Generation Z (born 1997–2012) is the first generation that grew up fully embedded in social media and digital devices. What is considered an incredible tool for online connections, social media soon proved that constant digital connectivity can get exhausting.
This trend emerges at a time when a growing number of countries are banning social media for minors, and could potentially serve as an alternative to harmful doomscrolling. It could empower users to deliberately reshape their algorithm into something positive and curate a calm and mindful feed.
The recent surge in online videos pertaining to a 'Zen aesthetic' reflects in equal parts a nostalgia for the '2000s Yoga aesthetic' and the growing need for a break of the sensory overload on social media.
Online creators are curating pictures resembling the Japanese Zen visual style and Indian wellness practices like yoga, in what becomes a video collage with soft music, and calming colours.
While these elements are not new, the merge of social media and philosophical religions like Buddhism makes for an interesting new aesthetic. The videos often focus on natural beauty and soothing imagery. This look creates a calm digital environment, and often includes motivational quotes, aiming to simulate a spa-like experience for the viewer.
The stressful nature of the digital age naturally generates a demand for grounded snippets online that promise a counterweight to western consumerism. A craving for natural experiences in a technology-saturated age makes room for this judgement-free and slow space.
What results is an artificial sense of an outdoor experience that allows for a temporary withdrawal from the constant need of attention and urgency online.
This trend, however, creates an inherent contradiction. The goal is to recover from the stress of social media's always-on culture, but the videos that promise a break from that stress are part of the same platform where the problem originates from.
The question remains if the 'Zen aesthetic' is an additional expression of self-realisation or a cause of social media burnout.
Why are young people drawn to this aesthetic and does it result in a stronger appreciation for eastern philosophies? Is the 'Zen aesthetic' a coping mechanism to relieve stress or does it reflect an inherent mentality of Gen Z to place personal health and mental wellness over workplace success? Are spiritual practices thrown out the window for the sake of aestheticisation?
When asked about the trend, a handful of students had concurring opinions.
Many felt that the appeal of the 'Zen aesthetic' stems from the desire to have a break from the pressures imposed by modern capitalist society. One student from the University of Amsterdam felt that people long for a slow-paced life that stands in opposition to capitalism, and the 'Zen Aesthetic' offers them a glimpse of what that could look like.
Similarly, another student was saying that the trend reflects society as a whole, as increasing stress imposed by a globalised-corporate world would turn these videos into a form of escapism. They argued that the videos portray Eastern philosophies as healing and peaceful, which risks simplifying them.
Building on this, the same respondent thought that intense idealisation and aestheticisation risks trivialising the spiritual traditions.
The student from Amsterdam said that it could reflect the performative nature of online posting, as Gen Z loves to curate personas online that don't necessarily translate into their everyday life.
Several respondents thought that there is a trade-off of authenticity for aesthetics. One student from the University of Leiden thought that the videos are not so much about the spiritual practices but more about the "vibe".
They compared this to the way yoga has become a trendy fitness practice rather than aligning and balancing chakras. This adapting of Eastern practices in Western countries is just one example of commodification.
Regarding the effects, the student from Leiden said that the videos have a calming effect on them and create a longing for a similar lifestyle. They sensed a stronger pull towards Eastern philosophies although they don't think the videos capture it 100%. A different respondent agreed on the calming nature even if temporary.
The student from Amsterdam mentioned that the trend is more grounding than other TikTok content and while the videos empower them to adopt a 'letting things go' perspective, they did realise that it is a very 'gentrified way of consuming' a watered down version of real Buddhism.
Despite knowing how trends like this work, all respondents essentially agreed that even surface-level exposure to the videos can help manage stress or facilitate looking at life from a different perspective.
Ultimately, the consensus is that Gen Z should be careful to not idolise and romanticise traditions that they don't know, and that the 'Zen aesthetic' should not be confused with actual Buddhist practices.
In order to accurately acculturate, actual exposure is needed.
