Former or Fashionable - Why Teens Are Choosing Older Items Over the Newest Edition in Everyday Life

Former or Fashionable - Why Teens Are Choosing Older Items Over the Newest Edition in Everyday Life By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist In modern society, pieces of everyday life are constantly changing, such as technology, fashion, and entertainment. There is always something newer, better and updated being advertised, as companies produce more and more products. Despite this, many individuals choose what is oldest, the most nostalgic. This preference of older editions is becoming more and more common. Despite the fact we are in a digital, high speed age, people often choose mature, vintage items time and time again. It can be expected for older generations to choose items which they grew up with, as the product serves more than a practical purpose; it also comes with nostalgia, familiarity, and enough back in my day comments to last a lifetime. Even to older adults, radios aren't inherently better than Spotify or Apple Music, however, they come with memories of dancing in the kitchen or learning to drive. There’s nothing wrong with a new wardrobe, but older clothes can bring an instant sense of nostalgia and comfort to those growing up with different fashion. It is easy to understand why adults and seniors appreciate what is now vintage, but the appreciation doesn’t just stop adults. Adolescents are beginning to turn away from new trends, instead loving anything older than they are. Record players, digital cameras, and wired headphones are all technologies whichhave been replaced by modern inventions, yet continue to trend. Any song can be found online with the click of a button, but record players are found in millions of teenagebedrooms. Practically all cellphones have a high quality camera, yet countless adolescents, including myself, choose to use a digital camera for photography. Wireless earbuds, such as Airpods, are owned by most youth, yet many individuals prefer their headphones wired for reasons other than the price. These examples raise the question of why? I can’t help but wonder if there is a specific reason younger generations choose items older than themselves as opposed to newer auditions crafted for human convenience. One of the most obvious reasons for this oddity would be the quality. In the example of record players, most music lovers believe sound quality is much richercoming from a vinyl or CD. One of the reasons I love my digital camera is the nature and appearance you cannot get anywhere else. In a lot of situations, classic items are believed to have a higher quality, or a cheaper price, when compared to modern items. However, the genuine quality is not the only reason individuals choose vintage over modern additions. I believe a primary reason is the personality and individuality which is interconnected with tangible items. In 2025, almost every Canadian teen uses a cellphone daily, giving them access to a world of content at their fingertips. Although this may be convenient, it has caused many actions to lose the deeper meaning they previously had. Pictures are now taken to be posted online, not remembered and appreciated. Texting is anticipated, not a choice of real compassion. With older items, normal tasks such as photography or contacting a friend feels less about convenience and more about memories and connection. When using a less modern item, everyday tasks turn into something special, partly due to the time and process involved. Dialing a phone number, downloading images from a memory card, or selecting and placing a vinyl all take time, even if only a moment. In an overwhelming and technological period, these moments which force us to slow down are crucial. It compels us to appreciate an average routine, making mundane moments stand out from the rest of the day. A trending example of the dismissal of recent items comes in the form of thrifting. This is an activity loved by practically all teens, as it combines shopping, saving money, and unique items. However, it also exposes teens to older styles, as thrift stores are a forest of timeless variety. It may take time and a whole lot of faith, but you can always find something unique and antique at a good thrift store. They’re the perfect way for anyone to access the trend of old-age style at an affordable price. Whether it be through second-hand stores or pricey record players, it is clear older items have gained their popularity once again. This comes partly from memories and quality, but also from the personality and experience which comes from these items. Vintage technologies allow younger generations to experience a history which was normal life only a few years prior. It’s easy access to nostalgia and memories different from our own, a different time period filled with more interaction and care than we have now. They hold a story, and allow you to add something new with every usage. Older concepts, whether it be related to technology, fashion, or entertainment, all feel unique, personalized, and tangible in our modern world of screens and convenience. With the modern disconnect and technology reliance currently experienced by teens, I believe we could use anything which forces us to pause and connect, even if it comes in the form of a record player, digital camera, or a pair of wired headphones.