Kidult Culture, Explained: Why Nostalgia Tickles Our Brains
At what age does youth die? Well…who said it ever really has to? Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’ll be discussing the world of kidults, “kidulting” and how nostalgia-driven behavior has turned into therapy for millions of people around the world.
We’ve all heard the phrase “young at heart,” or how, as we age, we’re supposed to act “only as young as you feel.” Well, this is why so many adults have turned to the toys, games and hobbies they enjoyed as children, now with the disposable income afforded to them by entering the workforce. Does this sound like you? Does “kidulting” come into play while raising a family, or does it really matter whether or not one has kids?
The truth is that “kidulting” isn’t really new, but rather something that’s occurred gradually through generations, particularly those raised on television. Generation X might be the first to be fully immersed in a youth culture dominated by TV, particularly “eighties kids” whose eyeballs were inundated with cartoons and their accompanying toy commercials. This synergistic marketing strategy wasn’t lost on those same kids when it came time to “grow up,” with many of those same Gen X-ers attempting to “reclaim” their youth via buying toys on the second-hand market.
Additionally, the adoption of such kid-focused fashion like friendship bracelets or certain clothing styles isn’t solely relegated to the realm of Gen X. Millennials are included, as well as others who fondly remember comparatively recent youth culture styles a la emo, pop-punk or goth. This demand has resulted in a sharp uptick in supply from companies that are more than willing to market just about anything to nostalgia-based dopamine centers in our brains. Funko Pops, reissued action figures and more are selling more than ever, while companies like NECA release well-crafted and detailed “adult collectibles” for franchises such as Friday the 13th or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Indeed, it’s not only television that’s left a huge mark upon burgeoning kidults. Movies have more than taken their place as cultural touchstones for generations of adults who can remember exactly where they were when they watched “Star Wars” or “Harry Potter” for the first time. Group discussion forums have also assisted in abolishing the gatekeeping of established gender roles. Adult fans of all ages take to properties such as “Jem,” “She-Ra” or “My Little Pony.” This speaks to how adults can differentiate childish behavior from childlike wonder, as they continue to enjoy the nostalgia of youth, while knowing enough to leave behind harmful behavior patterns.
Fandoms like “Disney Adults” and “Bluey Adults” enjoy entertainment experiences previously designated as “kid stuff” with a whole new set of eyes. They can realize and understand the subtext behind Disney’s history or the more mature plot points of “Bluey,” while simultaneously embracing the kindness and wonder these worlds often present to their viewership. These same adults often also seek out experiences locally that tap into this adolescent sense of healing, from group bubble parties to playing around in a ball pit. Experiences that can be easily accessed by pop-ups or adult-focused nostalgia centers a la the “bar-cade” phenomena that offers retro gaming with alcohol and food options.
So, does this all tie into “Peter Pan Syndrome?” That established term which describes adults who revert to this childlike state in order to avoid fiscal or emotional responsibilities? Modern kidulting doesn’t always tie into the negative connotations present within how many psychologists view Peter Pan Syndrome and its “failure to launch” aesthetic. Instead, this state of “puer aeturnus” can be seen as something that could go hand-in-hand with self-soothing therapeutic methods. A time and place where nostalgia allows kidults to breathe, before returning back to their responsibilities at home or in the workplace.
It’s not easy to survive in our ever-expanding socio-economic culture. Times will always be hard, and people will always do different things in order to cope with bills, marital stress or even the death of a loved one. The cautionary tale of a public figure like Michael Jackson, his history of familial trauma and his resulting, complex personal history doesn’t necessarily need to define Peter Pan Syndrome. Instead, it’s important to understand that a little nostalgia can be a good thing, it’s just when it takes over our lives and prevents us from moving forward that a dividing line in the sand must be drawn.
When it’s done in a healthy way, visiting the past can help make the present more manageable. So, play with dolls. Race those cars. Build something with Lego bricks and tear it down again. It doesn’t really matter if you do it alone, or with a family. If it helps you feel better and be a better, kinder person, then kidulting may be a clear path to peace and understanding with our collective inner child.
