BuzzFeed Revives 2000s Nostalgia with New Personality Quiz Inspired by 2010s Shopping Culture
NEW YORK, NY — In a digital age dominated by fast fashion and online shopping, BuzzFeed has launched a fresh personality quiz that invites users to relive the carefree spirit of the 2010s mall culture while discovering which iconic 2000s movie character aligns with their personality. The quiz, titled “Shop Like It’s The 2010s And We’ll Reveal Which Iconic 2000s Character Matches Your Personality,” taps into the nostalgia of a decade when trips to Hot Topic or Claire’s were more than errands—they were cultural experiences.
Created by BuzzFeed staff writer Tanishtha Kotian, the quiz captures the essence of a time when shopping was as much about self-expression as it was about purchasing. “The aura of the shopping malls and outlets in the 2010s was something else; it was just more fun and carefree back then,” Kotian wrote. She recalls the excitement of curating outfits inspired by pop culture icons like Elle Woods from “Legally Blonde” or Hannah Montana, a reflection of the era’s vibrant youth fashion.
Users are prompted to imagine spending a day shopping at their favorite 2010s mall spots, choosing between nostalgic stores such as Hot Topic, known for its alternative and pop-punk merchandise, or Claire’s, famous for its colorful accessories and teenage charm. Based on these choices, the quiz reveals which beloved 2000s character best matches their personality, blending fashion preferences with pop culture archetypes.
This interactive experience is part of a broader trend where digital media outlets leverage nostalgia to engage audiences. According to the Library of Congress, nostalgia-driven content can foster emotional connections that enhance user engagement and cultural appreciation. BuzzFeed’s quiz not only entertains but also serves as a cultural touchstone for millennials and Gen Zers reflecting on their formative years.
As shopping habits continue to evolve, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting steady growth in e-commerce, this quiz offers a playful reminder of the social and cultural significance of physical retail spaces in the 2010s. It encourages users to reminisce about the mall’s role as a community hub and a stage for self-discovery.
BuzzFeed’s approach aligns with research from the National Endowment for the Arts, which highlights how engagement with popular culture and media can enrich personal identity and social connections. By merging fashion, personality, and nostalgia, the quiz creates a unique digital experience that resonates across generations.
For those interested in exploring the quiz and diving into a nostalgic shopping spree, the full experience is available on BuzzFeed’s platform, inviting everyone to find out if they’re more of an Elle Woods, a Hannah Montana, or another iconic 2000s figure. As Kotian notes, “I miss it whenever I’m browsing online stores,” capturing a sentiment many share about the magic of mall culture.
As digital and cultural landscapes continue to shift, initiatives like this quiz underscore the enduring power of nostalgia and the ways in which past decades continue to shape contemporary identity and entertainment.
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