The human tendency to view the past as a better time than the present, a phenomenon known as "declinism," is rooted in psychological processes that offer comfort but can also foster dissatisfaction, according to research by Tim Wildschut, a professor of social and personality psychology at the University of Southampton in the U.K.
Wildschut distinguishes between nostalgia and declinism. Nostalgia, he explains, involves the recollection of personal memories that promote feelings of affiliation and social connectedness. These memories can bring important people from one's past back to life, fostering a sense of closeness. Furthermore, by reconnecting individuals with past experiences, nostalgia can provide a sense of continuity, leading to feelings of meaningfulness and optimism.
In contrast, declinism is characterized by an unrealistic glorification of the past coupled with a belief that current conditions are steadily deteriorating. This perspective is less about personal memory and more about expressing dissatisfaction. "Declinism is more related to grievance and pessimism, not to social connectedness and growth," Wildschut stated. "It's this belief that society is getting worse."