Recently when scrolling the For You page on TikTok, users have come across an oddly familiar series of images that makes them pause mid scroll.
The images are not from the users, which is the odd part, yet the images bring back a sudden wave of nostalgia.
Rare aesthetics, the nostalgic TikTok trend where certain images trigger a familiar feeling, have appeared on several people’s feeds in the past month. One niche and relatable like and users are instantly transported back to their childhood or a certain time in their lives.
This trend thrives on core memories and uses grainy, low–quality images from back in the early 2000s to evoke emotion. These emotions have users feeling bitter-sweet as they reflect back on the good times of their childhood. But users also feel a pang of sadness because they will no longer be able to witness any more moments like those captured in the images.
What’s fascinating about it all is how it has connected the internet. This connection is so strong that studies show “this link between nostalgia and social connectedness is so strong that inducing people to feel nostalgia increases their desire to help others, presumably to establish deeper social bonds.” say Allen McConnell from Psychology Today
This is very apparent in the TikTok comment section, as many users share their personal ties to the image. This creates a chain reaction where people are liking and relating to each other. “This is a more wholesome trend for the TikTok community,” says Sarah, a frequent user of the platform.
This idea offers a refreshing break from the drama-centered community that users can sometimes see on TikTok. TikTok’s purpose, after all, is meant to be a social media site where people can connect and enjoy content like the rare aesthetic trend.“I think these trends can be good for social media users because they show that you are not alone and that can be comforting, it is relatable and connects people” Senior Kailee Wilson shares.
There are other forms of this trend too, not necessarily centered around childhood memories. Some focus on niche topics, others specific events or even moments that capture certain emotion or phase of life.
For example, the common middle school experience of depression and the balance of emotion while trying to find yourself resonates with many users. “During my time in 7th and 8th grade I struggled a lot with finding myself, it definitely affected my mental health. I think junior high/middle school is an awkward transitional time for many. There are a lot of changes happening, changes in the body or the people that surround you can cause a lot of insecurity and uncertainty” Wilson admits about a video she liked on the trend
This is what makes this trend so powerful. Not only is it extremely viral but it also resurfaces an idea that many people forget while doomscrolling or creating content on social media. The idea that users can still find a connection and comfort in shared experiences. It’s a nice reminder too that behind a screen users are humans who feel similar emotions, miss similar experiences. and have grown through memories
