Digital cameras, wired earbuds, portable DVD players; society has outgrown the need for these tools, but now more than ever, Gen Z seems focused on capturing the present with technology of the past.
Devices from the early 2000s like iPods and flip phones, as well as vintage technology like record players and Polaroid cameras, are on the rise once again, and this is due to Gen Z’s desire for personality and soul in their everyday gadgets, something considered lacking in today’s mainstream tech.
COMPASS sophomore Dani Dominguez prefers the authenticity that comes from older technology, stating how more “character” is present in their design and functionality.
“With handheld cameras, you’re holding and messing around with it; it’s interactive. On the phone, you’re just tapping a flat surface,” Dominguez shared, highlighting her main grievance with modern-day cell phones cameras.
Not only are these older devices more appealing on an operational level to younger generations, but they also serve as a much needed reminder to slow down, be deliberate, and live in the moment.
“[Gen Z] have grown up with such access to immediacy,” says Millikan Photography teacher Scott Coppenger, attributing this as to why old tech is so refreshing in our “visually and mentally bombarding” digital landscape.
“If we don’t use it, we lose it,” Coppenger went on to state, reiterating the importance of this technology now more than ever.
Gen Z has found reliability and heart in these retro gadgets, and their revitalization proves that raw, tangible, technology will always have a place in society.
Sophia Quezada • Feb 11, 2026 at 11:36 am
I loved this article because it was a reminder to slow down in a world where you have immediate access to nearly everything through the internet. It is so easy to become lost in doomscrolling or viewing everyones stories and posts. I connected to this article as I have a record player, and have been trying to grow my collection. As mentioned in the article by Dani Dominguez, you become more grounded in your memories and emotions when you’re interacting with physical media instead of a phone. It feels more personal. I enjoyed the way this article included the variety of ways Gen Z is turning towards older technology. Especially in an age where Gen Z is criticized for being too obsessed with social media and technology, this article is proof that not everyone wants to live a life completely dominated by their phones.
Sincerely,
Sophia Quezada
Brianna Luna • Feb 3, 2026 at 10:12 pm
Daigle does a great job of covering how and why Gen Z has started to use technology from previous generations. Daigle presents us with various perspectives on this topi, many of which agree that the use of these older devices are appealing and interactive to the younger generations as well as a reminder “ to live in the moment”.
I found this article and perspectives to be quite relatable. As someone who owns a digital camera, it is my preferred device to take pictures and videos with.A contributing factor is because of the quality of pictures that we are receiving. Digital camera pics have a certain aesthetic that are hard to recreate through your phone and when the pictures are taken they hold a sense of nostalgia which is why so many people love them.
Daigle makes a strong claim that technology has an important role in our society. This perfectly encapsulates that different forms of media will always be present in our society. Even as technology evolves, devices from the past are still very prevalent and influential in our society.
Adrina Vieville • Feb 3, 2026 at 8:07 pm
February 2, 2026
Dear Corydon Editor,
Daigle states that the use of simpler technology is more appealing to teens and young adults who have grown up with the most advanced tech. She claims, “…the authenticity that comes from older technology, stating how more “character” is present in their design and functionality.” This is a statement that, as a member of Gen Z, I completely agree with. Our phones do so much that it feels almost overwhelming, and the simplicity of older tech is much more palatable. I also enjoy the way Daigle explains Gen Z’s movement towards older tech, and the addition of interviews really drives that point home.
Sincerely,
Adrina Vieville
Adrina • Feb 3, 2026 at 8:03 pm
February 2, 2026
Dear Corydon Editor,
Daigle states that the use of simpler technology is more appealing to teens and young adults who have grown up with the most advanced tech. She claims, “…the authenticity that comes from older technology, stating how more “character” is present in their design and functionality.” This is a statement that, as a member of Gen Z, I completely agree with. Our phones do so much that it feels almost overwhelming, and the simplicity of older tech is much more palatable. I also enjoy the way Daigle explains Gen Z’s movement towards older tech, and the addition of interviews really drives that point home.
