The pandemic significantly transformed Gen Z’ers from their school experience to the cancellation of major events, including the tradition of prom, a definitive high school rite of passage. Before, prom was characterized by large gatherings, elaborate preparations, and a sense of shared experience among students.
As the pandemic continued, students who started as remote freshmen are graduating seniors this year. For Nia Daniel, a student at the Bronx Studio School, the pandemic started before her freshman year. At that time, her eighth-grade prom and graduation were canceled. She wasn’t sure what would happen when she got to high school, so now that she’s a high school senior prepping for her prom, she realized she’s more excited to make memories that were once taken from her.
“I don’t really get to bond with my senior peers as much unless it’s student government-related, so we don’t get that experience,” she tells GU. “For prom, we’re all going to be in the same space, and I already told a lot of my classmates that I’m going to make sure I talk to everyone and take a picture so I can make that memory of the connection that we had.”
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With the return of in-person proms, students wanted to make up for lost time and the missed experiences of the previous years. The desire to celebrate and create memorable experiences led to more elaborate prom plans. Many students got creative for their big day, from detailed prom send-offs to luxury gowns and cars. The pandemic’s impact on mental health and the sense of lost time also contributed to the heightened enthusiasm for prom.
Students, having endured prolonged periods of isolation and uncertainty, were eager to celebrate and reconnect with their peers significantly. The heightened emotional value of the event in the post-pandemic era prompted students to go all out. “I believe that some students missing the junior prom because of COVID-19 encouraged them to go big for their senior prom,” says Kenidi Johnson, a 2024 graduate of Arabia Mountain High School.
Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the extravagance of post-pandemic proms. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter became showcases for elaborate prom preparations and celebrations, creating a ripple effect as students wanted to create their own moments. This digital influence has encouraged students to invest more in their prom experience, from renting luxury vehicles to organizing grand entrances.
Though social media seems to focus only on virality, Daniel sees it as a moment of connection. “People are connecting online, complimenting each other, and giving encouragement,” she tells GU.
The emphasis on community and resilience post-pandemic has added a deeper layer of significance to prom. It became more than just a dance; it symbolized a return to normalcy and a celebration of overcoming adversity. “We put our all in prom because it is a one-night-only experience,” Johnson says. “Prom is something you can never relive, so why not go big.”
This collective effort to create a meaningful and extravagant prom experience reflects a broader societal shift towards cherishing and celebrating moments of joy and togetherness in the aftermath of global disruption. Having spent significant time apart due to lockdowns and remote learning, students have developed a newfound appreciation for in-person interactions and the joy of coming together. “Everyone was behind a screen and they were reserved, to themselves and isolated, so when you have events like prom or graduation, you get to break out of that and be engaged with everybody and have some fun,” Daniel tells GU.
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About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.