Why people in 2026 are hung up on 2016

Why people in 2026 are hung up on 2016

KSL News entertainment

Key Points:

  • Celebrities and the public are nostalgically revisiting 2016, recalling it as a time of cultural moments like Beyoncé's "Lemonade," the rise of Pokémon Go, and a more carefree social media environment.
  • Despite fond memories, experts note that 2016 was also marked by significant tragedies and political upheaval, including the Pulse nightclub massacre and the election of Donald Trump, which signaled a shift toward a more polarized and dystopian political climate.
  • Media scholars suggest that 2016 felt simpler due to a less saturated media environment and a more unified online culture, contrasting with today's fragmented and often hostile internet landscape.
  • The nostalgia trend reflects a desire to recapture a perceived "last good year" before political