Photo courtesy of: Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Another year begins, and the year that once felt like yesterday is now a decade ago. The days when everything seemed brighter and was filled with youthful memories have quietly slipped by, as social media platforms become flooded with shared photos and videos, marking the return of 2016.
As this trend gains more traction, it connects them through relatable and cherished moments. With it comes a wave of nostalgia, spreading warmth as people look back on memories they might not have not realized they were missing until now.
Silly as it may seem in hindsight, the simple elements of 2016’s pop culture brought joy and laughter into everyday life. Suddenly, the world appears to be viewed through rose-colored lenses as familiar trends make their comeback—Snapchat filters, Musical.ly videos, and Tumblr-inspired outfits.
The music of 2016 is also resurfacing, instantly recognizable and closely tied to specific memories. Songs such as “Nobody’s Better” by Suzi featuring Fetty Wap sparked dance trends, while The Chainsmokers dominated the era with hits like “Roses” and “Closer.” These songs did not simply play in the background; they became part of people’s daily routines and shared experiences.
The constant sharing and reminiscing online have not only revived these trends, but has also brought them back, proving just how iconic 2016 truly was. Celebrities and establishments have joined the nostalgia train, with the Colegio sharing memories of Letranites from 2016, further strengthening the collective return to that year.
It may have been an awkward phase—what some might call a “canon experience”—but it was during this period that life felt genuine and real for many. This may explain why people are drawn to its return, not simply because of the trends themselves, but because of the fulfillment and freedom that came with living through them.
As people grow older, responsibilities inevitably pile up. The stress of balancing multiple obligations often leaves little room to truly enjoy what life has to offer. While the idea of work-life balance is often discussed, it is far easier said than done.
On top of this, people constantly face criticisms about how they should live their lives, including pressures surrounding minimalism, uniformity, and the belief that “less is more.” These expectations can be exhausting, limiting the freedom to simply enjoy life. The resurgence of 2016 brings a sense of relief, reminding people of a time when they felt free to express themselves without restraint.
These may be a few reasons why 2016 remains comforting to look back on, even after a decade. Beyond the trends, it represents a period when many adults today were much younger—when time felt abundant and life was carefree, lively, and full of endless possibilities.
Exploration came without worries or expectations. Interests were pursued not for credentials or future gain, but simply because they brought joy. Life felt lighter, driven by curiosity rather than obligation.
Life today may not be the same as it was ten years ago, and people are certainly not getting any younger. Still, how one chooses to live remains within their control. For many, revisiting 2016 serves as a way to reset—to revisit the past, welcome change, and make the present feel more meaningful.
Looking back does not mean that life was better then. Rather, it offers hope for tomorrow, showing that new beginnings are always possible and that life can still be seen through a different, more hopeful perspective.
The challenges ahead may be heavy, but these joyful memories offer strength moving forward. Whether preserved through photos, videos, or thoughts kept quietly in mind, they serve their purpose—not to trap people in the past, but to remind them that life was and is worth living.
2016 is not just a year defined by trends; it also allows reflection on how much an individual has grown over time. While it may seem like nothing has changed, there is, in reality, so much that has. Perhaps this realization, recognizing personal growth that happened slowly and quietly, is another reason people are looking back with surprising fondness and appreciation.