social media has taught us that everyone can be categorized, understood and either written off or accepted based on certain criteria. Now, we see a carabiner and matcha latte and we think, “yes, I know who you are.” The categorizing allows us to make sense of the real world the same way we make sense of the internet.

At the root of the office siren trend is the desire to express oneself in the workplace. For Gen Z, the transition to the workplace has been fraught. From online classes weakening our social muscle to remote internships robbing us of an introduction to the office setting, many young people struggle to not only figure out how to express themselves at work but also how to be themselves as a working adult. Work life balance and the 5 to 9 are on many folks' minds, especially with the economy forcing many to take on jobs that are not well aligned with their goals or interests.