ICYMI How “Millennial Cringe” Became “Millennial Optimism”
Dec 13, 2025
Casey Lewis, a writer and curator for the After School newsletter, joins to explore Gen Z's evolving relationship with Millennial culture. They discuss how TikTok trends have shifted from mocking Millennials as 'cringe' to a nostalgic embrace of 2010s aesthetics. Casey defines 'millennial optimism' and dives into fashion and music that shaped that era. The conversation highlights the carefree vibe of the 2010s and questions if Gen Z can craft their own version of optimism or merely inherit the past.
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First Internet Obsession
- Casey Lewis's first internet memory was discovering Hanson via AOL at her uncle's house.
- That early curiosity sparked a lasting obsession with online culture and fandom.
Nostalgia As A Visual Aesthetic
- 'Millennial optimism' is a curated aesthetic of 2010s photos set to indie-folk music that reads as innocent and playful.
- The trend packages visuals (filters, Polaroid borders, poses) to suggest life felt simpler and more genuine then.
Life In 2010 Brooklyn
- Casey recalls moving to Brooklyn in 2010 with a low-paid media job and cheap rent that felt optimistic despite precarity.
- She remembers fewer political anxieties shaping daily life then compared with now.