STRANGER THINGS

WHY GEN Z IS OBSESSED WITH '80s AESTHETICS?

- Sandesh Bhosle

The ‘80s were days when “hanging out” meant riding bikes with friends until the streetlights came on. Remember those? No? Well, that’s okay because neither do I, as we weren’t born back then. Yet, somehow, the Gen Z crew find themselves in the throes of an obsession with the ‘80s – an era they never truly experienced but can’t help but adore. So, it’s time to uncover why Gen Z is falling head over Reebok heels for the ‘80s like we just found an old mixtape in the attic and can’t stop grooving to it.

THE REBELLION AGAINST THE DIGITAL AGE

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Gen Z might be the generation that practically invented the term “digital native,” but they’re also a bit rebellious. They’ve grown up with the internet at their fingertips, but as they navigate the complex labyrinth of social media, algorithms, and memes, they can’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed. The ‘80s represent an era that predates 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.

ICONIC POP CULTURE