Why are We Obsessed with the 90s?
Do you ever start scrolling through Netflix for hours and then only end up re-watching Friends for the hundredth time, just like me?Or maybe, just keep playing old songs from childhood, over and over again? If so, then you are absolutely not alone. It is a very common feeling of Nostalgia.It feels like a cozy blanket for many of us. But why are we so obsessed with a decade that’s been over for more than 20 years?Let me share with you something about the psychology of nostalgia and figure out Why are We Obsessed with the 90s?
What Is Nostalgia?
Nostalgia is a warm- sweet feeling, that has a mixture of happy memories with a pinch of sadness mixed with it.
I personally think , it is the feeling of missing- the joy of experiencing something from the past.
Till today’s date, every time I watch my favorite cartoon that I used to watch after coming back from school, it gives me mixed feelings of happiness and pain of missing those days at the same time.
Nostalgia is so much like a time machine of emotions.
But it is not a personal thing. It is a cultural thing too. When a whole generation starts feeling nostalgic, it is represented in movies, music, fashion and even memes.
That’s why we keep seeing 90s trends popping up every now and then.
Why 90s exactly? Why not the 80s, the 70s or even the 2000s?
There are a few reasons:
1. It Was a Simpler Time
The 90s were before the era of smartphones and social media.
Back then, life felt slower and people weren’t constantly glued to the screens.
I remember those days when we used to have power cuts and everyone used to gather together to have chit chat.
Life was pretty simple then.
Yes, the internet and websites were growing at that time. But none of them took over our lives.
There wasn’t any pressure to show off on social media.
So, the 90s represent a time when things felt easier and more carefree.
2. The Pop Culture Was Iconic
The 90s gave us some of the best music, movies and TV shows of all time.
I still miss those iconic shows and movies, like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , Titanic, Nirvana and TLC- the 90s were a golden age of entertainment.
Because so many of us grew up with these things, they hold a special place in our hearts.
Why Do We Love Nostalgia So Much?
Nostalgia is more about missing the joy, the happiness that we used to get in the past—from a few special things.
1. It Makes Us Happy
Remembering happy memories releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine.
That is the reason why listening to my favorite 90s song or rewatching an old episode of Friends can instantly boost up my mood any day.
2. It Gives Us Comfort
When life feels uncertain and anxiety kicks in, I keep revisiting the past that reminds me of simpler days.
There’s a sweet feeling of comfort in experiencing old things over and over again.
3. It Helps Us Connect
Whether it is about reminiscing with old friends or bonding with strangers over shared love for Ben10- it can instantly make us feel connected.
Why Do Decades Keep Coming Back?
The 90s aren’t the only decade that everyone is being nostalgic about.
The 80s had a huge revival , just a few years ago and even the 2000s are starting to feel nostalgic now.
[ Yup! We are getting old! 🙁 ]
1. Generational Influence
Every generation has their own “golden era”. It is basically the time when they were kids- especially before they became teenagers.
As they grow up, they pass on their favorite trends and memories down to the next generation.
2. Nostalgia Sells
Brands know that nostalgia is powerful and can connect people instantly.
So, they use it to sell everything from clothing to movies.
That’s why we keep seeing reboots, remakes and throwback collections.
3. It’s a Form of Escapism
When the present feels uncertain or overwhelming, looking back at the past can feel comforting.
When I watch a movie that I have already watched earlier , I already know the ending. Even while I keep turning the pages of our old family album…I know what’s there on the next page. This gives a comforting feeling.
It’s a sweet feeling of reminiscing about those old memories and also there’s no uncertainty that could come along.
Nostalgia is a natural and beautiful part of human emotions.
Maybe, 20 years from now, even Medium blogs can make us feel nostalgic. You never know!
You might also like to read : Crazy Stalkers OR Crazy Lovers? by Oishee Chatterjee
You can also read the blog by The University of Wolongong Australia on Why are we so nostalgic for the 1990s?
