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Why 2016 Feels Like a Distant Dream

USASaturday, January 17, 2026
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A decade has passed since 2016, and people are still looking back fondly at that year.

Highlights and Milestones

  • Health Achievement: The Americas celebrated the eradication of measles.
  • Music: Beyoncé dropped her iconic album "Lemonade".
  • Politics: Hope for the first woman president.
  • Social Media Trends: Pokémon Go and the "baking" makeup technique.

Challenges and Losses

  • Tragic Events: Pulse nightclub massacre.
  • Loss of Legends: Prince and David Bowie.
  • Political Divides: Deepening political divides.

Celebrity Memories

  • Kylie Jenner: Celebrated the launch of her lip kit.
  • Karlie Kloss: Reminisced about chokers and Snapchat puppy filter.
  • Lena Dunham and Reese Witherspoon: Shared photos from 2016.

The Complexity of Nostalgia

  • Simpler Times: Social media was less invasive.
  • Shared Connections: People felt more connected online.
  • Political Upheaval: Brexit vote and U.S. presidential election.

Expert Insights

Jessica Maddox, a media and cultural studies professor, notes:

  • Nostalgia is complicated.
  • The internet has become more divisive.

Dustin Kidd, a sociology professor, suggests:

  • Longing for 2016 is a coping mechanism.
  • It reflects a search for unity and shared experience.

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