Sincerely,
Adrina Vieville
Bailey Connor • Feb 3, 2026 at 1:56 pm
On February 3, 2026, Nicole Daigle wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. All in all the article was both engaging and impactful. It made some very interesting and insightful points on the technology driven lives we all lead to today and how that can stop us from living in the moment and enjoying the world around us. I myself have felt the effects of today’s technology, and how everything feels as if it is missing something. A spark if you will. This article helped me to see that I am not the only one who holds this opinion and wishes to change something about the situation we are in.
I also agreed with Daigle’s closing statement about how these “retro gadgets” will never fully disappear. Even as brand new technology is being created and mass produced every day, each one “bigger and better” than the last, it still is not the same. There is just something about using a digital camera or DVD player that is almost nostalgic. Reminding us of a distant past that isn’t as far away as modern technology makes it seem. Everything is moving so fast nowadays. As Daigle says these old technologies serve as a “reminder to slow down, be deliberate, and live in the moment.”, and that is a statement I couldn’t agree more with.
Charlotte Norrell • Feb 3, 2026 at 1:51 pm
On January 26, 2026, Nicole Daigle wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. I simply admire this article because I too have fallen into this nostalgic use of technology over the past few months. I like how she mentioned how “Gen Z’s desire for personality and soul in their everyday gadgets” has influenced our use of technology today. In reality, the new iPhone 17 doesn’t matter to me. It doesn’t matter how good the camera is or how far it can zoom in. It’s all about capturing memories. Highlighting the fact that old tech is “refreshing”, this article helped me appreciate the value that these nostalgic gadgets hold. Everything seems to come back into style, and kids these days are simply embracing the past and it’s unique tech. I do want to ask, what is your favorite piece of nostalgic technology? All in all, in my opinion, digital camera photos always come out better than iPhone photos!
Julian Stout • Feb 3, 2026 at 1:18 pm
In the article, Daigle proceeds to use multiple sources to support her topic, as well as going into detail into what these sources mean by what they are saying. Daigle does a good job at using an expressive vocabulary, as well as going in depth as to what the article is about.
To add on, Daigle provides a solid background on the topic, explaining the different devices that are being used now. One question I do have is about how to school will react to the use of these old devices, like an ipod or other older music devices, and if they will treat them the same way as our phones and airpods. Will we still have some freedom when it comes to expressing ourselves, even with older gadgets like these?
Maxime Meredith • Feb 3, 2026 at 11:54 am
As conveyed in the article, I have seen a massive change in the public’s technology, with everyone going more retro. Even I personally find retro cameras way more interesting and fun compared to a normal phone, it takes skill and time to learn how to use them. With handheld cameras, taking pictures feels more like a hobby and a skill than something everyone knows how to do. Even though they are clunky and big, they often produce better photos with a better feeling of pride after taking them than the typical phone picture.
Also, with new technology, comfort isn’t really an appeal its more about buying the next biggest product from the biggest company, that’s why I think there’s been a massive switch to wired earbuds. Not only are airpods uncoftobl the audio quality sucks compared to wired earbuds. I completely agree with Daigle’s view on the topic that these pieces of technology are embedded in society. We keep coming back to them, and there’s definitely a reason.
Laurie Newport • Feb 3, 2026 at 11:52 am
The article provides good commentary on how highschoolers have grown too accustomed to newer ideas and agendas and want something more traditional for a change.
I would like to add that the progressive nature of our current society rarely makes room for ideas that are not ´efficient´ or ´up to date’. Therefore we tend to get caught up in what we need to be doing instead of what we want to be doing. Many see this transition into this digital age as lifeless, lacking nuance because of how easy it is for people to disassociate and indulge in automated processes.
Moreover, this commentary can say a lot about our current state of the marketing landscape. It is often that big technology companies will push out new products that worship maximum productivity, embracing a world that forces people to be almost dependent on mechanization and artificial technology. Because of this transition people have been obligated to buy more and more things they may not need or want. Analog technology takes a step back from heavy consumerism and allows students to engage in media at their own pace. Without constant exposure to oversaturated content, life becomes a lot more manageable and self-paced. Great job encapsulating this new inclination towards analog technology.
