Coined by the 2015 Pixar film Inside Out, “core memories” are rare, vivid experiences that stay with us all our lives. In the film, core memories are portrayed as glowing orbs that are filed deep within the protagonist’s consciousness, forming the essence of who she is. When she loses them, she loses herself. Now, core memories have emerged as a hit theme on TikTok. Popular videos show brothers and sisters jumping into the ocean for the first time, sudden rainstorms after soccer games, babies and puppies sharing tubs of ice cream. And many of the videos come with a message of encouragement: Get outside and make some memories! This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Seven Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 33 Same Same, But Different The mystery of conflicting memories. Arts & Culture Issue 29 Clippings In boxes, under beds and at the back of drawers; scraps salvaged from the past hold potent memories. Arts & Culture Issue 29 A History of Passports How did the passport become the most important piece of paper any of us will ever own? Arts & Culture Issue 29 Nose Deep Why do we love the smell of old books? Arts & Culture Issue 27 Recently Deleted How technology is changing our memories of family. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium.
Arts & Culture Issue 29 Clippings In boxes, under beds and at the back of drawers; scraps salvaged from the past hold potent memories.
Arts & Culture Issue 29 A History of Passports How did the passport become the most important piece of paper any of us will ever own?