I’ve noticed something recently: Nostalgia is everywhere.
- I get pangs of it when I see the neighborhood kids riding their bikes in packs on balmy summer nights, just like I used to do.
- It’s omnipresent in media, too. Nostalgic destinations are trending for Airbnb, adults are “Nostalgia maxxing” by renting out summer camps.
- Even Disney has dubbed it the summer of nostalgia by bringing back Dcom favs like Cheetah Girls, High School Musical and Camp Rock on the promo flyer (HYFR).
What gives: Psychologists say there’s a good reason for the rise of “nostalgia core.” For many of us, reflecting on childhood, time felt slower and doom scrolling wasn’t even an option—a bittersweet contrast to our routine adult realities!
- These reflections feel so expansive mostly because of novelty.
- Time seems to move slower when you’re young because everything is brand new.
Scoop Labs™ results: 80% of Scoop readers say summer inspires nostalgia. Smells, tastes, sounds—these sunny memories are stored in our senses.
Readers say they’re nostalgic for:
- “Going to camp and enjoying summer in the mountains.”
- “Family beach trips, lazy days playing outside and churning homemade ice cream with family”
- “Growing up in NJ, we frequented the beach, boardwalk and all the great coastal towns also welcomed all the New Yorkers to our piece of heaven.”
- “The smell of summer rain or fresh cut grass! ”
- “I just love beach days with sunny skies, salty air, and beach sandwiches! Evening bike rides and dinner on the water just remind me of being young and free of responsibilities!”
- “Afternoons at the pool with friends and eating ice cream.”
The last word: Experts say nostalgic summers are good for kids, and I say they’re good for us adults, too. Get some inspiration here.
