Gen Z’s are turning to 2016 nostalgia as a source of inspiration and comfort amidst the mayhem ensuing in 2026. Read more to learn why.

Throughout the entirety of social media, especially Tiktok, it seems that there has been a sudden revival of 2010’s culture; most specifically, trends from 2016. Artistic refreshes like the second wind of Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, or the use of purply, dog-eared filters, serve as examples of 2016’s cultural comeback.

While seemingly random, the chaotic state of the world suggests that people are simply turning to nostalgia as a source of comfort during these trying times. After all, it’s easy to say that life was more simple 10 years ago when most of us can only recall the highlights of 2016; not the lowlights. This could simply be due to the highly flawed and selective long term memory that seems to define us as humans, or the fact that a decent portion of Gen Z were 10 or younger during 2016.

However bleak this conclusion may be, it’s not to say that the revival of 2010’s culture does not hold its various pros. From everyone’s sudden adoration of using thick-rimmed glasses as an accessory rather than for sight, to the whimsy music note themed outfits, it’s difficult to not find something you love.

With that being said, the longing for a chance to go back to 2016 shouldn’t be reduced to fashion trends and a vague and intangible yet warm feeling. With the political, economic and societal chaos that seems to hold an umbrella of gloominess over society even more so now than in previous years, it’s easy to locate the reason as to why the phrase “2026 is the new 2016” is being thrown around so much. We can see similar occurrences in the revival of mall goth fashion and alternative political beliefs that spread all over social media platforms like TikTok amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

From the sudden consumption of frutiger-aero content amongst teens and the use of wired earbuds rather than airpods, it seems as though society will continue to bring back trends from previous decades. After all, everyone deserves a source of comfort during the hectic times the modern world holds, and if blasting PinkPantheress in one’s shiny-pink IPOD is their way of doing that, then so be it.