Lately I have noticed that many trends from the past are making a comeback. Old songs, vintage styles and time-specific shows are everywhere right now. Nostalgia is influencing almost every part of pop culture and current trends. 

With the popularity of social media, there have been many trends that reference music and films from the 80s or 90s. Although teenagers active on social media were not alive during this time period, the inspiration from the past still influences what we watch, wear and listen to. 

Most of my favorite shows are set in a different time period, such as Stranger Things and Yellowjackets. Films use nostalgia from the late 1900s to capture your attention with old music, fashion and pop culture references. Even though I didn’t live through those decades, the shows still feel relatable and interesting to watch. When nostalgia is combined with familiar storylines, it makes shows even more interesting for people from all generations.

That same kind of nostalgia shows up in the music we listen to, especially what we hear on social media. Lately, a lot of the music trending has either been older music, or new music that has a similar sound to music from the past. For example, Don’t Dream it’s Over by Crowded House and Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac are songs released in the late 1900s that have become popular on TikTok in the past few years. 

A majority of the time, people gravitate toward things that feel familiar and bring comfort. Watching movies or TV shows that are set in the past and listening to old music allows people to connect with their own sense of nostalgia and brings comfort. Older generations are able to look back on what once was, while younger generations are able to envision what could have been for them. 

To me, the idea that nostalgia drives our media is a positive thing. It means future generations can grow up experiencing the music, shows and trends that shaped our childhoods, keeping those memories alive and giving them a new meaning.