on the nineties can partly be put down to the 30 year theory around nostalgia, which dictates that things start to look interesting rather than just old-fashioned after three decades.

It's access. Growing up with access to search engines and social media made it really easy to not just hear about the past, but to experience it. Streaming platforms gave us access to millions of stories and videos and songs throughout history from an early age.

The Rebellion Against the Digital Age

It's a simpler time when people weren't glued to screens, and a “like” was something you did in person. The allure of the '80s lies in this escapism – it's Gen Z's way of rebelling against the omnipresent digital embrace, even if it means wearing oversized clothes.

Gen Z Struggles With Mental Health

According to McKinsey, over half (55%) of Gen Zers report having either been diagnosed or receiving treatment for a mental health condition, compared to 31% of people aged 55 to 64, who have had decades longer to seek and get treatment.

But for Gen Z, even though they did not grow up in that era or truly experience it, listening to and loving the '90s has got to do with their search for comfort, and escapism and for a time when life was less stressful and more carefree.

"Reminiscing about the 90s and 00s is comforting because it gives us connection to times in our lives where we felt more free, adventurous and connected to other people". Many fans of the 90s, like fashion blogger Ellie, weren't around then - so why is it nostalgic to her? According to Clay, it's "cultural continuity".

As you may think, defining the two generations is based entirely on dates—in this case, years. A Millennial is anyone born between 1980 and 1995. In the U.S., there are roughly 80 million Millennials. A member of Gen Z is anyone born between 1996 and the early-mid 2000s (end date can vary depending on source).

Baggier jeans and looser-fitting pants ultimately emerged as a happy medium between the athleisure worn throughout multiple lockdowns and the constricting skinny jeans of the previous decade. The silhouettes could be sleek and comfortable without compromising one for the other.

Gen Zers have been criticized for being the most "challenging" generation to work with, according to managers. They are frequently dubbed "lazy," too easily offended, and not productive enough. Some managers have even said that Gen Z workers need to be managed "every second of their day."

Why is Gen Z not dating? ›

In Hinge's 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise) report, many Gen-Z daters cite fear of rejection and being cringe amongst their top concerns. Older generations of daters may have more experience with the discomfort of dating rejection.

Youth nostalgia fosters a sense of belonging. Ho says that nostalgia reinforces relationships through shared experiences, which builds trust. In a time of social and political turmoil, it makes sense that younger generations (specifically Gen Z) would turn to nostalgia.

Gen Zers face greater obstacles to financial success

Inflation's recent runup has indeed made it harder for those just starting out. More than half, or 53%, of Gen Zers say higher costs are a barrier to their financial success, according to a separate survey from Bank of America.

However, Gen Z has certain weaknesses. They have a rather indifferent attitude towards security and prioritize convenience over security . They also experience a low perceived behavioral control and lack education on how to behave securely online .

The members of Generation Z, the oldest of which are now in their 20s, on average are expected to live to 100 and beyond.

A survey conducted in 2022 found that young adults aged between 18 and 24 were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

The 90s revival is more than a fleeting trend—it's a celebration of style innovation, nostalgia, and the cyclical nature of fashion. This resurgence invites us to reimagine the bold colors, iconic trends, and unique styles of the 90s, integrating them into our contemporary wardrobes.

“Members of the millennial and Gen Z generations are especially likely to be prone to nostalgia for the 90s/00s now, as they remember their childhood, teen years and late adolescence,” she says. “Those years predate much of the stress imposed by dramatic transformations in the way we currently live.”

One of the greatest strengths of the 90s kids is their ability to empathize with people from different generations. They have experienced life without the internet and social media, which gives them a unique perspective on life.

However, the popularity of grunge and alternative rock music helped bring the simple, unkempt grunge look to the mainstream by that period. This approach to fashion led to the popularization of the casual chic look, which included T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, and sneakers, a trend which would continue into the 2000s.