Source: Fortune.com
Summary
People in their 20s and 30s are reminiscing about 2016 on social media, sharing throwback photos and memes about the music, fashion, and technology of that time. Experts say this nostalgia is driven by the realization that 2016 was a decade ago and marks a turning point in social, political, and technological developments that have shaped the world today. The nostalgia is also attributed to the current state of the world, with many feeling that 2016 was a more carefree and hopeful time. The trend is facilitated by social media, which makes it easy to access and share memories of the past.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Fortune reports that millions are sharing throwback photos to 2016 on social media, kicking off a viral trend. Experts point to 2016 as a year of transition, marked by the rise of populism, increased polarization, and the beginning of a new world order. The nostalgia for 2016 is driven by the realization that the world was on the cusp of significant changes, but not yet fully thrown into the dark days that were to come. The trend is also attributed to the current state of the world, with many feeling that 2016 was a more carefree and hopeful time. As one expert notes, “the nostalgia being expressed now, for 2016, is due in large part to what has transpired since then.”
The nostalgia for 2016 is a longing for a time that felt more authentic and hopeful, before the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and other significant events. As one person notes, “it felt more authentic in some ways,” and “the world is going downhill” now. The trend is facilitated by social media, which makes it easy to access and share memories of the past. As another expert notes, “we can so readily access the past or, at least, versions of it,” and “we’re to the point where we can say, ‘Remember last week when we were doing XYZ? That was such a good time!'”
The nostalgia for 2016 is a form of escapism, a way to temporarily forget about the problems of the present and revisit a time that felt more carefree and hopeful. As one person notes, “it’s easier to go back to a time that’s more comfortable and that you felt safe in.” The trend is also a reflection of the human desire to hold onto memories and experiences, and to make sense of the past in order to navigate the present and future.
Author: Evan Null
