Out with the old and in with the new! As things become outdated and boring, the next new thing is needed for the masses to obsess over for a short time to satisfy their undying thirst for change. TikTok, known for being the blueprint of the latest trends for many teens, has recently revived the old-fashioned chunky headphones. Those with a presence on FashionTok have been setting forth a new wave of the resurgence of over-the-ear headphones, where individuals on TikTok have been ditching the convenience of earbuds and replacing them with the aesthetic of headphones. Headphones are no longer being bought for their quality, but rather for their perceived “coolness”.

What is the cause for chunky headphones’ second debut? Well, according to Gen-Z, they have decided that the retro aesthetic is back in, and it just so happens that chunky headphones fit into this category. The resurgence of chunky headphones stems from the 1980s, back when technology wasn’t advanced enough to produce wireless earbuds. When Sony introduced the Walkman in 1979, it changed the way people experienced the world around them. Although we have progressively moved on from that era, it seems that the trends never really died out. “I think Gen-Z is hyper-obsessed with the idea of “the way things used to be”,” said junior Trey Harris. “Everyone’s always talking about how they should’ve been born in the ’80s or the ’90s. Now with [over the ear] headphones trending again, they can somewhat feel like they are living in it.”

Does this mean Gen-Z prefers the aesthetic of chunky headphones over the capable earbuds? Quality-wise, the two aren’t so different. With earbuds now possessing the noise canceling feature, they seem to be just as capable as headphones are. There is also more convenience that comes with owning earbuds, as they are easier to transport than large headphones. Yet, when it came down to it, most agreed that one of their main reasons for investing in headphones would be for the “aesthetic factor” they hold. “I’ve heard mixed reviews about [the new Apple headphones], but they’re just so pretty,” said Junior Diana Mansouri. “While I find earbuds more convenient, I would say that headphones definitely appear cooler, and I probably would get them based on that alone.”

All that being said, is it worth it to invest in some bulky headphones just to play into trends? If aesthetics play a big role in your life, then it just may be. It is okay to be influenced by today’s trends, however, it is important to remember that trends come and go; what once was will probably resurface a few years from now. When Apple releases their new generation of Airpods, those will more than likely start to trend, and earbuds will regain their shine in the light. Therefore, it is up to you to decide what is more valuable: aesthetics or functionality.