Nearly half of the individuals belonging to the so-called Generation Z in the United States—those born approximately between 1997 and 2012—would prefer to live in the past rather than the present or the future. This sentiment emerges amidst a landscape of growing pessimism concerning the country's trajectory and the pervasive impact of technology on daily life.

According to an NBC News poll, 47% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 stated they would choose another era if given the chance: 33% would opt for a period less than 50 years ago—such as the 1990s or early 2000s—while 14% would choose even more distant times. In contrast, 38% expressed a preference for living in the present, while a mere 15% would choose the future.

The survey reflects a critical outlook on generational prospects: 62% of young people believe their lives will be worse than those of previous generations, and 80% believe the United States is on the wrong track—the highest percentage among all age groups.

A primary driver of this perspective is an ambivalent relationship with technology. Many young adults point to the exhaustion of being permanently connected and the erosion of direct personal bonds as factors fueling nostalgia for eras preceding the dominance of social media.

"In the past, there were more personal experiences and less dependence on the phone," explained one respondent, referring to the appeal of the 1990s—a decade perceived as a balance between technological advancement and offline life.

This phenomenon is also manifested in cultural trends: from the resurgence of 80s and 90s fashion to a renewed interest in devices like iPods or cassettes, which serve as symbols of simpler, less invasive technology.

Experts suggest that this "cultural nostalgia" often intensifies during periods of political, social, or technological uncertainty. Faced with fears linked to the advancement of artificial intelligence or social polarization, looking backward functions as a form of refuge.

At the same time, a portion of Generation Z does not advocate for a total rejection of technology, but rather a search for equilibrium: reducing digital dependency and reclaiming spaces for community and direct contact.

"It’s about reconnecting with what is real," summarized another participant in the study, highlighting the need to strengthen bonds outside the online world.

The data suggests a shift in sensibility within a generation that, despite being raised in the digital age, is beginning to question its effects and redefine its relationship with technology and the future.