Gen Z and the art of the side quest—why purposelessness is the ultimate flex |
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Gen Z and the art of the side quest—why purposelessness is the ultimate flex
As a frequent side quester myself, I can assure you, this is a far better dopamine hit than doom-scrolling on Instagram.
Be it participating in an Abhay Deol lookalike contest or attending a pottery class tucked inside a cafe, Gen-Z’s latest obsession is a “side quest.” Done with predictable Instagram trends, they’re gamifying their lives, turning everyday moments into spontaneous, low-stakes adventures.
The term “side questing,” borrowed from games originally referred to optional tasks taken up alongside the main storyline. Now, it’s found a second life offline, describing small, whimsical (or sometimes not so whimsical) detours to break the monotony of daily routines.
As a frequent side quester myself, I can assure you, this is a far better dopamine hit than doom-scrolling on Instagram. There’s something deeply satisfying about choosing curiosity over convenience, and whimsy over routine. Whether it’s taking the longer route home or wandering into a cafe you’ve never noticed before, side questing recodes the mundane.
With side questing, Gen-Z are taking back control........