When we are part of a society that lacks community, materialism becomes necessary for one to feel a part of something large. The desire to relate to someone through products strips away the authenticity of finding connections that wouldn’t dissolve after a trend subsides. This takes away from one's ability to create their own decisions and opinions about what they truly desire. One example of this is the international uprise in the popularity of “Labubus”. When consistently shown media of others' unboxing “Labubus”, it creates the natural desire to participate in the trend, wanting to own something that helps you relate to others. Though when consistently shown many with a large collection of Labubus, it propels you to do the same, as having one doesn't feel ideal or “enough”. Thus causing you to buy an abundance to create the similarity between you and others. When the trend dies down, the collection is seen as feeble, as if it lacks a use. 

 In the age of fast-paced media, you create a perception of others in a singular glance. Basing your perception of them on what they own, what they wear, or what trends they follow. Materialism has been curated to be seen as a form of self-expression, pushing the idea that specific items showcase one's personality, especially in a society where the industry exploits these desired perceptions. This idea becomes detrimental to one's human ability to form their own opinions of what they truly desire. This response creates a mass of people who lack personality outside of the items they own. Specifically, this issue is rampant in the clothing industry; many desire certain styles to achieve certain “aesthetics”, although the majority stems from personality rather than the clothes they wear. 

From a biological and evolutionary viewpoint, this is due to many having a level of comfort to “stop and smell the roses.”  When we are not plagued by concerns of finding food or shelter, or even fending off predators, we are given the leisure to customize our lives with material goods when we have achieved a quality of life that is safe.  Buying these items gives us a temporary happiness that we no longer get from things like finding food or finding shelter. This level of consumption begins to feel like compensation or a form of self-soothing that aids in the rising anxiety, loss of satisfaction within oneself, and simple things no longer feeling like enough. But at its core, there will always be a missing piece that no amount of shopping bags or packages can fix. By constantly seeking that bliss from buying things, we’re trying to use our evolutionary biology to fix problems modern society has created. This form of distraction only worsens the issue at hand. Next time you are about to add another item to your cart, ask yourself: Do you need it, or do you need that sense of happiness? 

Ultimately, when collections are intended for long-term use, they can be deemed harmless. Though when the consumption of items that could easily turn obsolete surpasses an unhealthy amount, it becomes detrimental not only to oneself but also to the environment. Our fixation on trends and possessions results in betrayal, contributing to the hollowness that seems insatiable. The media has chains on our desires and turned individuality into a game of mimicry. The emphasis on materialism has replaced thought, creativity, community, and authenticity with the items we purchase to feel seen. Fulfillment will never be found in the next viral item or an influencer's “must-haves”, but in recovering the power to define worth and happiness on our own accord. Only by breaking free from the consumerist mindset can we find what it is to feel content, true, and human. 

This revival is also driven by a yearning for simplicity and emotional depth. Many classic films feature timeless themes and carefully crafted dialogue, while the music often relies on strong melodies and raw vocal talent. In a digital age filled with heavily auto-tuned tracks and CGI-saturated blockbusters, the sincerity and craftsmanship of older works offer a kind of escape and authenticity that continues to resonate with new audiences.

Additionally, trends on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have brought vintage aesthetics back into the spotlight. Songs from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s are going viral, while fashion and film references from those decades are influencing modern content creators and designers. The past is proving to have a lasting impact that continues to inspire and shape the present.

Ultimately, nostalgia isn’t just about looking back; it’s about finding comfort and meaning in what endures. Whether it’s a favorite old movie, a vinyl record, or a familiar melody, these connections remind us that art, emotion, and creativity transcend time. And as long as new generations keep rediscovering the past, nostalgia will always have a place in the future.