Retro Revival: Why Gen Z is Trading Spotify for Vinyl and Smartphones for Film Cameras
It's a fascinating trend sweeping across Australia and the globe: young people are increasingly swapping the convenience of digital for the tangible charm of analogue. Forget endless Spotify playlists – vinyl records are booming. Ditch the iPhone camera – film photography is making a serious comeback. But why are Gen Z and younger millennials rejecting the tech they grew up with in favour of older, seemingly less practical methods?
The Allure of Imperfection and Authenticity
The answer, it seems, lies in a desire for something real, something imperfect. In a world saturated with filtered images and algorithm-driven music recommendations, the raw, unedited nature of analogue media offers a refreshing alternative. A vinyl record's crackles and pops are not flaws, but character. A film photograph's grain and light leaks tell a story that a perfectly crisp digital image simply can't.
“There’s something special about the anticipation of waiting to see how your photos turn out,” says 22-year-old Melbourne student, Chloe Davies, who recently purchased a vintage Pentax camera. “With digital, you just snap away and delete everything you don't like. With film, you’re more thoughtful about each shot. And the results… they just feel more authentic.”
Beyond the Aesthetic: A Shift in Consumption
This shift isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also a reaction against the constant connectivity and overwhelming choice of the digital age. Streaming services like Spotify, while offering millions of songs, can feel impersonal and fleeting. Owning a vinyl record, on the other hand, is a deliberate act of curation and investment. It's about building a collection, appreciating the artwork, and engaging with music in a more mindful way.
“I used to just listen to music on Spotify all the time, jumping from one song to the next,” explains Liam O’Connell, a 19-year-old record collector from Sydney. “Now, I put on a record, sit down, and really listen. It’s a whole different experience. It forces you to slow down and appreciate the music.”
The Social Media Effect (Ironically)
Ironically, social media, the very platform that propelled digital dominance, is also contributing to the retro revival. Platforms like Instagram have created a space for showcasing film photography, with its distinctive aesthetic and nostalgic appeal. The hashtag #filmphotography has over 18 million posts, demonstrating the massive online community surrounding this hobby.
The Future of Analogue
While digital technology isn’t going anywhere, the resurgence of analogue media suggests a growing desire for a more tangible, authentic, and mindful experience. It's a rebellion against the relentless march of progress, a yearning for something that feels real in an increasingly virtual world. Whether it's the warm crackle of vinyl or the grainy beauty of a film photograph, young Australians are proving that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
