Despite it still being early in the new year, people are looking back instead of looking ahead. In recent years, many people have become enthralled by how life was in the past, specifically ten years ago.
2026 has already been deemed as the new “2016,” allowing people to reminisce about all things “2016,” whether that’s through fashion, makeup, music, or even posting photos for “TBT” (Throwback Thursday).
Between the rose-tinted filters, bronzy makeup, and the return of 2016 music, 2016 was a year of significant political and social change. President Donald J. Trump’s first term began; the short-form social media app Musical.ly (which became TikTok) exploded in popularity, and the release of many monumental music albums, such as Beyonce’s Lemonade and Frank Ocean’s Blonde, changed both the social media and cultural atmosphere.
Jade McRae ’26 shared her personal opinions on the potential political reasons behind the love for 2016.
“Honestly, it’s a little sad. In 2026, there’s so much political tension and just a lot of things that [don’t seem like things] teenagers or even young adults were dealing with when we were younger. So, it’s just very alarming for us, and then it just makes us want to [go back to] 2016, along with the aesthetic of it,” said McRae.
“2016 has always been seen as the year of the century for our generation. A ton of new music came out that year. A ton of new trends were introduced in that year,” said Bella Morton ’27.
Morton added that 2016 seems like a more memorable year in comparison to how things are now.
“A lot of people had their best moments in that year … I think [it’s] because [the current time period] is seen as such a more miserable point in society and people’s lives … they’re searching for that sense of nostalgia to sort of bring them a sense of happiness,” said Morton.
McRae explained that the current internet interest in 2016 could stem from a longing for simplicity.
“I think it’s becoming a trend because a lot of us are entering a more important stage in our lives where we have to start deciding things about our future. And I think 2016 just brings us back to a point of nostalgia, and it’s just a simpler time,” said McRae.
The 2016 nostalgia has not just remained confined to social media or private reflection. The revival of 2016 is starting to be adopted by some of the most influential people in the media, pushing it further into the mainstream.
Notable celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have joined the trend by sharing throwback photos from 2016, revisiting influential moments that defined their public image during the era.
Both Bieber and Jenner captioned their posts with, “You just had to be there.”
Jenner’s post referenced her widely recognized “King Kylie” era in 2016 when she sported her iconic blue hair and nude lip, becoming a dominant figure in beauty and internet culture. In the comments, fans responded with overwhelmingly positive remarks such as “Long live King Kylie,” and “2016 was truly yours.”
Bieber’s post, which also received millions of likes, prompted a more negative response. While many users engaged with the nostalgia, others criticized the post, particularly a photo featuring her current husband, Justin Bieber.
People argued that Bieber’s post wasn’t representative of her “true” 2016 experience and that she was a “stalker,” in reference to the start of their relationship in 2016, when she allegedly tracked him to ensure they would be together.
Although posts from Jenner and Bieber have remained among the most popular examples of the trend, they are not the only notable figures participating in it. Figures like John Legend and Reese Witherspoon have also shared some throwback photos from 2016.
Additional celebrities like Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Jordan Fisher, and Zara Larsson, have also engaged with the trend. Through celebrity participation, the trend has extended beyond making a simple post.
According to Yahoo Entertainment, celebrities such as Zara Larsson have used the renewed interest in 2016 to highlight her music from that period, as several of her songs, such as “Lush Life” and “Symphony,” in conjunction with the “dolphin meme” from 2016, have resurfaced and gained traction online again, helping her career.
While celebrities have helped push the trend forward into mainstream media, its appeal has extended far beyond celebrity culture. Across social media, users everywhere have joined in to reconnect with a time of optimism and nostalgia by posting their take on 2016 throwbacks.
Morton shared a similar opinion. “I’m sure you can remember watching a ton of mainstream or significant shows [during] that time period growing up and dancing to certain songs … it’s the nostalgia factor.”
As teenagers navigate the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the 21st century, many continue to romanticize 2016 and the past, using nostalgia as a “coping mechanism during societal unrest and uncertainty.”
“I feel like everyone was free, and no one was worried too much about anything … I honestly hope it does go past 2016 because I feel like we need that sort of energy and positive vibe,” said Morton.
