Digital Nostalgia in Generation Z: Exploring the Motivations Behind Dreamcore and Y2K Revival

Qinyi Han

doi:10.54254/2753-7064/2025.LC25707

Communications in Humanities ResearchOpen access

Digital Nostalgia in Generation Z: Exploring the Motivations Behind Dreamcore and Y2K Revival

Research Article

Open Access

Digital Nostalgia in Generation Z: Exploring the Motivations Behind Dreamcore and Y2K Revival

Qinyi Han ^1*

¹ Nanjing NO.1 Middle School

^*Corresponding author: hanqinyi081011@qq.com

Published on 6 August 2025

CHR Vol.74

ISSN (Print): 2753-7072

ISSN (Online): 2753-7064

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-301-7

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-302-4

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Abstract

The rapid emergence of nostalgia aesthetics, particularly Dreamcore and Y2K, has become a significant cultural phenomenon. The questionnaire adopts a semi-structured approach featuring clear conceptual definitions to ensure respondent comprehension, and is designed based on four dimensions: behavioral dimension, psychological motivations, sociocultural context, and belongingness. Based on these four dimensions, the study reveals how social pressure, globalization, and digital platforms affect Generation Z's love for these aesthetics. This study also points out that nostalgia stems from the desire to regain the sense of security and positivity of childhood, because Dreamcore and Y2K fashion help them temporarily escape from daily pressures. Nostalgic aesthetics has indeed become a mechanism for coping with intergenerational anxiety and uncertainty. Globalization has also increased the accessibility and popularity of nostalgic styles. At the same time, nostalgic aesthetics also cultivate a sense of belonging among subculture groups, and social media is its main expression platform.

Keywords:

Nostalgia, Y2K, Dreamcore, Generation Z

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References

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[3]. Moon, P. (2021). Prosthetic nostalgia: History and memory in" Art Deco Napier". Journal of New Zealand Studies, (32), 60-80.

[4]. Ussher, T. (2023). A Study of Nostalgia, Fashion, and Covid-19 (Doctoral dissertation, Toronto Metropolitan University).

[5]. hang Jingrui. (2023). Study on the artistic expression and aesthetic psychology of dream core from the perspective of psychoanalysis. Popular Literature and Art, (18), 223-225. doi: 10.20112/j.cnki. ISSN1007-5828.2023.18.075.

[6]. Han Peiwei & Jin Yongshan. (2022). Study on the fashion characteristics of "Y2K" aesthetics from the perspective of youth subculture. Art Panorama, (19), 130-132..

[7]. Yu, R. (2023). The research on the female identity construction under the influence of Y2K culture. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 4, 512-517.

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References

[1]. Boym, S. (2008). The future of nostalgia. Basic books.

[3]. Moon, P. (2021). Prosthetic nostalgia: History and memory in" Art Deco Napier". Journal of New Zealand Studies, (32), 60-80.

[4]. Ussher, T. (2023). A Study of Nostalgia, Fashion, and Covid-19 (Doctoral dissertation, Toronto Metropolitan University).

[6]. Han Peiwei & Jin Yongshan. (2022). Study on the fashion characteristics of "Y2K" aesthetics from the perspective of youth subculture. Art Panorama, (19), 130-132..

[7]. Yu, R. (2023). The research on the female identity construction under the influence of Y2K culture. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media, 4, 512-517.

Cite this article

Han,Q. (2025). Digital Nostalgia in Generation Z: Exploring the Motivations Behind Dreamcore and Y2K Revival. Communications in Humanities Research,74,113-121.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICADSS 2025 Symposium: Art, Identity, and Society: Interdisciplinary Dialogues

ISBN: 978-1-80590-301-7(Print) / 978-1-80590-302-4(Online)

Editor: Ioannis Panagiotou, Yanhua Qin

Conference website: https://www.icadss.org/Lincoln.html

Conference date: 22 August 2025

Series: Communications in Humanities Research

Volume number: Vol.74

ISSN: 2753-7064(Print) / 2753-7072(Online)

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