Everyone has heard the statement, “Back then, things were better.”
Nostalgia is strong, whether it’s over old tunes, childhood memories, or the “good old days” before cellphones. However, even though the past was far from ideal, why do we romanticize it?
This is known as “rosy retrospection” by psychologists.
It’s a cognitive bias that magnifies the positive and eliminates the negative. Our brains focus on emotions rather than remembering every moment equally. Additionally, the past is more reassuring because it has previously been experienced and is therefore safer and less unknown.
Additionally, nostalgia has a social function.
People frequently turn inward to restore a sense of identity and belonging when they are feeling nervous or disengaged. Because of this, nostalgia tends to increase during times of fast change, such as pandemics or uncertain economic times.
It’s interesting to note that not all mental time travel involves escapist.
Moderate nostalgia can improve mood, lower stress levels, and even promote motivation, according to studies. This is especially true when it serves as a reminder of our own abilities.
So, is it illogical to romanticize the past?
Not totally. A little nostalgia may simply give us a more optimistic outlook on the future, provided we don’t get mired in it.