The Gatsby Effect

The Gatsby Effect refers to the tendency for individuals to romanticize the past, believing that previous eras or experiences were simpler, better, or more desirable than the present. Named after the fictional character Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, it highlights how nostalgia can distort perceptions, making current challenges seem less appealing compared to an idealized version of the past. This mindset can influence personal decisions and societal attitudes, often leading people to long for bygone eras and overlook the complexities or difficulties they might have involved.