Why are all the Gen Z’s giving up on AirPods?
Instagram account Wired It Girls have dedicated themselves to posting about wired headphones, and frankly its a vibe…
In recent years, a fascinating trend has emerged among Gen Z (the demographic cohort of Y2K worshippers born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.)
This trend involves the deliberate abandonment of the sleek and wireless AirPods in favor of their traditional, wired counterparts. While wireless earbuds have dominated the audio market with their convenience and stylish appeal, an increasing number of Gen Zers are gravitating back towards the old-fashioned wired headphones.
Wednesday star Jenna Ortega is a wired headphones fan
Clearly, there is a fashion element at play here. As trends tend to be cyclical, Gen Z are embracing the retro aesthetic of wired headphones. They appreciate the vintage look and the nostalgic appeal and 2000s aesthetic that wired headphones evoke. This divergence from the mainstream can be seen as a form of self-expression and a rejection of the homogeneity associated with the ubiquitous AirPods.
Instagram account Wired It Girls are case in point, the account which currently boasts a cool 13.7K followers have documented this shift, posting photos of style icons including Devon Lee Carson, Lily Rose Depp and Bella Hadid wearing the classic white wired Apple headphones. Even the millennial style set is at it, Emily Ratajkowski was photographed with wired headphones earlier this week.
One of the primary reasons behind this shift could be the growing concern for sustainability. Gen Z is known for its environmental consciousness and commitment to reducing waste. Wired headphones are generally seen as more durable than wireless earbuds, as they don't rely on fragile batteries or complex charging mechanisms. With fewer electronic components, they tend to last longer, resulting in reduced electronic waste. By opting for wired headphones, are Gen Zers are making a conscious choice to minimise their ecological footprint?
Another factor influencing this trend is the pursuit of better audio quality. While AirPods and other wireless earbuds offer convenience and portability, some argue that they often compromise on sound fidelity. Wired headphones and earphones, on the other hand, are renowned for delivering superior audio performance due to their physical connection to the audio source.
@moriahhhhr_ jk i had to buy them to do voiceovers lol #pinterestgirl #fyp ♬ original sound - speedxsoundzxz
“Using wired headphones, which are directly attached to your device, mitigates any potential connectivity or Bluetooth issue that you may experience with wireless headphones,“ explains Phiaton, “Analog signals are used in wired headphones to deliver excellent sound quality, which can handle more data than digital signals like Bluetooth. The audio won’t have to go through so much processing to reach you, making for a much cleaner, crisper audio in its full resolution.”
Gen Zers, being avid consumers of music, podcasts, and other forms of audio content, prioritize sound quality and find that wired headphones provide a more immersive listening experience.
EarPods with Lightning Connector
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Numerous TikTok videos have emerged featuring "trend forecasters" discussing the resurgence of the "vintage" trend, and fashion experts have also contributed to this analysis. These videos, in their thousands, delve into the reasons behind the reemergence of vintage fashion and offer insights from professionals in the fashion industry.
Bottom line? If you want to look cool, stay wired…
