The Psychological Depths of Dark Academia
Dark Academia, an aesthetic that became increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a subculture romanticizing classical literature, education, and the arts. The dark academics, find education exciting and gratifying rather than boring. There is of course a "dark" side in dark academia which revolves around cults, murder, danger, and secret clubs to mention a few. Still, the aesthetic draws many, and we can try to understand why psychologically.
Since dark academia romanticizes a view of the classical past, it brings up a feeling of nostalgia. People often use nostalgia as a coping mechanism as it provides comfort and boosts their mood. It's also a way to escape the stresses of modern life. Dark academia also allows individuals to explore their identities and express themselves through a love for the arts and literature. The outfits and fashion associated with the aesthetic have also allowed individuals to express themselves better and explore new styles. A sense of community is created between people drawn to this aesthetic and fulfills the human need to belong and fit in a social group. Engaging with the arts and aesthetics of dark academia can be therapeutic for many people, promoting emotional processing. Its dark, melancholic, and often gothy nature influences people's moods and emotions. The shadow, a concept in Jungian psychology, represents the unconscious part of our personality that we may not recognize or want to accept. Exploring the dark themes of dark academia can be a way of accepting their shadow for some people.
These hidden psychological aspects of dark academia can be attributed to why many people were drawn to it and why it became a trend.