The Revival of Analog Hobbies Among Gen Z: Digital Age Faces a Counterattack
Among Generation Z, who live in the digital era, analog hobbies like film cameras, vinyl records, and tape players are regaining tremendous popularity. Film photography, in particular, has established itself as a representative hobby for Gen Z in 2025, showing remarkable growth. This phenomenon is interpreted not as a simple temporary trend but as a meaningful counteraction to the digital excess era. Why are digital natives like Gen Z so enthusiastic about analog media that is inconvenient and time-consuming?
A Generational Reaction to Digital Excess
Generation Z grew up with digital devices from birth. In an environment where smartphones and social media have become central to daily life, constantly updating feeds and notifications are causing digital fatigue. The process of taking unlimited photos, instantly checking, and sharing them has become so easy that, paradoxically, its meaning has been diluted.
Film photography provides an alternative experience to this digital excess environment. The physical constraint of 36 shots per roll makes photographers choose each moment more carefully and contemplate composition. The inability to check results immediately after shooting allows them to experience the aesthetics of waiting, and the excitement and anticipation of receiving developed photos create special emotions that digital photography can never provide.
"Film photography gives more value to the moments I capture. Because I can't take unlimited shots, each scene feels more precious," explains a university student in Seoul, describing the value of the analog experience.
Pursuit of Authenticity and Originality
Generation Z is increasingly bored with digital images that have become too perfect due to social media filters and editing. In contrast, film photography creates unique aesthetic value through "imperfections" such as grain, unpredictable colors, and sometimes light leaks. These imperfections are paradoxically interpreted as authenticity and originality, satisfying Gen Z's desire for self-expression.
The physical presence of film photography is also an important factor. Printed photos that can be held, rather than digital files, provide satisfaction in physical ownership and hold more special meaning than thousands of digital photos stored in the cloud. According to a 2025 survey, Gen Z prints almost twice as many photos as other generations.
Connection to the Past and Temporal Continuity
Interestingly, Gen Z feels nostalgia for the analog era of the past that they never directly experienced. This is interpreted as a desire to experience temporal continuity beyond simple nostalgia. In a rapidly changing digital world, analog media serves as a bridge connecting past and present.
"I was born digital, but I found something real in analog. Taking photos with the same camera my grandfather used makes me feel connected to the past," says a 20-something who has taken up film photography as a hobby.
Slow Tech and Mindfulness
The 'Slow Tech' movement is a lifestyle trend that has become more widespread in 2025. This represents not a rejection of technology, but a conscious and meaningful resetting of relationships with technology. Film photography is a prime example of this slow technology.
The process of taking photos with a film camera requires time and effort from shooting to developing and printing. This process contrasts with the culture of immediate gratification in modern society and allows one to experience the value of mindfulness and patience. Focusing more on the moment of shooting, reflecting on the value of the moment while waiting for results, provides a meditative alternative to the rapid consumption culture of the digital age.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
For environmentally sensitive Gen Z, the sustainability of analog devices is another attraction. While digital devices are replaced on an average 2-3 year cycle, film cameras can be used for decades. In fact, many young people are using old cameras passed down from parents or grandparents.
"Photos taken with my grandfather's 1970s camera sometimes feel more special than those taken with the latest smartphone. And this camera can be used for decades more," says a college student using a vintage Nikon camera.
At a time when electronic waste is emerging as a serious environmental issue, Gen Z's interest in long-lasting analog devices reflects their environmental consciousness.
Social Community Formation
Analog hobbies strengthen social connections beyond online to offline. In 2025, various offline communities, such as film camera gatherings, photo development workshops, and vintage camera trading markets, are thriving in cities.
These gatherings provide a new form of social interaction for Gen Z, who are accustomed to digital communication. Communities formed around common interests create deeper bonds different from the virtual communities of social media.
"Experiencing people actually looking at and talking about my photos is completely different from getting likes on Instagram. Relationships with friends I've met at these gatherings seem to deepen more than with people I've met online," says a member of a film photography club in Seoul.
Content Creation and Emotional Branding
Interestingly, Gen Z exhibits dual behavior, enjoying analog media while also sharing it on social media. Images captured with film photography provide unique aesthetics differentiated from digital photos, becoming content that attracts attention on social media.
Many Gen Z influencers use the unique texture and color of film photos as their brand identity. Film photography is effective for emotional storytelling, which aligns well with Gen Z's consumption culture that values authenticity.
"Photos taken with film have an atmosphere that's hard to explain. I think that special feeling adds a differentiated sensibility to my content," says a creator who has gained popularity with film photography content on Instagram.
Industrial Changes and Market Response
Gen Z's analog trend is having a significant impact on the market. Kodak significantly increased production in early 2025 due to a surge in demand for 35mm film, and Fujifilm also released new instant camera models riding on the popularity of the Instax series.
The second-hand film camera market is also booming. Vintage models like the Nikon FM2, Canon AE-1, and Contax T2 have seen significant price increases. The owner of a used camera store in Seoul says, "Film cameras that were just gathering dust in the warehouse five years ago are now selling as soon as they come in."
This trend is also influencing the strategies of digital camera manufacturers. Some manufacturers are adding film simulation modes to digital cameras or releasing models with designs that capture analog sensibilities, actively reflecting Gen Z's tastes.
Analog Wellness and Digital Detox
'Analog wellness' is receiving attention as one of the wellness trends of 2025. This is a lifestyle that intentionally pursues analog activities to reduce mental and physical stress caused by excessive use of digital devices.
Analog activities such as film photography, vinyl record listening, and reading physical books are recognized as effective methods of digital detox. These activities provide opportunities to disconnect from smartphone or computer screens and connect more deeply with the real world.
"The days when I go out with just a film camera, without a smartphone, are a completely different experience. I can focus more on the moment without being disturbed by notification sounds," says an office worker who enjoys film photography as a weekend hobby.
Conclusion: Gen Z Finding a New Balance
The revival of analog hobbies among Gen Z can be seen as a process of finding a new balance between digital and analog, rather than a rejection of digital technology. They are enjoying the convenience of digital while rediscovering the uniqueness and depth of analog.
This phenomenon shows the evolution of human relationships with technology. Initially blindly accepting new technology, gradually recognizing its limitations, and moving toward using technology in a healthier and more meaningful way.
Gen Z's analog hobbies reflect not just a trend, but the essential needs of modern people living in the digital age. It is a longing for the value of slowness, the importance of physical experience, and authentic connections. This trend is expected to continue evolving beyond 2025, adding new layers to digital culture.
