Authenticity

Could Too Much Nostalgia Be Bad for Us?

We love nostalgia, and new research tells us why—but there's a dark side.

Posted December 31, 2023 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

Key points

Research shows that Americans are indulging in nostalgia more than ever, and there are some positive effects.
However, there is also dark side to nostalgia, and too much of it can be dangerous for health and well-being.
Possible dangers of nostalgia include stagnation, idealization, and a loss of authenticity.

Rachel Claire / Pexels

Documentary filmmaker extraordinaire Ken Burns once described nostalgia as the “strategic oversimplification of the past.” In many ways, that's a good thing—who doesn’t need a little oversimplification at times?—but the nostalgia we consume should come with some sensible warnings, too. Here are five reasons why yearning for the past might lead us down a perilous road.

1. Stagnation

Clinging to the comforts of the past can hinder personal growth. If we’re fixated on reliving history, we may resist adapting to the present or embracing the future.

Imagine a successful musical group refusing to leave the safety of playing only their hits because the audience's reaction to new material seems daunting. Nostalgia can anchor us, preventing exploration and progress.

The good news, according to recent research, is that nostalgia may be predominantly positive when nostalgic memories are generated on request. On the other hand, nostalgia seems mostly negative when it is experienced in the course of everyday life. These studies support the concept that nostalgia is a mixed emotion that involves reconnecting with the happy emotions of an idealized past by recalling positive memories.

2. Idealization

Nostalgia is an intentional oversimplification of the past, in the sense that we pick and choose our memories to fit the current narratives in our lives. And it does not require that we take a deep dive into all the subtle nuances that historical analysis requires. Nostalgia simplifies the past by smoothing over the bumps and jagged edges, thus filtering out all the challenging parts.

Because we tend to remember the good times—the laughter, the warmth—but conveniently forget the struggles, heartaches, and complexities, we can say that nostalgia often paints our memories with a rosy hue. The danger lies in idealizing the past, blurring the lines between reality and our romanticized versions. When we yearn for a time that never truly existed, we may make poor decisions based on false nostalgia.

3. Comparison and Dissatisfaction

Many of us are struggling with a big question: "How can I move forward full speed into the future while holding on to the parts of the past that I love?" The best solution is to start with another question: "Which parts of the past are actually important?" Answering this is not always easy.

Constantly measuring our current experiences against past ones can breed discontent. The present rarely lives up to our idealized memories. Nostalgia whispers, “Remember when life was simpler?” But life was never truly simple; it’s just that our memories have filtered out the complexities.

Since the death of Alex Trebek in 2020, the TV show "Jeopardy" has seen some dizzying changes including a new logo, a flashy opening sequence to the show, and the addition of something called “The Second Chance Tournament.” Yet according to a recent news report, many fans crave the nostalgia of the simple elements of the show. Some worry that these updates might contradict what loyal fans have come to expect from the show and diminish that warm, nostalgic feel. (Note to "Jeopardy" producers: Please do not mess with the Final Jeopardy theme song!)

4. Loss of Authenticity

Nostalgia often encourages conformity. We mimic trends, fashions, and behaviors from the past, even if they no longer align with our true selves. Authenticity suffers when we prioritize fitting into a nostalgic mold over expressing our unique identities.

Nostalgia may be a driving factor behind people purchasing flip phones because they evoke memories of a previous era in mobile communication. Flip phones, popular in the 1990s and 2000s, seem to be making a comeback among Gen Z who have embraced the growing movement of ditching smartphones in favor of old-school "dumb phones."

This new obsession with the 1990s aesthetic includes vintage technology, such as disposable cameras, and vintage fashion. Hello again, grungy flannel shirts and knee-ripped baggy jeans. Research also shows that nostalgia can result in consumers being willing to pay more for products and services, enhanced brand ties, and increased digital brand engagement.

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5. Escapism and Avoidance

When faced with challenges or uncertainties, nostalgia can be a tempting escape route. We retreat into memories, avoiding the complexities of the present. However, excessive escapism prevents us from addressing real-life issues and finding genuine solutions.

Those who use escapism as a coping mechanism will try to move away from their current reality when it becomes overwhelming or unsatisfying. Common examples of escapism include drinking, gambling, and overeating. Perhaps it is time to add nostalgia obsession to the list.

In conclusion, nostalgia is not inherently harmful—it can evoke warmth and connection. But like any powerful emotion, it requires balance. Cherish the past, but don’t let it trap you today or blind you to the possibilities ahead.

References

Newman, D. B., Sachs, M. E., Stone, A. A., & Schwarz, N. (2020). Nostalgia and well-being in daily life: An ecological validity perspective. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 118(2), 325-347. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000236

Srivastava, E., Sivakumaran, B., Maheswarappa, S.S. & Paul, J. (2023) Nostalgia: A Review, Propositions, and Future Research Agenda, Journal of Advertising, 52:4, 613-632, DOI: 10.1080/00913367.2022.2101036