The Brian Lehrer Show Gen Z Wishes It Were 1997
Aug 26, 2025
Gen Z is diving into nostalgia for the late '90s, longing for life before smartphones. Listeners share heartfelt stories about simpler times and the genuine connections they miss. A social psychologist discusses how nostalgia can enhance meaningful living in today’s digital world. The trend toward analog experiences like vinyl records and board games showcases their craving for tangible interactions. This yearning highlights the desire for mindfulness amidst a hyper-connected society.
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Nostalgia Is About Selective Revival
- Nostalgia often expresses a desire to pull values from the past into modern life rather than to fully return to it.
- Clay Routledge says people want to integrate past strengths while keeping technological progress.
Gen Z's Analog Countertrend
- Gen Z shows measurable interest in analog media and experiences like vinyl, books, and even cassette tapes.
- Clay Routledge links these purchases to a broader desire for tangible, in-person activities alongside digital life.
Young Caller Contemplates Downgrading
- Ryan, 25, describes being grateful for FaceTime but addicted to late-night scrolling and social media.
- He remembers simpler phones and contemplates downgrading to a non-internet device to regain separation.