As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the nation, Adhithi Chinta, sophomore, taps into her old memories to relive the happy moments and induce positivity. 

Chinta has been rewatching her childhood favorite movies such as “High School Musical” and “Camp Rock.” 

“I’m choosing to revisit the past because I’ve had a lot of time on my hands,” Chinta said. “I’ve also been able to spend time with my brother and family, which is not something I use to do every day.”

With many isolated and staying home, childhood nostalgia is appearing in social media apps like Instagram with trends like “Until Tomorrow.”

Laura Miller, sophomore, was a participant of the “Until Tomorrow” trend which included posting a picture on Instagram showcasing a person’s younger self for 24 hours.

“It was a really fun thing to do,” Miller said. “It was funny to see all the younger pictures and let me feel connected to the community in a safe way.”

Not only has she participated in the social media trends, but Miller also has looked at old photos and started making a photo wall. 

“When I get a rush of nostalgia, it usually makes me sad because I’ll miss the memories and good times I’ve had,” Miller said. “But it also makes me grateful for all the fun things I’ve experienced.”

David Newman, University of Southern California psychologist, said nostalgia usually occurs when one is bored, isolated or lonely. This can be the reason nostalgia is growing during the quarantine. 

In certain situations, nostalgia may lead to beneficial outcomes, such as increased levels of positive emotions, Newman said. It can cause a sense that life is meaningful, an optimism for the future and an enhanced sense of self-esteem. 

Nostalgic feelings can be a reminder of friends and family, he said. This allows one to become more socially connected, which could be highly beneficial. 

“Looking back on those happy memories could be a good thing to do during quarantine,” Newman said. “It allows you to feel as if you are with your loved ones in a safe and connected way.”