The year 2016 has been creeping its way back into the public eye since January. Social media users at UNC and beyond have taken to reposting old videos, recreating trends and rediscovering old music from 10 years ago.
But what was it about this year that made it so memorable?
Ellie Kim, senior, computer science and statistics major
“I don’t even know if this song is from 2016 — I think they’re using it in the videos — it’s ‘Roses’ by the Chainsmokers. That music video changed my life when I watched it when I was 12. I just remember there’s like a make out scene at the end, and 12-year-old me was gagged. I think that was so 2016 for me, that song, and all the music videos from that era.”
Sruthy Mammen, senior, information science major
“When I think of 2016, I think about how in sixth grade I was using a lot of Musical.ly, like me doing all the trends. But I like how we’re bringing it back now to reminisce the good music and also just the vibes.”
Treya Burnette, junior, political science major
“I’m definitely bringing back the casual Instagram. All the captions for the past five years have felt so ChatGPT, and now that we actually have ChatGPT, it’s just like, I don’t want to see another ‘meme pun’ in your Instagram caption. Just tell me where you are and what you’re doing. Just say hi.”
Karlie Powell, first-year, master of public health environmental science and engineering student
“For fashion trends, I personally would not like to see skinny jeans come back.”
Preskee La, first-year, business administration major
“I feel like 2016 was definitely a time of a lot of creativity, especially for us, since we were younger. But I feel like it was a time of stress-free and no responsibilities. Musical.ly was definitely one [trend]. It was like everyone was doing it. Looking back at it, it was very mesmerizing, and it was a fun time.”
Emily Barkley, second-year, master of public health environment, climate and health student
“I think we should bring back YouTubers making ‘What’s in My Bag’ videos and that era of DIY, hyper-saturated YouTube videos — flower crowns, DIYs. I think we need to bring that back because nowadays it’s a 10-second TikTok of like, ‘Look at my new Laneige lip balm in my Chanel bag’ or whatever, but back in the day, it’d be like, ‘What’s in my bag? I have a Bath & Body Works hand sanitizer.’ Like, let’s bring that back.”
Rohita Patil, second-year master of public health environment, climate and health student
“I think 2026 has the potential to be like 2016 in terms of music. I think 2016 was peak — it was such a good year in music, and 2026, so far, A$AP Rocky dropped an album, Don Toliver dropped an album, J. Cole just dropped an album, and they were really good albums. So, I feel like this year has the potential to be as good in music as music was good in 2016.”
