More than a barrier: nostalgia inhibits, but also promotes, favorable responses to innovative technology

Abstract

While technology is moving forward, people are looking back to the past. How does nostalgia influence responses (i.e., attitudes and behavior) to innovative technology? We postulated a dual-pathway model, according to which nostalgia, as a social emotion, would foster social connectedness that would be associated with or lead to favorable responses to innovative technology. At the same time, nostalgia, as an emotion that places a high premium on the past, would be associated with or lead to unfavorable responses to innovative technology (i.e., artificial intelligence or fifth generation wireless communication) via skepticism about change. We provided support for the dual-pathway model in seven studies (N = 1,629), using correlational and experimental methods, operationalizing the constructs in diverse ways, and testing participants from three cultures (China, UK, USA). The findings contribute to the vibrant conversation on human−technology relationship.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Constantine Sedikides: orcid.org/0000-0003-4036-889X

ORCID for Tim Wildschut: orcid.org/0000-0002-6499-5487

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