Sincerely,
Laurie Newport
Noelle Ball • Feb 3, 2026 at 11:32 am
I would like to praise the author’s coverage of this topic as it actively reflects my opinion. As a junior, I find myself using “older” technology more frequently. From digital cameras to records to wired earbuds, these things still hold a place in my life. While newer technology can sometimes be easier and less work, I find myself agreeing with the article as it states that these “older” pieces of technology help remind us to slow down and live in the moment. Having a tangible item that requires work to reach the product places more emphasis on the journey than the product, helping us to be more deliberate. The quote added by Millikan Photography teacher Scott Coppenger helped to build up the argument of the piece. Specifically, the contrast of the two sources used (student and teacher) helped to expand the credibility of the piece by giving two similar perspectives from two different age ranges. I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and find myself reflected in the writing.
Chloe Garica • Feb 3, 2026 at 11:26 am
On January 26, 2026, Nicole Daigle wrote an article titled “ Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. This article initially caught my attention because of the title. It addresses Gen Z’s new found embrace of analog media. I enjoyed reading this article because I believe it applies to a lot of teenagers currently like myself. I use wired headphones and handheld cameras very frequently. I know that I reach for these devices because of how they capture a sense of personality and authenticity that my phone may not. Although these new devices are not necessary because of current technology, they are much more interesting because of the numerous ways you are able to interact with them. I know that these forms of analog media will continue to hold a place in society as long as it provides reliability and allows for people to discover their character or personality.
Kaia Nguyen • Feb 3, 2026 at 11:19 am
This article does a great job at encapsulating the reasons as to why older technology is becoming more popular amongst my generation. I enjoyed how Daigle explained how analogic technology offers more “character” in its usage. I also liked how Daigle incorporated a more broader reason as to why it is popular and important to appreciate these old devices. She explains how these devices allow people to create things with more intention and offers an opposing perspective to this new world of immediacy, that most people from Generation Z are used to.
One suggestion I have that I think would enhance this article is for the author to elaborate on more examples of popular devices and why their use is beneficial to the well being of young people. Although she did elaborate on this with the example of handheld cameras, it would be interesting to see why other technologies are becoming more widespread again such as portable DVD players and wired earbuds.
Micah Overby • Feb 3, 2026 at 10:00 am
On January 26, 2026 Nicole Daigle Wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. This article highlighted the newfound use of analog technology in Gen Z’s youth. It was very helpful in informing me of the reasons why these items became so popular seemingly out of nowhere. The idea that cameras force students to slow down and enjoy the time they spend was interesting to me. I did not see that as a reason for the use of analog technology. It shows how modern technology lacks the soul and unique personality present in analog technology. The article highlights that Gen Z is looking for these unique personal gadgets to use in their everyday life. My only wish is that that the article highlighted how other tech than cameras are being used and where the origin was of those other analog gadgets.
Angel Contreras • Feb 3, 2026 at 9:42 am
On January 26, 2026 Nicole Diagle wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media” This title was very eyegrabbing to me because it was labeled that Gen z is rewinding the clock on technology. I also really enjoyed how you start off with mentioning all the gadgets and listing them and how they are growing once again in today’s technology. In addition, I really liked how you mentioned that the older technology is more appealing to Gen Zand how it should be a reminder to slow down and live in the moment. This is because it adds more into the article and makes it more interesting.
Also to add on, I really enjoyed how you mentioned the student’s perspective within your article which made it more diverse and eyegrabbing. Also mentioning the Millikan Highschool photography teacher in and his opinion on it was very interesting. And also really liked how you mentioned his quote of, “If we don’t use it, we lose it” which added more to the article and made it overall pleasant to read. I also really enjoyed how you mentioned the fact that Gen Z uses these gadgets to add in personality and soul in their present day gadgets and functionality. Furthermore, the mentioning of how Gen Z has found reliability in these gadgets also adds on to the article. Which I personally enjoyed reading.
To sum up, your article was really eyegrabbing towards me and caught my attention with how well it was written.. I also really enjoyed reading it and how old 2000s technology is on the rise. Also really enjoyed how you mentioned the opinions of students and teachers within the article. Lastly the article was well written and very pleasant to read.
