Gen Z is embracing retro tech as a major trend in 2025, seeking out physical experiences over the digital world. The desire for tactile interactions has led young people to revisit old favorites like vinyl records, cameras, and cassette players.
According to research director Beth McGroarty at the Global Wellness Institute, the trend may be driven by a human need for touchable objects rather than nostalgia. “Studies show that people are hard-wired for things like touch since their infancy,” she says. “I think it’s a rebellion against the shapeless, disembodied world of screens and a hunger for physical tools.”
Adam Fuerst, founder of retro tech site Retrospekt, agrees that convenience has become too much. “The more convenient things get, the more the experience matters and the more valuable the experience gets, even if it’s inconvenient,” he says.
Kickback, a startup run by 23-year-old former recording artist London Glorfield, has seen significant success with retro tech products like CD players and record players. The company has generated over $500,000 in revenue since launching last year.
Glorfield attributes the brand’s success to Gen Z’s desire for control over their screen time. “We’ve found specific success with products that are really great for actually unplugging,” he says. “That’s the feeling that my generation never really got to experience.”
As technology continues to advance, many young people are turning back to retro tech for its unique value and tangible experiences.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/15/from-polaroid-to-vinyl-gen-z-is-embracing-retro-tech.html