Opinion: Gen Z’s telling nostalgia for Bennifer, ‘Friends’ and Y2K
CNNEditor’s Note: Holly Thomas is a writer and editor based in London. In her newest music video “Brutal,” Olivia Rodrigo – 2021’s runaway pop music star – rages about the angst of being 17 from her current vantage point as an 18-year-old. Doja Cat’s music videos are similarly full of neon highlights and hair stylings that could’ve come directly from Gwen Stefani’s noughties lookbook, and kids on TikTok are posting their takes on classic “Y2K” looks. “When you go on the phone or on social media you see right through it … because your brain when you’re reading is more conditioned to put things into perspective.” Marketing to Gen Z’ers involves a complex interplay between social responsibility and nostalgic messaging. They didn’t see the grotesque paparazzi harassment and brutal media coverage – remember, Bennifer cited “excessive media attention” as a key component in their 2003 breakup – and the crushing misogyny.
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