Adrian Torres • Feb 2, 2026 at 9:20 pm
February 2, 2026
Dear Corydon Editor,
On January 26, 2026, Nicole Daigle wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. After reading this article, I felt it had a very relatable message. Given I am a high schooler at Millikan, I have been surrounded by friends and acquaintances who have been utilizing digital cameras during hangouts, football games, concerts, and more. I have even been influenced by this large resurgence to long for my own digital camera because I like the idea of having all of my favorite memories with my friends stored on a device separate from my complicated and convoluted phone.
To continue, I enjoyed the addition of the poll asking students whether they prefer phones or digital cameras. At the time I gave my answer, I noticed two-thirds of the voters voted for digital cameras, which strengthens the original message of how teens are leaning towards digital cameras for photos these days.
I truly appreciate the author, Nicole Diagle, for creating this article, because it has a positive outlook on teenagers rather than the overwhelmingly negative one many articles and studies have. Diagle portraying high schoolers as creating this switch to digital cameras as a way to find peace in the overwhelming online world sets a strong message that teenagers are moving in the right direction, demonstrating a positive change teenagers have made in their lives, rather than a negative one.
Sincerely,
Adrian Torres
Juliana Reichardt • Feb 2, 2026 at 8:30 pm
As someone who has, of recent years, become more interested in physical media, it is good to see others embrace it as well. Those of us in the tail end of Gen Z exist in an interesting spot where much of the technology and internet had already been developed by the time we were of age to use it. It gave us so much more unfettered access to mindlessly scroll our time away.
Physical media, as highlighted in the article, has a greater character than that of digital technology. You are able to actually hold in your hands a unique piece of art that was specially designed for one purpose. I am a fan of CDs, and I have a CD player in my bedroom. The act of going and specially picking out an album of songs, getting to see how the artist wanted the album to be interpreted, and hearing its sound is a much more personal experience than unlimited choices. Too many choices is a problem in itself as the art loses all meaning. Overall, this article is very beneficial at highlighting the ways that students can connect more deeply with media.
Liam Lee Balmeo • Feb 2, 2026 at 1:34 pm
On January 26, 2026, Nicole Daigle wrote an article titled “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media”. I read this while exploring the latest articles among the Corydon, and her work has allowed me to further my understanding of this new phenomenon and how the new generation is accepting traditional forms of technology. Daigle emphasizes the surge in popularity of technologies such as DVD’s, disposable cameras, wired earbuds, and as she stated, “Devices…as well as vintage technology…are on the rise once again, and this is due to Gen Z’s desire for personality and soul in their everyday gadgets”. Not only does she state key instances of this newfound movement, but embodies the impacts of these past technologies throughout the article. I applaud her commitment to this subject, and relate to the topics discussed as I personally enjoy “vintage”/“analog” technology.
I admire each aspect of this article, and I am intrigued by the topic that is discussed. I believe that the strength of her article is in her explanation and reasoning, which is tangible and relatable. Each one of the interviewees, both students and teachers, contribute to the conversation and add key elements to our understanding of this new trend. I wish that there were more students who utilize these technologies to give their perspectives on the topic and shared their experiences and opinions using it. Additionally, I believe that emphasizing the impact of each vintage or analog technology, such as the use of old cameras or music players, would be an excellent addition to the article. If more opinions or student/staff statements were included in this work, then the claims of the author and could be comprehended by the audience on a deeper level.
Altogether, “Rewinding the Clock on Technology: Gen Z’s Embrace of Analog Media” is a well-crafted article that has caused many, including myself, to realize and reflect upon a new technological movement in this country’s younger generations. I appreciate the effort taken to create this piece, and its lasting impact on its audience.
Sophia Quezada • Feb 2, 2026 at 11:43 am
I loved this article because it was a reminder to slow down in a world where you have immediate access to nearly everything through the internet. It is so easy to become lost in doomscrolling or viewing everyones stories and posts. I connected to this article as I have a record player, and have been trying to grow my collection. As mentioned in the article by Dani Dominguez, you become more grounded in your memories and emotions when you’re interacting with physical media instead of a phone. It feels more personal. I enjoyed the way this article included the variety of ways Gen Z is turning towards older technology. Especially in an age where Gen Z is criticized for being too obsessed with social media and technology, this article is proof that not everyone wants to live a life completely dominated by their phones.
Sincerely,
Sophia Quezada