Many Americans feel nostalgic, though usually only mildly
Core finding
In a Verasight survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted May 11, 2026, most report at least some nostalgia, a sentimental longing for the past. Nearly nine-in-ten (87%) feel it at least moderately, and for most that longing is only moderate (58%).
Close to three-in-ten (29%) feel it very much, while 13% do not feel it at all.
Topline distribution
Many Americans feel nostalgic, though usually only mildly.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, "nostalgia" is defined as a "sentimental longing for the past." How nostalgic do you feel in general?
n = 1,000 · May 11, 2026 · MoE ±3.3%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | May 11, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.3% |
| Module | identity |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/spsp26
According to the Oxford Dictionary, "nostalgia" is defined as a "sentimental longing for the past." How nostalgic do you feel in general?
Cite this question
Verasight SPSP Omnibus Survey #2026-045, fielded May 11-11, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.3%.