By Konner Kern

Back in the 1990s, times were a lot different from when they were now. The best movies out at the time were “Good Will Hunting”, “Saving Private Ryan,” and “Fargo.” Some people still consider these some of the best movies. For some reason, teens are going back to the 90s in multiple ways including fashion, media, and certain lifestyles.

Teens are mostly going back to its fashion. Men would usually wear baggy jeans, a shirt with a hip-hop icon, and baseball caps. Woman would wear ripped jeans, sweatshirts around the waist, and baseball caps. In Ponte Vedra High School, many students have brought back this type of fashion as if nothing has changed in the past 30 years. “Man, I wish I was born in the 90s with my dad because they did the coolest things back then. You know, listen to club music and hangout with girls,” said sophomore Shane Thomas.

Music is another big part of students lives and people still listen to artists like Tupac, Nirvana, and Green Day. Other artists like NSYNC came back because of the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” and now Gen Z is listening to those artists again. “I think 90s music is better because then people had to actually think about like cool albums cover and good music verses. Now you can just make a bad song and put it on a music service with no consequences,” said sophomore Nate Brletich. Some of the best albums came from the 90s as well, including “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Lauryn Hill, which is a R&B and hip-hop blended album. More incredible albums from this time include, Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” which has some of the most iconic songs of all time. Another example is the popularity of Hip-Hop exploding from albums like “Illmatic.” Electronic music exploded with the iconic album by Daft Punk, “Homework.” Albums were one of the biggest things that made the 90s with its genre defining music that is still influencing the music today.

Technology from the 90s has also captured attention. Devices such as Walkman’s, Game Boys, 3Ds, and disposable cameras are being used again. Although smartphones are way more advanced features, many young people just like the simplicity and novelty of retro technology. Cassette tapes and VHS collections are also being rediscovered in thrift shops and garage sales. “Yes, because if there is ever something you need that isn’t cheap, you could probably find it cheap at thrift shops,” said sophomore Bently Weiden.

In entertainment, television shows and movies from the 90s are finding new audiences through streaming platforms. Animated series, sitcoms, and early video games have become favorites among younger viewers. Classic consoles like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis are being re-released in mini format for a younger audience.

Toy stores and online retailers have responded by bringing back popular 90s items. Tamagotchis, Beanie Babies, and Polly Pocket sets are returning to stores. Retro game and record stores have made a comeback. Board games and action figures from the era are being reintroduced, often in their original packaging to maintain the original feel. “Records have exploded in popularity because of nostalgia reasons for adults by the way they want to relive their young days. For kids, I think it’s cool to have a record of your favorite artist, not just a download on your phone,” said sophomore Nathaniel Brletich.

This resurgence appears to be part of a larger cycle of nostalgia. Trends from past decades often reappear, especially when supported by social media and influencers. The 90s, known for its unique style and it was on the way to better technology. 90s offers a blend of charm and nostalgia that appeals to today’s youth. “We peaked as a civilization between the 80s and early 2000s. We had the perfect balance of technology then with cds, records, cassettes. Now we have to check videos before we watch them to make sure, they aren’t AI,” said sophomore Graciele Hale.

This trend of kids going back to the 90s is an interesting one. They express through fashion, technology, music, and pop culture from back then. There is no definite way on why they are going back, but the main reason is most likely nostalgia. Parents show them stuff from that time and some want to explore that more. That is the reason that kids are going back to the 90s.

Graphic by Philip Berkwit