In the wake of the pandemic, a novel aesthetic dubbed “Future Nostalgia” is taking shape, coined by the international pop sensation Dua Lipa on her second album. This concept is a blend of futuristic atmospheres and the nostalgic elements of past pop and subcultures, reimagining them for a new generation.

In a striking revival, neon-like colors and pixelated visuals reminiscent of the Amiga and Nintendo 8-bit era are making a comeback, proving popular in today’s digital landscape.

Despite the advanced visual realism offered by contemporary gaming consoles like the PS5, older generations may find it challenging to understand the explosive popularity of games like Minecraft and Roblox among today’s youth if they do not grasp the allure of the ‘Future Nostalgic.’

This trend is not just limited to digital realms but is also palpable in the fashion industry and music preferences. Driven by populist algorithms, today’s digital culture has prompted young people to seek a distinct pop cultural identity beyond the primordial ones they inherited.

Surprisingly, this quest for identity is shaping not only how generation Z presents themselves but also their worldview and behavior, redefining cultural boundaries through the lens of ‘Future Nostalgia’.

Why Nostalgic?

During the pandemic, a survey conducted by YouthLab, involving over a thousand participants from various regions across Indonesia, revealed that young Indonesians faced a spectrum of anxieties and fears over the course of more than two years. The findings showed that 78 percent of young people harbored fears of impending personal calamities, thoughts that surfaced several times a day.