Influencers and social media users have taken platforms by storm with the newest trend, reliving 2016. Occurring exactly a decade ago, many believe that 2016 was one of the most iconic years and try to rewind time by looking back at what the year held. Social media platforms such as Instagram have been flooded with pictures and videos recapping 2016 in a nutshell, complete with all of the food, fashion and music trends, bringing back the nostalgia.
“I still listen to my 2016 Spotify playlist. Too many makeup palettes, the longest hair I’ve ever had, Ray-Ban cat sunglasses and matte lipstick every day. I loved getting Starbucks after school, discovered avocado toast and would drive an hour just to get a Chipotle bowl,” said faculty member Ella Givens.
The music specifically stands out to many as one of the iconic features of 2016, with artists such as Justin Bieber and The Chainsmokers on the rise, but there were plenty of hit singles too. Another memorable detail from that era was the unique, standout fashion trends.
“The music during that time was amazing too. ‘Lush Life’ is my favorite from that period. I’m thinking about Zara Larsson, she was good,” said junior Brianna Curfman. “I was eight, and we all used to wear scrunchies all over our arms and high ponytails, and the Starbucks Frappuccinos, the rainbow ones and the filters we used during that time.”
The year 2016 is especially memorable for people who were teenagers during that time period, who were the trend setters and enjoyers.
“I had just turned 16. I just remember 2016 being a really fun year. That was kind of when all my buddies were starting to drive and all that. So we were out having fun, never really in one place for an extended period of time, just kind of on the move, doing all kinds of stuff,” said faculty member Barrick Wade.
The majority of the recaps on social media wrap up the year altogether, many highlight the summer of 2016 in particular, when trendy music and activities were at their peak and enjoyed by many, especially teenagers.
“I remember the summer of 2016, so that would have been going into my sophomore year. All my buddies would hang out, and we went fishing a lot. We’d go fishing to this one pond at night and fish, and we’d just catch a bunch of fish. We’d just have a lot of fun and just a bunch of good stories from there,” said Wade.
Looking back to a decade ago, social media has many young adults feeling deep nostalgia for their teenage days, while on the other hand, modern day high schoolers have been itching to experience that time.
“I think the vibe of 2016 is what everybody misses, and I think that people think that 2026 is bringing back 2016 vibes, so that’s probably why it’s going a little viral,” said freshman Georgia Kate Barksdale.
Like many other flashbacks or time travel trends, many of them are rooted in the desire to be transported back to simpler, or more carefree times.
“Everybody just seemed happy and just in a good mood all the time. It was just a really fun period,” said Wade.