Have you ever encountered the term “velvetmist”? This intriguing neo-emotion, defined as a “complex and subtle feeling that evokes comfort, serenity, and a sensation of floating,” reflects a growing trend of new emotional terminology emerging in our digital age. Often inspired by experiences like watching a sunset or listening to a calming album, velvetmist illustrates how individuals are experiencing and articulating emotions in innovative ways. Coined by a Reddit user and aided by AI, this term exemplifies a broader movement where individuals are inventing emotional expressions that resonate with contemporary life.
Research indicates that the lexicon of emotions is rapidly evolving, with terms like “Black joy,” “trans euphoria,” and “eco-anxiety” gaining traction in discussions about identity, societal challenges, and environmental concerns. These terms serve not only as a reflection of personal experiences but also as a means of fostering community and understanding within social circles. Sociologist Marci Cottingham, who has been influential in this field, emphasizes that these neo-emotions reveal how people are navigating complex realities and connecting through shared feelings, particularly in our increasingly online lives.
Historically, emotional vocabulary has shifted significantly—take “nostalgia,” which once described a condition among Civil War soldiers and now conveys a more benign longing for the past. As highlighted by psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett, emotions are not universal; instead, they are culturally constructed, shaped by individual experiences and societal contexts. This perspective suggests that the diversity of emotional expression, such as neo-emotions, is essential for understanding our lives and relationships. In fact, studies show that individuals with a higher emotional vocabulary—termed “emodiversity”—tend to have better mental health outcomes. By exploring and naming neo-emotions, individuals can better articulate their feelings, enhance their emotional intelligence, and ultimately foster deeper connections with others. As we navigate this complex emotional landscape, the potential benefits of recognizing and creating new emotional expressions might lead us toward a richer, more fulfilling understanding of our experiences.
Source: Why inventing new emotions feels so good via MIT Technology Review