As we move into a new decade, many of us—especially those who belong to Generation Z—are looking back, wistfully, at the 2010s. This era witnessed extraordinary cultural achievements such as the election and re-election of our nation’s first Black president. For those like Christian Guarin, the hopefulness of the 2010s was something of a golden age. This decade was defined by earnest wonderment and a palpable spirit of forward motion.
Guarin expressed his perspective on the 2010s, stating, “At the turn of every decade, there’s, like, a renewed sense of optimism towards what this new decade could be and what it could hold.” He explained that at the time, there was a general attitude of hopefulness—the idea that society was progressing. This sense of optimism hit home for the youth, many of whom were figuring out their formative years in a rapidly progressing social environment.
Musically, the 2010s provided a vibrant soundtrack that many remember fondly. Hitmakers such as Katy Perry and Walk the Moon ruled the charts with songs that reached their height in between 2012 and 2014. As Guarin put it to me, the music of this era was “an overall pick-me-up,” summing up the uplifting vibe lots of people experienced during this time.
Youth today are under tremendous stress to present a perfect life on social media. Apps such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat magnify these hardships. These platforms create an environment rife with unrealistic expectations that has been shown to increase anxiety in social media users. According to a recent report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, nearly half of Gen Z report feeling anxious frequently or always, with significant percentages experiencing depression.
Some Gen Zers are seeking refuge in platforms like Tumblr, which many perceive as more authentic and less curated. When Tumblr had its heyday in the 2010s, it was a platform where individuals could express their identities freely and build communities. Younger generations are looking for truthfulness. Yet, even as they wish it was so, their historical romanticization of what’s gone makes them ill prepared for today’s reality.
Popular comedian and internet personality Kyle Gordon recently went viral on TikTok with a funny new parody number We Will Never Die. The song brings a cheeky edge to the jingoistic nostalgia that often defines the decade. The song has already been likened to other earworm singalongs such as Fun’s “We Are Young,” bringing to mind the alternative pop of the early 2010s. Thousands of millennials have ridden this nostalgic wave by sharing throwback videos with Gordon’s audio.
Deng, one other young person reminiscing on this time period, spoke to the broader experiences of their generation. We all share a great disappointment and anger at the state of social and political affairs today, safety advocates,” they said. It’s daunting to process all that is going on. This idea reiterates the way in which nostalgia acts as a balm and bridge, a part of self-care and community-building.
Interestingly, Gen Z no longer feels burdened by the label “cringe,” with many embracing it as a form of freedom. Guarin articulated this shift in perspective: “To be cringe is to be free.” This acceptance is a huge cultural shift, one that reflects how young people are exploring these different aspects of their identities on the digital playground we have created.
Gen Z Americans continue to experience growing hardships, including mental health struggles exacerbated by the realities of social media. Despite this, they never fail to tell you how great their lives are. The Gallup report suggests that only around 73% of Gen Z report being very happy or somewhat happy. Yet this number drops drastically as young people enter adulthood, usually a time marked by a heightened sense of obligation and social expectation.