Why Nostalgia can alter our perspective on enjoyment

Recently I was bored and scrolling endlessly from channel to channel on the TV looking for something to watch when I came across an old movie (Shaolin Soccer). I have watched it before and according to my memory it was very interesting so I didn't hesitate to leave it on that channel. To my suprise, it was not as enjoyable as before. The special effects were too unbelievable and it sort of made me cringe a little. Though some of it was funny though.

How did I ever enjoy this?

I thought to myself. Nostalgia is quite a crazy thing. I started thinking, this is definitely not the only movie or even experience that I really enjoyed back then, and anytime I think of it I'll remember it as a very interesting and pleasurable experience, but then if I were to watch or experience them again I probably won't like them at all, or at least they'll no longer be as fun.

somethings are better as memories

Not sure where I've heard that statement before but I believe it is true. At times the memory of a previous event is even better than the event, so it's better to leave it like that than trying to redo it.

One of the major reasons some things from the past don't live up to the expectations we had from previous experiences is probably because we change a lot, especially growth and development. Most of the things I enjoyed, or liked to do when I was smaller I now get a bit more freedom to do them more often or when I want to do them. For example I would probably not enjoy an all night gaming session as much as I would when I was smaller and I had no chance to play games when I wanted.

Then we have developments, such as advancement in technology. When I watched the first ever spiderman movie I had no problem whatsoever with the video quality, but then after watching the latest one in HD, when I went back to look at the first one, it seemed like the video quality was low. When you're privileged to keep using new tech you'll definitely not enjoy some old things that gave you good memories if you try them again.

That being said, there's still some movies and experiences that stand the test of time and are ageless.

Nostalgia is the reason some people think Maradona is better than Messi, Nostalgia is the reason some people prefer listening to classical music than the newly released ones. Let me take some time to annoy my friend @justfavour. Nostalgia is the reason some people think Manchester United is still relevant, Nostalgia is the reason some people think Ronaldo is not finished. The main point is that Nostalgia is a very powerful thing.Please feel free to add yours in the comment section.

~THANKS FOR READING~

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