The Analog Revival: How Young People Are Reclaiming Their Moment

In recent years, social media platforms have become the norm in Sydney, and digital connectivity has reached an all-time high. Yet, surprisingly, many young people are embracing analog culture with renewed enthusiasm. This trend is not just a nostalgic throwback to the ’90s; it’s a deliberate choice that speaks to a deeper desire for authenticity and meaning.

Olive Berlach, a 15-year-old from the Central Coast, has self-published her own magazine, “Olive,” aimed at teens who want to live offline. The eclectic mix of articles on topics like ’90s fashion, pancake recipes, and skincare routines reflects the appeal of analog culture in an increasingly digital world.

The interest in analog culture may be a reaction against the constant stream of information and pressure to present a curated online persona. However, it’s also possible that young people are seeking human connection and experiences not mediated by screens. As Olive notes, “I just don’t think that’s very fun, and I think there was a lot more freedom in the ’90s without having the opinions of so many other people pinging at you while you’re with your friends.”

This sentiment is echoed by Charmonix Vaatuitui, a 16-year-old student who has been exploring filmmaking as part of a university workshop. For her, the experience was about discovering her own identity and connection to her culture. “Putting all my thoughts and footage into a video made me open my eyes,” she says.

The trend is not limited to individual experiences; it’s part of a larger cultural shift. A recent study found that 65% of Gen Z feel nostalgic for a time they weren’t alive or were too young to notice, while one-third feels they’re “born in the wrong generation.” This sense of disconnection from their own era is driving the analog revival.

The fact that Gen Z’s adoption of AI has remained steady in recent years, while enthusiasm for it is dropping and skepticism is on the rise, suggests that young people are questioning the value of technology in their lives. The analog revival also speaks to a broader desire for creativity and self-expression. As Charmonix notes, “Not just staring at my phone all day, but making new friends and expressing myself through filmmaking helps with my personal identity.”

This emphasis on hands-on experience and human connection is a refreshing respite from the digital noise that dominates our lives. So what does this mean for the future? Will the analog revival continue to gain momentum, or will it eventually fizzle out as a fleeting trend? One thing is certain: young people are not just rejecting technology; they’re reclaiming their moment.