The article explores the reasons millennials embrace minimalism, the societal and psychological factors driving this shift, and how it affects various aspects of their lives. According to a survey from Harris Poll and Eventbrite, 78% of millennials would rather pay for an experience than material goods. In terms of home aesthetics, millennials lean heavily into the trend of coffee shops becoming the new office, collaboration becoming the new competition, and mobility becoming the new stability.
Minimalism has roots in centuries but has gained popularity in modern times due to factors like rising living costs, cultural changes, and lifestyle influences like the tiny house movement. Participants described minimalism as creating “mental space”, resulting in a clearer, more focused mind. This connection between external and internal order allowed them to save money and live more responsibly.
The study aims to explore the antecedents of minimalism and its impact on millennials’ well-being through a sense of “less is more”. Minimalism benefits millennials by keeping them calm and relaxed at home, reducing cleaning and tidying, and stress. It also helps them save money and live more responsibly by reducing possessions and creating calmness, order, and appreciation for what they own.
One important reason for the clash between minimalism and maximalism is the relentless pendulum swing of fashion. The millennial generation, born after the technological revolution, feels the world feels smaller to them than previous generations.
📹 The PROBLEM With Minimalism
Minimalism was a huge lifestyle movement that was popular just a few years ago, but now it seems like almost no one talks about …
Is minimalism a form of OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Spartanism, also known as Obsessive Decluttering, is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that involves an obsession with clearing an area or house, leading to feelings of unwellness. Unlike hoarding, obsessive decluttering does not have its own entry in the DSM. Symptoms are similar to hoarding, but focus on clearing things out. Obsessive decluttering differs from being tidy in that it manifests in a more extreme manner.
The person experiencing obsessive decluttering believes certain objects negatively affect their life and must be thrown out, even if they are of use. This creates an obsessive-compulsive cycle that is detrimental to one’s life.
What does minimalism say about a person?
A minimalist person is someone who values simplicity, usefulness, and clarity, focusing less on material possessions and more on what makes them happy. They avoid non-essentials and enjoy what truly matters to them. Benefits of being a minimalist include improved mental health, less stress, and more time for enjoyable activities. Some signs of a minimalist person include:
- Minimalist lifestyle
- Minimalistic approach
- Minimalistic mindset
- Minimalist mindset
Why are people attracted to minimalism?
Many people are choosing to live a minimalist lifestyle due to environmental concerns, high levels of personal debt, increased global social awareness, and minimalist art. They understand that less consumption leads to less use of the earth’s natural resources and are choosing to make a difference. The popularity of Dave Ramsey and Adam Baker is proof of this trend, as people are choosing to buy less and save more.
As technology has made the world smaller, people are becoming more aware of injustice, poverty, and malnutrition. They are using their finances to make a difference on a global scale by feeding the hungry, providing clean drinking water, fighting back epidemics, and speaking up for the voiceless.
Minimalism art has also gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, as it stripped down art to its fundamental features and became a part of modern design. This has made minimalist principles plausible as a lifestyle and has entered the soul of many people.
Why is minimalism so popular?
Minimalism is a design style that emphasizes conscious consumption and sustainability, promoting a purpose-driven lifestyle. It has practical benefits such as reduced stress, cost savings, and conservation. Originating in the 1960s and 1970s, it was led by artists like Frank Stella and Donald Judd, who challenged the status quo with simple, observable forms. This minimalist style, distinct from Abstract Expressionism, featured clean, geometric shapes and an industrial look.
It gained traction among artists and designers, shaping the visual language of modern design, with aesthetic minimalism playing a significant role in this evolution. Today, minimalist design is a popular choice in homes and galleries worldwide.
What minimalism says about you?
A minimalist person is someone who values simplicity, usefulness, and clarity, focusing less on material possessions and more on what makes them happy. They avoid non-essentials and enjoy what truly matters to them. Benefits of being a minimalist include improved mental health, less stress, and more time for enjoyable activities. Some signs of a minimalist person include:
- Minimalist lifestyle
- Minimalistic approach
- Minimalistic mindset
- Minimalist mindset
Are minimalists actually happier?
A survey by the Simplicity Institute found that 87% of 2, 500 people living with fewer possessions reported being happier now than when they owned more. This may seem contradictory, but considering the benefits of living with less, such as less debt, stress, and cleaning, it makes sense. Happiness is not about owning as many possessions as possible; it’s about living life consistent with one’s greatest passions.
Why are millennials into minimalism?
