An MCHS student arrives at school and parks in her regular parking spot. Earlier that morning, she had picked up her Starbucks and decided to try a different order today. She asks for a Mango Crème Frappuccino with blue sour drizzle and pink powder, also known as the nostalgic Unicorn Frappuccino. After she parks, she takes a big sip. It tastes so good that she takes a selfie and can’t help but add the Rio de Janeiro filter before posting.
As 2026 began, many social media users decided that this would be the year of ultimate 2016 throwbacks.
One popular aspect of this trend is revisiting music, dance, and fashion through old content from Musically or Tumblr.
“I like to keep the throwback songs in my playlist,” junior Carter Thornton says. “2016 was probably one of the best years of my life, even though I was pretty young.”
One common view shared by participants in this trend is that, when reminiscing about a time when they were younger and happier, it makes it easier for them to block out the real world around them.
While some critics argue that the trend ignores the actual political and social challenges of that year, for most participants, it’s about reclaiming a sense of fun, optimism, and community in their online lives.
“I have a 2016 playlist on standby,” junior Parker Connolly says. “It brings me back and helps me forget about everything I don’t want to think about for a while.”
The social media platform Musically was introduced in 2014 for creating and sharing short 15-second to 1-minute-long videos. As it took off, trends and dances became popular, inspiring the culture of that time.
“Musically was a healthy and fun environment compared to how TikTok is today,” junior Giovanna Caruso says. “Opening the app and watching Brent Rivera or Baby Ariel lip-sync, even watching Zach King’s magic videos, is something I will always remember. I miss it so much.”
2016 wasn’t only a big year for trends and music but for sports as well.
“In 2016, the Cubs won the World Series,” Thornton says. “It was their first World Series win in 108 years. It was amazing.”
On TikTok, the hashtag #2026isthenew2016 has over 14,500 posts. The hashtags and filters are full of users across nearly all platforms that are calling for a “cultural reset” to bring back the lighter, more spontaneous internet culture that once existed.
As she jumps out of her car, drinking her Unicorn Frappuccino, she grabs her backpack and puts in her AirPods. Thinking back on the good times, she turns up the volume and Ellie Goulding gets louder in her ears. “Even if I’m just pretending,” she thinks, “it’s good to be back.”