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Many are saying that the newest viral trend of public lookalike contests marks Gen Z’s first experience of genuine, in-person community and belonging.
The trend began in New York during a Timothée Chalamet lookalike competition, which gained global attention when the real Timothée Chalamet unexpectedly attended, catapulting the event across TikTok algorithms worldwide.
The concept—gathering a group of men to be judged on who most closely resembles a famous celebrity—has since spread like wildfire to other cities.
These events have offered Gen Z a rare glimpse into the pre-social media, pre-pandemic, pre-cost-of-living-crisis era, when social gatherings were far more frequent and spontaneous.
“It’s so strange, there’s like, all these random strangers here? All participating in a collective activity? for a non-financial cause? no one is going to believe me when I tell them what happened today” Said, Pippa Davis (21), an inner-city local who attended a Heath Ledger look-a-like contest.
“It’s giving… community” she added.
Sociologists are taking note. “This signals a shift,” said Dr. Martha Wilkins, a youth culture researcher.
“Gen Z are discovering what their ancestors called ‘fun’—face-to-face interaction and low-stakes competition. Remarkable.”
The contests are sparking self-awareness too. “I came to win but left with something better,” said Marcus Green (23), runner-up in a Harry Styles contest. “I spoke in front of strangers for the first time outside of high school, ever”
Older generations remain amused. “They’re just… hanging out?” asked Barry Nelson (67). “We did that at the local roller-rink every Friday, but good for them, I guess.”
Whether the trend lasts or fades, Gen Z seems to enjoy looking at each other instead of screens—if only briefly.
