Ten years ago, 2016 defined a generation of internet culture. From snapchat filters and the end of Vine, to chart dominating hits like “One Dance” by Drake, “Closer” by The Chainsmokers, “Work” by Rihanna and “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, the year became one of the most nostalgic times in modern culture. While every year is about moving forward, 2026 feels like it is bringing society right back into 2016.
This trend of treating 2026 like 2016 ultimately rooted in nostalgia with users on Tiktok and Instagram describing 2016 as a more fun and carefree time. It started on TikTok, around New Year’s, where users began posting throwback photos of themselves from the year or videos of themselves from 2016. “The new trend has nostalgia at its heart, as those participating are often expressing a longing for what many are describing as a simpler time,” People magazine said.
Generally, people participating in this trend are from Generation Z, which means in 2016, they were between the ages of four and 19. “I was eight years old, I remember froyo was a really big thing. I would froyo with my cousin every weekend. A lot of people used to wear full face makeup,” junior Genevieve Bulles said.
People participating in this trend are bringing back 2016 nostalgia with Instagram’s Rio De Janeiro filter, Snapchat’s dog filter, and low resolution iphone photos. While the trend is rooted in 2016, it is being re-shared in 2026 to create a “vibe” that feels safer and more comfortable than the present. “The fun filters brought back on social media with music from 2016 definitely adds to the fun and vibrant vibe of that time, which most of us love,” junior Brianna Ford said.
Celebrities are also partaking in this trend such as Kylie Jenner, Lea Michella and Rae Summered. Jenner, known as “King Kylie” back in 2016, uploaded a throwback caption of herself saying “You just had to be there.” Summered also uploaded a video to Instagram of the mannequin challenge, which was popular in 2016.
With all of the discussion about 2016, it’s important to ask what actually happened that year. 2016 included peak music releases such as Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” and Rihanna’s “Anti,” viral trends like Pokémon Go, Mannequin Challenge and the rise of “Stranger Things.”
Although 2016 had good moments, nothing is ever perfect. In America, the year was marked by political division and social unrest, leaving many uncertain about the future. Widespread protests like the constant Black Lives Matter demonstrations against brutality, and national conversations about immigration policies and racial inequalities.
2016 is regarded as a better and simpler time compared to this decade. “I feel back in 2016 kids were actually acting like kids, there wasn’t a rush to really grow up. Now in 2026, everyone feels the need to grow up, and everyone is realizing people wanna be young again,” junior Genevieve Bulles.
2026 is embracing the energy and trends of 2016, bringing back music, social media filters, and viral moments that defined this era. This revival shows people are creating a vibe that mirrors the fun and carefree spirit of 2016. In many ways, 2026 is becoming the new 2016, blending nostalgia with present day culture to recapture a sense of excitement.
