Gen Z is discovering what millennials felt in 2008, and the internet is losing it
The votes are in and millennial optimism is back with all its props: avocado toast, BuzzFeed quizzes, a stomp-clap-he y playlist, and, of course, a Coexist sticker. A blue tsunami swept the 2026 midterm elections. The Democrats won their first senate seat in Kansas since 1932 , and flipped the notoriously red state of Texas blue, taking the governorship and a senate seat, and won control over…
The recent midterm elections saw a surge of optimism akin to what millennials experienced in 2008. Democrats gained control over both chambers of Congress, flipping traditionally Republican states like Kansas and Texas. Social media platforms were flooded with posts celebrating this newfound spirit of hope and possibility. Users drew parallels to iconic media from that era, such as Florence and the Machine's music and BuzzFeed quizzes.
The excitement was not limited to online celebrations; it was also felt in physical spaces, with one user sharing a video of people singing along to "We Are Young" at a club in Austin while election coverage played on screens. This wave of optimism has even spilled over to Gen Z, who are embracing the sentiment in their unique way, often with a touch of humor and sarcasm.
They're reappropriating terms like "lib" and mocking Republican talking points to create celebratory content. The return of millennial optimism seems to have also sparked a renewed interest in nostalgic shows like Glee and Girls.
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