The “first global generation” is known for their sense of global community, embracing diversity and working towards social improvement. They are also more environmentally conscious, concerned with responsible consumption and purchasing from responsible brands. Minimalism, a conscious consumer lifestyle, is driving increased interest in sustainable and ethical products. This trend is particularly appealing to millennials who value flexibility, as they have experienced financial hardships and may have had to move frequently.
They are less likely to buy a house immediately due to the uncertainty of things changing quickly. As a result, millennials are more likely to adopt a minimalist lifestyle, valuing the flexibility of their lifestyle over ownership.
Why does Gen Z like minimalism?
Minimalism is a concept that encourages living with less, focusing on adding value and meaning to life. As Gen-Z individuals, we are familiar with technology, social media, and constant infobesity. Minimalism offers an alternative to this chaos by making conscious choices to simplify our lives, focus on what truly matters, and create space for experiences over possessions. A clutter-filled living space can reflect our thoughts, so streamlining it can create a calm corner for thinking, creating, and recharge.
Minimalism also challenges us to redefine our relationship with clothing, focusing on classic collections that can be mixed-matched to create a sense of fashion. This approach promotes sustainable fashion choices and simplifies mornings.
Why does Gen Z look older than millennials?
WebMD reports that Botox and retinoids can negatively impact facial development when used excessively or unnecessarily, and that vaping is a likely reason for Gen Z’s older appearance. Vaping introduces harmful chemicals into the body, aging the skin. The New York Times suggests that this sentiment is likely overblown and influenced by a generation raised on social media. Renee Engeln, a psychology professor at Northwestern University, believes that young people have forgotten what faces look like, and that the belief that Gen Z is aging faster due to these factors is likely overblown.
Why is Gen Z so obsessed with aesthetic?
In an essay for Clever, Terry Nguyễn examines the impact of social media on the aesthetic preferences of Generation Z. Nguyễn argues that the emulation of personal style through mass consumption catalogs on platforms like Instagram and TikTok represents a significant influence on the way this generation expresses itself visually. This has resulted in a reduction in the depth of aesthetic inspiration and intention, with stylistic choices becoming mere replications of trends, as evidenced by the “eclectic grandpa” trend.
Why are people obsessed with minimalism?
Minimalism is a philosophy that has been linked to various benefits, including mental well-being, reduced clutter, and improved productivity. Research has shown that living with less clutter can relieve anxiety, reduce distractions, and improve productivity. Minimalism also encourages individuals to prioritize experiences over possessions and spend their time more intentionally. The principles of mindfulness, such as calm, focus, and attention, are intertwined with minimalism.
However, when minimalism is reduced to an aesthetic, it can lead to a monotonous life. The rise of bland corporate style, such as logos and book covers, and urban design, has led to a lack of appreciation for artistic value. Some argue that this minimalist approach signals a lack of appreciation for artistic value.
However, being more minimalist in personal lives doesn’t mean rejecting detail or anything not purely utilitarian. Modern minimalism is associated with boringness, but it’s not the right message. Instead, consider the value future purchases will bring and don’t limit yourself to neutrals and simple patterns just because social media suggests otherwise. By embracing minimalism, individuals can find beauty in everyday life while being less impulsive and more intentional.
📹 Why are millennials obsessed with minimalism? Check this out ☝️😎
the clean aesthetic was a real double edged sword in this whole thing. on the one hand, it was incredibly important in bringing massive amounts of attention to the movement when the millennial generation was starting to really seek self actualization. on the other hand, it provided a clear definition for un-nuanced consumer culture, which was able to quickly move its production to a superficially minimalist look while actively being in opposition to minimalist values.
one thing not touched on in this article is the generational aspect of all of this. Most of those of us who are in our 60s and 70s (and beyond) kept most of what we collected over the years, and now love to surround ourselves with the things that remind us of our lives, our travels, and our friends and loved ones, past and present. When I look around my home, I see paintings and artwork lining the walls, many of which were done by friends who are no longer living, antique pieces that I inherited from family members (and some I purchased myself through the years), photographs of love ones, and of my travels throughout my life. If I’d impulsively thrown these items out during some misguided “minimalistic purge”, I believe I’d have regretted having done so. (And I’m not talking about generic “merchandise’ purchased at stores or online; I’m speaking of sentimental items curated during a lifetime.) I wonder how many young Millennials throwing these types of items away will regret having done so in ten or twenty years’ time.
Thank you very much ! If you read Mary Kondo carefully, she says that it feels bette to have our cupboard look 90% full to have 10% to buy more, just in case. If you are a minimalist, you don’t just buy less you spend the money differently: buying yoga classes, supporting a youtuber, selft-development books…go travelling, support a family member in need… It seems like a different economy, not the slow down of one. 🙂