Earlier this year, YPulse shared that some Gen Z are in their analog eras, as multiple creators on TikTok are going viral for sharing how they’re reconnecting outside of their devices. For some, that means watching shows on DVD instead of streaming. For others, it means spinning records instead of pulling up Spotify. But the shift isn’t just about revisiting vintage physical media—which we know isn’t necessarily as big a trend as some headlines would lead you to believe—it’s also about seeking out small, local, and often screen-free moments that feed their desire for more analog moments. YPulse has long known that young consumers crave unique, accessible, in-person experiences, and this is just the next evolution of that (very similar to the rise of dinner parties YPulse has talked about!) YPulse predicted that in 2026, Gen Z would seek out more creative ways to achieve mindfulness and focused awareness—a new flow state—on their own terms. And judging by the rise of content about analog life online, that’s exactly...
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