TechStuff Why Gen Z Loves 2016 Nostalgia - The Story
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Jan 21, 2026 In this discussion, Casey Lewis, a trend researcher and author of 'After School,' dives into the fascinating world of Gen Z nostalgia. She explores why young people are obsessed with 2016's millennial aesthetics and the rise of analog hobbies amidst the digital age. Casey reveals the contrasts between Gen Z's desire to unplug and Gen Alpha's tech habits. From the decline of dating apps to the rise of parasocial chatbot relationships, she uncovers how youth culture is evolving in a tech-saturated landscape.
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2016 As Aesthetic Nostalgia
- Gen Z romanticizes 2016 as an aesthetic of whimsy despite its political darkness.
- Casey Lewis says the trend repurposes cringe-era fashion and filters into nostalgic curation.
Analog Pushback Against AI Hype
- Young people are reacting to AI hype by rediscovering analog hobbies and objects.
- Casey Lewis frames this as a cultural tension between analog awakening and AI-driven optimization.
Curated Tech, Not Total Unplugging
- Gen Z buys devices like iPads but often keeps social apps off them to preserve offline spaces.
- Casey Lewis notes this signals curated digital boundaries, not full rejection of tech.