Gen Z's Aesthetic Obsession & Search for an Identity is Tiring...

Gen Z's Aesthetic Obsession & Search for an Identity is Tiring...In todays video we will be discussing Gen z's identity crisis, the concept of self-improvement and how it has become intertwined with surface-level aesthetic trends on tiktok that pretend to be about "self improvement"- but are actually just trying to get you to buy more products. Blueberry milk nails, cinnamon hair, clean girl, mob wife, pink pilates princess, and the new aesthetics tiktok makes up every two days is toxic and tiring. Overly focusing on self-servitude and the constant pursuit of trendy lifestyles is contributing to an unfulfilled, lonely, identity crisis having generation. Gen Z thinks buying more products and adhering to specific aesthetics will lead to a better life, but it won't. There is an importance of genuine self-improvement beyond surface-level changes, quick fixes offered by trends can not solve deeper issues. Embracing one's uniqueness is essential. You do not need to feel obligated to conform to fleeting trends, whether it's the "clean girl" aesthetic or others. Be you!

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About Salem: Hey! I’m Salem. I make commentary and video essays on anything I want to talk about. New videos every week! Make sure to subscribe and turn on post notifications so you never miss a new video.

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[PenneyLan]

I used to get mad when I couldn’t find my “aesthetic” because I liked everything from gyaru to emo, I had to learn to just wear what I like and not what my “aesthetic” looks like

[cakepopfrosting]

Part of the problem is some *people are letting influencers have TOO MUCH influence over them*

[himenyx]

I saw a video yesterday captioned "Clean girl makeup is dead, 90s grunge is back" with comments saying "Omg I hope that 90s makeup comes back" and stuff like that. Y'all...what are you even talking about? Just wear whatever makeup you want? Why do you have to name things that have always existed as if they are completely new and original, and why does something have to be "in" for you to wear it??

[Toxxic_Ginger]

I unfortunately do not remember which tiktoker I heard this from, but someone said: “Gen Z is basically the Christopher Columbus Generation. They’re discovering things that already exist, renaming them, and thinking they’ve discovered something brand new they get to lay claim to.” I have yet to see something else more accurate. 😂

[Emilywendymusic]

“How bout be yourself aesthetic” LIKE PLEASE! I feel like we’re all NPCs at this point

[shalxnda]

No fr the internet needs to shut down for a minute

[sofemininewithgrace]

I've been saying that for a year now. Gen Z needs a real break from social media.

[seemsfishy]

Gen Z “aesthetics” are now just Millennial buzzfeed quizzes that cost money and hurt the environment

[blue______]

oh my god girl, sometimes I go on Pinterest to look for references for my drawings and paintings, and I always find people commenting "what's the name of this aesthetic?" in the most random things. No Emily, it's not an aesthetic, it's just a photo of a spoon.

[laurawestenra]

I think a lot of the gen z disgust with millennials supposed difficulty "adulting" and finding financial success is bc they are terrified that the same bleak future is waiting for them. Creating the appearance of having material abundance and self discipline makes them feel they have control of their life and their future....that the same disappointments aren't just around the corner. Nothing wrong with pushing yourself but it's important not to lose your identity in artifice.

[tobekai]

Before micro trends and aesthetics, we had the "starter pack" memes which were pretty much the same thing but was more so making fun of how unoriginal/stereotypical these aesthetics can be.

But I remember someone saying it was insidiously about finding how to market to different niches. Its all about consumerism.

[woland]

Social media has become at home shopping networks. A dystopian landscape of consumption and the aesthetic to match

[saami]

The mob wife aesthetic when i knew gen-z have lost the plot

[finn.pear]

as a gen z person… “yourself aesthetic” explains me so well bc i actually hate trying to fit into one aesthetic i appreciate this sm

[amandaparkinson]

“For a generation afraid to order ketchup this is a bold aesthetic choice” had me weak 😭

[jamescarr]

They lost sight of what aesthetic even means

[jxo]

I swear Gen Z learned the word “Aesthetic” and just drove it into the ground. I just like to go to the store and just find what makes me feel good regardless of the look.

[abbieamavi]

I haven't bought new gym clothes in years, I dont follow the trends because I don't like the booty shorts (cute on other girls, I just like baggy clothing). I wear old sweats and tees to the gym because I'm there to get a workout in, and when my money allows, Ill have a nicer wardrobe too. Fully agree with this video: consumerism sells products to pretend it will give you the "life" you so desperately in reality you need to put in WORK to have a life you love, not just make a trip to target. Great video and takes as always Salem

[mynameISsky]

As a teenager (long, long ago) I was "grunge" - the anti-aesthetic. We were trying to crush the shoulder-pads and blue eyeshadow world of fashion. And we were cheap. We refused to spend our money on being told what to wear.

[sunflowerboinagachika]

As ‘04 Gen Z who’s completely removed from these type of trends (I live my TikTokless Twitterless life to the max), Salem is the only way I keep up with what my generation is up to.