Do We Really Want 2016 Back?

"Let's make 2026 the new 2016."

If you've been active on social media lately, you've probably seen some version of that sentence. It's everywhere. People are posting photos with the old Rio de Janeiro Instagram filter, playing the Chainsmokers song 'Closer' on repeat and reminiscing about a time when life felt simpler.

I get the appeal though. 2016 was the peak era for Tumblr, YouTube and Vine. Our biggest concerns back then where staying up for our favourite artist's new album drop or which B612 filter to use for posting our new selfie. The internet felt smaller, trends lasted longer and everything felt simpler.

But I don't think we actually miss 2016. I think we miss how we FELT back in 2016.

For many of us, 2016 was a time before adult responsibilities. It was a time before bills, rent, career, job applications and societal adulthood pressures. I think when we say we miss 2016, we really just miss a version of us that's carefree and abundantly happy. Nostalgia has a way of editing our memories. We remember the music, the trends, the friendships but forget the bad days that came with it.

Maybe the "Bring back 2016" trend isn't about the year at all. Maybe it's about wanting a break from our fast-paced lifestyle today.

And that is definitely something we can all relate to.

Take a minute to think and let me know what you REALLY miss about 2016. ✨