Is Gen X Nostalgia Just Trauma-Bonding?

2 petethomas 1 8/8/2025, 8:21:50 PM wsj.com ↗

Comments (1)

russellbeattie · 1h ago
LOL. A rare exception to Betteridge's law of headlines. The answer is definitely "Yes". I've noticed the exact same thing!

When my fellow GenXers start reminiscing about our halcyon days online, it quickly turns into a horror show of Boomer parenting. Though it's always based on your background and perspective.

Example: "In the summer, our parents kicked us out of the house in the morning and we couldn't come back until dinner. They had no idea where we were or what we were doing!"

Depending on your personal situation, that was a sign of safety and freedom, or completely disinterested if not actively hostile parents. (I'm in the latter camp).

Regardless, "trauma bonding" is truly an accurate description.