#TBT & the internet's obsession with the 90s

There's something about reflecting on the past that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. That's why social media has dedicated a whole day each week to celebrating nostalgia- #TBT or Throwback Thursday. It's a day where we dust off our old baby pics, showcase our favorite childhood memories, or just post that after-club selfie from last week that got lost in the shuffle. 

But a huge trend that I've noticed is a slight obsession with looking back at a particular time period: The 90's.

I was Scary Spice...ALWAYS.

What is it about the Fresh Prince, slap bracelets, and Tamagotchi that sets our hearts aflutter? The answer is simple...

Nostalgia makes us feel good.

According to the NY Times, when we reminisce about the past we feel less lonely, less bored, and less anxious. We're nicer to strangers, and on cold days nostalgia even makes us feel warmer.

So of course we reminisce often.

But what about the 90's? Why is the internet peppered with Steve Urkel memes, 90s sitcom gifs and N*SYNC lyrics?

Think about those of us who were children in the 90s. We grew up during the internet revolution, and still remember dial up and those colorful iMacs that are now being upcycled into nifty cat beds. Now we're in our 20's and to put it modestly: we rule the internet. But we're also super depressed.

The mid 20's are a time of major life events and changes. You graduate college, bright eyed and ready to face the world, and the world greets you at the door with debt, bills, unemployment, and increased responsibility. You're anxious, you're overwhelmed, and your childhood is officially dead.

But wait, there is something you can do to cheer yourself up! You can think back to simpler times (the 90s), and you can post those memories to social media. Now, even for a moment, we get to feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and we get the added bonus of being validated by our peers while taking part in the culture.

So whether you choose to post childhood photos, obscure 90s actors or muse over your long gone Beanie Baby collection, remember that #TBT is more than a hashtag and that nostalgia is good for you!

Social Media Marketing takeaway: Take part in Throwback Thursday! Post old photos of yourself, your business, or pop culture icons that you loved way back when. People will love reminiscing with you.

Here's my contribution to #TBT. It was my birthday (I'm in the blue) but my older brother was blowing out my candles, hence the "wtf" look on my face:

Ahhh, the good ol' days.