Aesthetics of the Internet: Weirdcore, Cottagecore, Goblincore and Beyond

The internet has always been a breeding ground for creative self-expression, but in recent years, entire communities have formed around particular visual and cultural “aesthetics.” From the surreal dreamscapes of Weirdcore to the cozy nostalgia of Cottagecore and the earthy eccentricity of Goblincore, these internet aesthetics are thriving across platforms like TikTok, Tumblr, and Instagram. They are more than just visual trends; they represent evolving ways in which people use the internet to shape their identity and connect with like-minded communities.

Weirdcore, one of the more unconventional aesthetics, is rooted in surreal, often unsettling imagery. It frequently draws on low-resolution graphics, distorted dreamlike visuals, and nostalgic internet motifs that feel both familiar and strange. For many, Weirdcore embodies the emotional complexity of growing up online, blending comfort and unease in equal measure. It’s an aesthetic that thrives on ambiguity, perfectly suited to the internet’s endless capacity for remixing culture.

In contrast, Cottagecore offers an idyllic escape. Popularized during the early months of the pandemic, Cottagecore romanticizes rural living, cozy domesticity, and pastoral landscapes. It’s all about floral dresses, homemade bread, and sunlit gardens, an internet-powered antidote to the fast-paced digital grind. For younger audiences, Cottagecore provides a sense of calm and simplicity, reflecting a longing for balance in a hyperconnected world.

Then there’s Goblincore, which flips traditional notions of beauty on its head. Rather than polished visuals, Goblincore celebrates the messy, overlooked, and unconventional aspects of nature, mud, moss, fungi, and shiny “treasures” collected from the outdoors. On the internet, this aesthetic resonates with users who find comfort in imperfection and authenticity. It’s a reminder that digital spaces don’t have to be curated highlight reels—they can also embrace the quirky and imperfect.

These aesthetics aren’t just about images; they’re about belonging. The internet provides people with tools to curate their digital personas through mood boards, playlists, hashtags, and online communities. A TikTok user posting Cottagecore outfit inspiration, a Tumblr blogger sharing Goblincore art, or a Reddit thread dissecting Weirdcore symbolism all contribute to cultural micro-ecosystems. For many, engaging in these aesthetics is a form of identity exploration, allowing them to try on different ways of seeing and being in the world.

Importantly, aesthetics like these also highlight the internet’s role in democratizing culture. What once may have been small subcultures are now global communities, where anyone with an internet connection can participate, remix, and contribute. They also provide fertile ground for creators, brands, and artists who want to connect authentically with niche but passionate audiences.

Ultimately, the rise of Weirdcore, Cottagecore, Goblincore, and countless other aesthetics illustrates how the internet has evolved into a patchwork of overlapping cultural universes. These trends show that the online world is not just about consuming content, it’s about co-creating meaning. And in that sense, internet aesthetics are less about fashion or visuals alone, and more about community, belonging, and the digital imagination that continues to shape our lives.