“Nostalgia”, a home furnishings store in Bowie, TX. April 4, 2013. Photo Credit: Billy Hathorn
TikTok’s 2016 nostalgia trend is a symptom of a larger issue regarding America’s rising political unrest and violence.
TikTok, known for its trends that go as quickly as they come, has recently seen a rise in content reminiscing on 2016 and the surrounding nostalgia.
Many users have been posting their photos and videos from ten years ago, bringing back popular songs and looking to the past for comfort. But why?
Within recent events and political strife, social media users want to return to the familiarity and so-called “glory days” where life seemed simpler and there were fewer things to worry about.
There are also uncanny parallels between 2016 and 2026, with the current Presidential administration being one of the most poignant reminders of the past.
In reality, this trend proves that people have a natural craving to return to their childhoods when the world begins to drastically change and become unrecognizable.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either. It’s natural to reminisce on the past when the present is no longer familiar. However, all good things must be in moderation.
This trend is a larger indication of a growing problem in America.
One TikTok user, @louisamunchtheory, discussed the correlation between this upward tick in nostalgic posts on social media and its ties to the rise of far-right ideology and influence.
She argues that major trends of nostalgia are not good signs, as many look back on the past when there is nothing to look forward to in the future. This is a sign of societal stagnation and despair.
This surge in nostalgia content is, as Louisa describes, a good marketing tactic, but it can also be incredibly dangerous to mix with politics.
Social media users have been retrospective about the social media trends in tandem with the political upheaval in 2016. However, it doesn’t seem to be productive for the current conflicts in America.
So, what’s the harm in daydreaming about the good old days?
This “greener pastures” argument has been used countless times to justify that segregated America wasn’t bad and was a golden age for the country.
Similar, harmful rhetoric has been spewed about the pre-Civil War period and the prevalence of chattel slavery in American society.
Whether or not social media users realize, they are participating in this same reminiscence and justification that the past was a simpler and better time. Simpler and better cannot be conflated in this context.
It is perfectly fine to remember one’s childhood, think fondly of the positives and contemplate the negatives, but nostalgia should not be used as an escape from the current issues the United States faces.
This trend is a testament to how discouraged Americans are feeling and how they are equally desperate to escape the pain caused by such nationwide turmoil.
Never forget that looking away is complacency in one’s own oppression. It is everyone’s responsibility to bear witness to the present and fight for the future.
