“Nineties Anxiety”: 50 Posts About The ’90s That Show What Life Was Like Back In The Day

"Nostalgic participants manifested stronger social connectedness than did control participants," the researchers explained further. "They felt more loved and protected, had reduced attachment anxiety and avoidance, and reported greater interpersonal competence."

But why the '90s exactly? What's so special about this decade in particular? Dr. Renee Middlemost, a lecturer in Global Communication and Media at the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Law, Humanities, and the Arts, has said that it's completely normal for current generations to look back at past decades. "Every generation looks back at past trends," she claimed.

She thinks that the vast availability of '90s media plays a part in how popular it is now. "I believe it has something to do with the way people are watching media these days. With platforms like Netflix around, people recommend shows to each other, and there are [fewer] people seeking out new things. Our tastes seem to have narrowed," she said.

Another factor is how the current youth finds the '90s media relatable. Take the show Friends. It's about navigating your life in your 20s and just hanging out with your friends. Dr. Middlemost returns back to the idea that nostalgia comforts us. "When you're feeling dark about the world, you go back to the things that make you feel better."