A psychologist explains the ‘New Age Nostalgia’ trend.

Have you ever found yourself browsing through old photos or reminiscing about fond memories from the past? You are not alone. Nostalgia is a universal human experience, deeply rooted in our psyche and emotions. Recently, there has been a marked increase in nostalgic trends on social media platforms – where users around the world click to share photos of their younger selves – indicating a global embrace of nostalgic feelings.

While nostalgia has always been part of the human experience, the digital age has revolutionized the way we express and interact with our nostalgic urges. It is increasingly evident that new-age nostalgia is reshaping our present selves and our relationships with our past.

What does nostalgia look like in the digital age?

Nostalgia is a complex emotion characterized by longing for the past, usually accompanied by feelings of warmth and affection. Often described as a bittersweet feeling, the combination of nostalgia and longing for simpler times can have a complex impact on a person.

Research suggests that nostalgia is a natural part of aging. However, the study found that the college and university years are peak times for experiencing nostalgic feelings. This increase in nostalgia among younger generations aligns with recent trends seen in our interactions with technology:

• Retro gaming. Vintage video games from the 80s and 90s have seen a resurgence in popularity, with platforms like Nintendo’s Virtual Console and retro-inspired indie games tapping into gamers’ nostalgia for simpler times. Being able to revisit classic games from their childhood allows individuals to recapture the joy and excitement of their youth, creating a sense of continuity across generations of players.
• Upheavals on social media. Throwback (#TBT) and Throwback Friday (#FBF) trends on social media platforms allow users to share old photos and memories, often accompanied by nostalgic captions, fostering a sense of connection and shared experiences . These nostalgic posts serve as digital time capsules, preserving precious memories and allowing people to relive important moments from their past.
• Nostalgic filters, effects and media. Apps like Instagram and TikTok offer nostalgic filters and effects that mimic the look of old movie cameras or retro video game graphics, allowing users to add a nostalgic feel to their photos and videos. In addition, contemporary music and film often pay homage to older styles and eras, incorporating nostalgic elements into modern media consumption. By incorporating nostalgic aesthetics into their content, creators can evoke and share their bittersweet longing by tapping into their audience’s collective memories.
• Digital records and memory preservation. Digital archives, online communities and virtual museums play a vital role in preserving and sharing nostalgic items such as vintage advertisements, TV shows and playlists, ensuring that cultural heritage is accessible to future generations. These digital repositories allow individuals to explore and rediscover cultural treasures from the past, enhancing our sense of connection to history and heritage.

In today’s digital age, nostalgia has taken on new dimensions, extending far beyond reminiscing about old photos or childhood toys. With the advent of technology, nostalgia has become seamlessly integrated into our daily interactions, shaping the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Our digital devices serve as gateways to the past, allowing us to easily access and relive cherished memories with just a few taps or clicks. Whether it’s rediscovering favorite songs from decades past on streaming services or exploring virtual archives filled with cultural artifacts from bygone eras, technology has democratized the nostalgic experience, making it more accessible than ever.

The impact of digital nostalgia

Although it is usually perceived as a bittersweet feeling, research from Journal of Personality and Psychology suggests that increasing our nostalgia may be more sweet than bitter, particularly for our well-being.

The study found that nostalgia is linked to a sense of meaning in life and simultaneously increases an overall sense of purpose and fulfillment. In the digital age, nostalgia can positively affect various aspects of our lives:

• Emotional connection. Digital nostalgia fosters deep emotional bonds and a sense of shared history between people of all ages and backgrounds. By sharing nostalgic content on social media, people create meaningful connections with others who share similar memories.
• Digital identity and self-presentation. People use nostalgic content to curate their digital personas, sharing throwback photos and references that reflect their personal history and identity. Through these expressions of nostalgia on social media, individuals shape how others perceive them, presenting themselves as part of a larger cultural narrative while enhancing their sense of self.

In today’s fast-paced and often hectic world, digital nostalgia offers a welcome retreat into the comforting embrace of cherished memories from the past. By immersing ourselves in nostalgic content, we temporarily escape the stresses and strains of the present, finding solace and reassurance in the midst of uncertainty and adversity.

Worried that too much nostalgia might be cramping your style? Take the evidence-based evidence Nostalgia Scale to learn more.