〘 12 ⋆ 02 ⋆ 2042 〙

Subject: I feel immersed on 2010 lately.

I have recently developed a peculiar fascination with the early 2010s era of the internet. This curiosity was piqued when I encountered a video titled "I'm lonely", uploaded by zombiebeatz2000 on January 27, 2010. It struck me as rather peculiar, considering the video's theme, and left me questioning why YouTube would recommend such content. My discovery of zombiebeatz2000 transpired approximately four days ago, leading me down a proverbial rabbit hole of perusing videos from the late 2000s to the early 2010s. It feels as though I am gradually immersing myself in this peculiar, deep virtual world from a time when everything exuded a sense of fun and joy.

The advent of TikTok in the contemporary era juxtaposes this sentiment, evoking a somewhat melancholic feeling. Individuals seem to engage in activities more for attention than genuine enjoyment. YouTube, too, has undergone a transformation, with people now posting content primarily for attention and financial gain rather than sheer enjoyment. The videos exhibit low quality, often with a resolution of 1024x768 pixels, even though advanced cameras were not as prevalent during that period. Attention-seeking in the past was more light-hearted and less inclined towards dangerous or illogical challenges. Despite the chaos, everything seemed to make sense.

This technological landscape was not as universally accessible back then; presently, the internet seems to engulf individuals in a detrimental manner.

The allure of Tumblr is another aspect that beckons me to revisit the past. While the period from the 2010s to 2014s is often labeled as "cringe", I appreciate the diversity and healthy trends that characterized that era. People were more open about mental health issues, addressing taboos by romanticizing it without necessarily encouraging them. The aesthetics of that time held deeper meaning compared to those of 2023, reflecting genuine effort and intention. However, I am aware that attempting to emulate the aesthetics of the early 2010s to 2018 would be deemed outdated, akin to Frutiger Aero and skeuomorphic designs.

I reminisce about a time when the internet served as an escape, albeit an unhealthy one in its own unique way. Nowadays, everyone seems to be influenced by a multitude of factors, shaping identities based on internet exposure that often entails acquiring undesirable habits. The freedom that once characterized this space has diminished, replaced by heightened sensitivity and toxicity. Everything has become overly scrutinized, and the romanticized nature of the past has been replaced by a more hostile environment. My solace in discussing mental health issues, particularly eating disorders, on Tumblr is rooted in the platform's enduring resonance with the ambiance of the 2010s. Conversely, mental health discussions on Twitter seem less safe, with an environment that fosters negativity among its users.

[December 2, 2042. - 23:59]