Adults Embrace Plushies & Pokémon: The Joyful Rejection of “Cringe” Culture

The simple question echoed a quiet anxiety many young adults feel: “Is it okay to be over 18 and still love buying plushies, collecting Pokémon cards, and having extremely nerdy hobbies and interests?” When Twitter user @pyrarity posed this query, the internet responded with an overwhelming wave of affirmation, racking up over 8.8 million views. The resounding message? Not only is it okay, it’s a vital part of joyful adulthood. Shelves brimming with collectibles and beds covered in stuffed animals flooded the replies, showcasing a proud community of adult plushie collectors and enthusiasts who have embraced their passions unapologetically.

The Rise and Rejection of Cringe Culture

@pyarity’s hesitation stemmed from a pervasive online environment: the fear of being labeled “cringe.” For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, this label has been weaponized, often stifling genuine self-expression. As Rolling Stone documented, anything displaying earnest effort or deep enjoyment – from trying new hobbies to simply caring “too much” – risks online ridicule. This creates a paralyzing fear of judgment that extends beyond the digital realm.

• Poet and NYU professor Ocean Vuong witnesses this firsthand with his students. “They say, ‘I want to be a good writer, but it’s a bit cringe,'” Vuong shared in an interview with ABC News. “‘I don’t want to be perceived as trying and having an effortful attempt at my dreams.’ They are absolutely scared of judgment.” Vuong observes young people masking their sincere efforts behind layers of irony or detachment, craving passion but only daring to pursue it privately. “They perform cynicism because cynicism can be misread, as it often is, as intelligence,” he noted. “I think sincerity is something we deeply hunger for… but we are embarrassed when sincerity is in the room.

Finding Freedom in Fandom

Despite the pressure, a powerful counter-movement is growing. Memes declaring “I am cringe, but I am free” have become rallying cries. Vuong emphasizes the critical need to foster environments where trying isn’t mocked but celebrated: “You have to set the tone… so that they can be sincere and earnest without being condemned or ridiculed for it.”

The response to @pyrarity’s tweet was that environment. Adults of all ages proudly showcased their collections, rejecting the notion that maturity demands abandoning childhood joys. By the time you are 30, you are gonna be desperate to get back in touch with that inner child that so many people your age are desperate to grow out of,” replied @Hoodie_Milly. “People who cling to their maturity over their interests lead boring, miserable lives.” User @gilmxres captured the existential shrug many feel: “I hate that everyone thinks your life is just supposed to be mundane and boring once you’re an adult. enjoy your nerdy hobbies and interests!! who cares!! we’re on a floating rock in space.”

Must Know

Q: Is it really common for adults to collect plushies or Pokémon cards?
A: Absolutely. The massive response to @pyrarity’s tweet (8.8M+ views) and countless online communities dedicated to adult plushie collectors, trading card enthusiasts, and niche hobbies demonstrate its prevalence. Many adults find comfort, nostalgia, and genuine joy in these collections, often having more disposable income to pursue them seriously.

Q: Why do some adults feel ashamed of these hobbies?
A: The fear often stems from “cringe culture” – the online tendency to mock anything perceived as overly earnest, childish, or outside mainstream norms. As Ocean Vuong noted, there’s a misplaced association of cynicism with intelligence, making sincere enthusiasm feel risky. Societal pressure to conform to rigid “adult” expectations also plays a role.

Q: What are the benefits of embracing “nerdy” interests as an adult?
A: Benefits include stress relief, fostering creativity, connecting with like-minded communities, preserving a sense of playfulness and wonder, and simply experiencing pure, unadulterated joy. Engaging in hobbies purely for personal satisfaction is a hallmark of authentic living.

Q: How can someone overcome the fear of being seen as “cringe”?
A: Start by seeking supportive communities online or locally focused on your interest. Remember the core message from the viral response: true maturity means owning what brings you happiness without external validation. Focus on the personal joy the hobby brings, and gradually practice sharing it with trusted friends. As the meme goes: embrace being “cringe” and be free.

Q: Are there studies supporting the value of playful hobbies for adults?
A: Research consistently highlights the importance of play and leisure activities for adult mental health and well-being. Organizations like the National Institute for Play (though not a .gov, a recognized authority) explore how play reduces stress, boosts creativity, and improves cognitive function, regardless of age. Embracing hobbies like collecting fits squarely into this beneficial play category.

The viral embrace of @pyrarity’s question – from shelves overflowing with plushies to passionate defenses of Pokémon card collections – signals a powerful shift. Adult plushie collectors and enthusiasts of all “nerdy” passions are rejecting the suffocating constraints of “cringe” culture. They are choosing joy, nostalgia, community, and the simple truth that adulthood is infinitely richer when we unapologetically cherish the things that spark genuine delight. As Vuong suggests, creating spaces for sincere enthusiasm is crucial. So, display that plushie, sleeve that rare card, and dive deep into your niche hobby. In a world often demanding conformity, finding and fiercely protecting your unique joy isn’t childish – it’s the essence of a life well-lived. Embrace what makes you happy.