TikTok’s latest nostalgia wave is the “Millennial Optimism Era.” Soundtracked by indie-folk hit “Blood” by The Middle East, Gen Z is romanticizing images of the years where chevron prints, statement necklaces, and unironic Pinterest motivation ruled early social media. But they aren’t just looking to bring back sharp winged eyeliner, gel-pen affirmations, Paramore playlists, and oversized sweaters. Instead, they’re wishing they had the same “delusional optimism” mindset Millennials had in their young adult years with the unearned confidence of BuzzFeed quiz results. Despite the recession Millennials faced coming out of college, Gen Z still feels Obama-era liberalism, lower rent, and less tech means the older gen had it better. With 40% of Gen Z spending one to three hours daily on social media (despite 62% telling Her Campus they want to cut back), the doomscroll fatigue is real, so they’re jealous of days when it didn’t even exist. (Her Campus)
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