While I love looking towards the future and thinking of what could come as much as the next person, there is something sweet about a wave of nostalgia. This is what got me onto the idea of choosing something elevating and reminiscent I want to bring into 2026.
Thinking about the carefree times of our youth, the trends we followed, clothes we wore, and memories we made, brings a comfort that nothing else can. It seems like most of society feels the same way, because at the start of 2026 social media quickly deemed this year “the new 2016.”
With all the talk of 2016 lately, I thought it would be great to look back on that year. There’s bound to be some things that we can learn from and bring back. I did some reflecting and came up with five things that defined the year of 2016. These would be a breath of fresh air if we bring them to the present. Let’s see if you agree? First let’s have a brief history lesson on this time ten years ago.
A Quick 2016 Recap
2016 was the year of Snapchat filters, chasing around looking for Pokémon Go, binging Stranger Things, and the election. We became mannequins for social media. We got nostalgic over our favorite TV shows and movies with reboots (Gilmore Girls and Ghostbusters). It all sounds great, until it doesn’t.
The year also had some tragedies of course. We lost some great entertainers and experienced scary, tragic attacks around the world. Despite all of the lows, there were some great things that came out of 2016. Let’s talk about them.
5 Things From 2016 We Want To Bring Into 2026
Now that we are caught up on the highlights of 2016, here are the trends, feelings, and entertainment that I’d like to bring into the present.
1) A Community Of Fun
From PokémonGo to the Mannequin Challenge, when we all joined forces and were excited about it, it took the world by storm. I loved the closeness of us all doing the same things. And even better, it was for something as simple as a silly trend or just for fun. That’s why this makes the top of my list for what I want to bring into 2026.
We were all running around trying to catch Pokémon and then sharing our catches with all our friends on social media. Then we were gathering in large groups just to see if we could be as still as possible.
I’m not sure what something like this would look like in the year 2026, but I’m sure it will start on TikTok. I’d say we are due for some fun that unites us all. Something much like this nostalgic trip to the past has been doing for us.
2) Posting In The Moment, Even If It’s Not Aesthetic
Listen, I love a thoughtfully curated monthly photo dump as much as the next person. But, I do miss the spontaneity of posting something “just because” and going off of vibes alone, or even going live for the first time. Social media was a different place back then. We weren’t all arguing over the smallest things or doomscrolling for hours.
We genuinely connected with others and had fun doing it. It was a day to day thing, not a timed monthly update. Let’s bring the fun spontaneity back into 2026 through social media this year, shall we?
3) Longer, More Danceable Songs
2016 was a great time for music. Electric Dance Music, EDM, was on the rise in the pop realm. Artists like The Chainsmokers and Marshmello were helping the genre go more mainstream. Whether you were a die-hard EDM fan, or new to the genre, this era of music was everything to us. The music made you feel good, had you dancing, and delivered through the whole song, not just 30-45 seconds of it.
These days many songs are made to create a hook for the TikTok trends and algorithms, instead of making TikTok fit the song. Don’t get me wrong, I get why they do this.
But, I also feel like it’s doing the entire music industry a disservice. It’s not focusing on just making great songs. I would love to see the rise of good music being made just for the sake of good music come back in 2026. And truthfully, it doesn’t matter the genre that does it.
4) YouTube Vlogs are What I Want to Bring Into 2026
In 2026 I’d love to see the return of longform content again. YouTube vlogs have been around for years, and are still around today, but in my opinion 2016 was their prime. Whether it was workout videos or day in the life vlogs, we were all locked in on what our favorite channel was up to.
If we wanted to learn how to do something YouTube was where we went for an in depth tutorial or lesson. The rise of short term content, the vlog isn’t as prioritized anymore. With the advancement of editing softwares and other knowledge I think that long term content could truly thrive and be more engaging than ever.
5) Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously
If your old memories don’t include countless selfies with the Snapchat dog filter, were you even alive in 2016? That silly filter took the world by storm in 2016 and reminded us all that it’s okay to be goofy and have fun.
We don’t always have to be “serving the face card” and looking our best in every photo. At the end of the day those perfect photos often have no memories attached with them.
On the other hand, those candid photos with your roommate and silly posed pictures are what you will look back on in the future with a smile, and maybe a laugh or two. Let’s bring back the fun pictures in 2026 please.
What You Can Take Away From The Year 2016?
When it comes down to it, I’d say let’s not count out 2026 just yet, even though it hasn’t started the best. I’m all for being nostalgic and wishing for simpler times, but there is also something to be said for a future of infinite possibility just waiting to be discovered. That being said, I see no harm in learning from years previous to make the current year even better.
Final Thoughts on the 2016 Gems We Want to Bring Into 2026
If you want this year to feel a little lighter like you did in 2016, here is what I’d recommend: Live your life in the moment as your most authentic self. Don’t be afraid to look cringe or feel goofy. Listen to music that makes you happy and dance like no one’s watching.
While you’re at it, invite your friends to do the same. I’d love to know what you want to bring from 2016 into this year. Let me know in the comments.
About the Author
Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.
Website: budding-joy.com