In an unexpected turn of events, social media users are picking up a popular and distinctly nostalgic trend. This latest trend rolls them back all the way to 2016. Under the hashtag “2026 is the new 2016,” individuals are revisiting significant cultural moments, political events, and popular trends from that year, reflecting a collective longing for a simpler time. This renaissance has generated important discussions about the power of nostalgia in our current cultural moment.
2016 was a historic year in every sense of the word – from Hollywood to the White House. Then Beyoncé dropped her explosive, critically acclaimed visual album “Lemonade” in the spring of 2016, sending everyone into a tailspin from its raw strength. At the same time, Donald Trump introduced himself into the pop culture pantheon by winning the Electoral College vote, when he did win that, helping deliver him the presidency. These happenings have cropped up recently in the conversations generated on social media as users recall and express the feelings they had in that incredibly transformative year.
Cultural Highlights of 2016
2016 was notably rich in cultural milestones. The first season of Netflix’s mega-smash series “Stranger Things” premiered last July. It enchanted audiences both with its nostalgic magic and equally thrilling descent into horror. The Chainsmokers released “Closer,” with Halsey, and that tuned-up breakup ballad quickly turned into the song of the summer. At the same time, Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” dominated the Hot 100 charts.
“I think nostalgia is something that has been trending for a while now.” – Leah Faye Cooper
Against this cultural backdrop, Billboard named Madonna their “Woman of the Year.” Meanwhile, the mannequin challenge went viral, mesmerizing millions with its dazed and confused bystanders. Social media continued to change and communicate through the evolution of Snapchat filters, another major cultural moment that emerged during this time.
Major Events and Trends
2016 was not without its challenges. As the Zika virus epidemic spread to the U.S., it raised all kinds of alarming public health concerns. In response to the outbreak, officials quickly mobilized to stop its spread. The Summer Olympic Games were held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 11,000 athletes of Team USA competed, and individually won over 121 medals, proving their competitive athletic prowess on the games’ biggest stage.
It was a time when popular fashion labels such as Abercrombie and Juicy Couture ruled the fashion scene. Now countless others are reconsidering the trends they set in motion. Leah Faye Cooper notes, “You see it in fashion, you see it with these reboots of TV shows and people remaking movies.” This focus on what was, more importantly, illustrates a society wide longing for what’s known in the midst of increasing uncertainty.
The Nostalgia Factor
Social media is full of glorious throwback to 2016. This trend invites us to reflect on why these feelings are more widespread now than ever. Leah Faye Cooper suggests that people are “longing for a time that felt simpler, a time that felt really optimistic.” This abstract wish reflects a very real, tangible desire for solace and clarity during these disquieting times.
The hashtag “2026 is the new 2016” is quickly becoming a favorite of non-Tweeters. Even Snapchat celebrities like John Legend and Reese Witherspoon are getting in on the act! They have forced this faulty idea into the mainstream. Yet this change gives us unprecedented tools to study what happened and how it affected people.
“Things were definitely less curated than they are now.” – Leah Faye Cooper
