Memory, Temporality, & Manifestations of Our Tech-nostalgia

摘要

This article is an analysis of tech-nostalgia and several of its manifestations including faux-vintage photography and hauntological music. The author examines tech-nostalgia by addressing early and contemporary notions of nostalgia suggesting that nostalgia for such things as photographs and degraded film, low-fidelity sound, and obsolete hardware form the basis of the tech-nostalgia concept. By also examining tech-nostalgia through a broader lens of preservation the author explores whether these manifestations of contemporary popular culture are sustainable, specifically in the context of long-term preservation of our digital heritage. Finally, this piece considers tech-nostalgia by introducing additional concepts in the field of new media studies such as "zombie media" and residual media. (something new made to look old) aesthetics through new mediums is often referred to as "tech-nostalgia," and its upswing in recent years presents opportunities and challenges to those engaged in managing and preserving our moving image and sound heritage.