Nostalgic media, encompassing a range of media formats such as TV series, films, music, books, and advertisements that evoke sentiments of nostalgia, has a profound impact on our psychological well-being. Nostalgic experiences, memories, and interactions can all elicit nostalgic feelings, characterized by a faint hint of melancholy mixed with sentimentality. It has been demonstrated that nostalgic media consumption improves both hedonic and eudaimonic experiences, resulting in greater happiness, life satisfaction, and wholesome relationships. When people are stressed or uncertain, they turn to nostalgic media as a coping mechanism to find comfort in familiar themes and memories. This highlights the psychological impacts of nostalgia. The intricate relationship between nostalgic media and individual nostalgia is a reflection of the media’s significant impact on our psychological health and emotional experiences. The design of the project, which is a website contains various elements that pertain to nostalgic media, such as interviews and media commentary, and the impact nostalgic media has on society is highlighted.  

Nostalgic media is any form of media from the past, such as television shows, movies, music, websites, or video games. When people think of nostalgic media, some may reflect on the TV show “Friends,” the video game “Pac-Man,” or the song “Sweet Caroline.” There are many forms of media that can spark a feeling of nostalgia. For a number of reasons, it is important to research nostalgic media. It sheds light on the cultural significance of nostalgia and shows how it can influence media consumption. The study of nostalgic media informs a variety of areas, displaying the impact it has on our culture, emotions, and well-being. 

The study of nostalgic media is relevant today because it is often consumed by the general public, and it continues to grow exponentially. A gap in existing research is the motivation behind seeking out nostalgic media. The contributions that are being made on this subject are the feelings induced by nostalgic media and the impact it can have on well-being. The question that encompasses this topic is “How does the consumption of nostalgic media influence individuals’ emotional experiences and well-being?” Studies have been conducted to find out how stress reduction, emotional resilience, and mental health outcomes are impacted by nostalgia. 

The goal of this study is to discover and highlight how nostalgic media can influence nostalgic feelings and how it affects the psychological well-being of the general public who consumes it. This research explores the social and psychological effects, including interpersonal relationships, personal identities, and possible benefits of consuming nostalgic media. Specifically, the study has three goals. First, it examines what nostalgic media means. Second, it explores how nostalgic media impacts nostalgic feelings. Third, it investigates the psychological impacts nostalgic media can have on a person’s well-being. In order to achieve the goals of this study, an examination of previous literature will be valuable. The potential benefits of nostalgic media are investigated, and our understanding of the effects of nostalgia on well-being, social relationships, and individual sense of self is deepened.

The non-profit organization I plan to work with for my project is Friends with Benefit Charity Events which is a charity organization that hosts fan events for the show One Tree Hill and donates a percentage of their proceeds to various charities. A few charity organizations they have donated to are St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Toys for Tots, The American Heart Association, The Girl Project, and Everytown for Gun Safety. 

Their goal is to spread joy around the world by allowing One Tree Hill fans to meet the cast members from their favorite show and to also donate to those in need. They raise thousands of dollars every year to help better people’s lives. The organization is located in Wilmington, North Carolina where the show One Tree Hill was filmed, and thousands of fans come out every year to meet their favorite cast members and donate to charity. 

This organization has a significant relevance to this project as it brings together people across the world who have been impacted by this nostalgic television show. One Tree Hill first premiered in 2003, and it has continued to evolve twenty years later. Different generations of fans come together at their events and share their love for this show that positively influenced them.

This project could help with their objectives and goals because it sheds light on how this nostalgic based organization can bring happiness and positivity to so many people. The website can introduce the audience to this organization and possibly bring in new attendees who can help contribute to their charity donations. Friends with Benefit Charity Events benefits fans by giving them unforgettable experiences while also benefitting charities from their donations.