The op-ed below does not necessarily reflect the views of the University Daily Kansan and its members.
Generation Z is a hypocritical generation. Zoomers harp about how labels are limiting their identities while simultaneously maintaining a white-knuckle grip on microtrends and ephemeral online aesthetics.
What even is an aesthetic?
If you have ever studied art history, the term "aesthetic" raises questions about the philosophy of beauty.
Our perceptions of what is "beautiful" may oscillate between objective and subjective philosophies, but one thing is for sure: an aesthetic is not to be taken at face value. Even the seemingly superficial art of the Aesthetic Movement prompts deeper discussion of the age-old question: “What is beauty?”
Internet aesthetics, however, are the complete opposite. These pastiches of personalities are crafted to be superficial costumes we take on and off. In the age of consumerism, it is no surprise we have found a way to mass-produce one-size-fits-all identities.
In an article for Clever, essayist Terry Nguyễn describes how Gen Z's aesthetic tastes are “influenced by and reflected through the lens of social media.”
“... personal style … can be emulated through a mass consumption catalog found on Instagram and TikTok,” Nguyễn said.
Social media has flattened all depth once attributed to aesthetic inspiration and intention. Our stylistic choices are not individualized nor meaningful but rather mere replications of the commodities we see trending on our screens.
A perfect example of this aesthetic insanity is the emergence of the "eclectic grandpa"trend.
Gen Z has done it! The Zoomers have found a way to turn old men who have spent their entire lives cultivating a unique sense of style and idiosyncratic interests into an internet trend.
In her critique of the "eclectic grandpa" aesthetic, fashion writer Hannah Jackson describes how “the eclectic grandpa is a trend hellbent on commodifying an idea of personal style without actually having it.”
However, the "eclectic grandpa" trend does appear to reflect a slight moment of clarity in our collective digital consciousness.
While trends like the "clean girl" or "coastal cowgirl" aesthetics are predicated on hom*ogeneity, the "eclectic grandpa" aesthetic reveals a subconscious desire to align personal style with one’s likes and dislikes.
What a revolutionary idea!
We find quirky old men so intriguing — enough to model our style after them — because they offer something we so desperately desire: a genuine sense of self.
Internet aesthetics have robbed us of having a deeper understanding of ourselves, our identities and our place in the world around us. Rather than thinking critically about the intricacies of our human existence, we view everything through a lens of performance.
Who are you when you aren’t performing for a digital audience? Who are you if not an aesthetic?
For a generation that brags about being authentic in philosophy, Gen Z is quite inauthentic in practice.
While there is no quick fix for cleansing ourselves of an aestheticized existence, I find the simple words of American singer-songwriter Ethel Cain to be quite profound:
“I’m obsessed with not being on the internet right now — logging the f*** off.”
You were not meant to exist within the confines of a screen. If there is any "aesthetic" in life, it is the beauty of experiencing a life that is real and authentically lived.
Piper Puccetti joined the opinion column for the University Daily Kansan in 2023. She enjoys writing on topics surrounding popular culture, society and women’s issues. Piper is a junior at the University of Kansas studying journalism and art history.
