We’re not nostalgic for 2016 — we’re nostalgic for the internet before all the slop

A wave of nostalgia has swept across social media as users reminisce about 2016, often dubbed 'the last good year' for the internet. Instagram has sparked this trend with its 'add yours' sticker, inviting users to share their favorite memories from that year. This initiative has led to over 5.2 million contributions, creating a buzz that has extended to other platforms. Meanwhile, Spotify has reported a staggering 790% uptick in user-generated playlists themed around 2016, with the platform even playfully claiming to be 'romanticizing 2016 again' in its Instagram bio. Reflecting on 2016, many perceive it as a simpler time. Donald Trump had yet to take office, the world was unfamiliar with N-95 masks, and Twitter functioned without its current turbulence. It was the year of 'Pokémon Go Summer,' a highlight that many look back on fondly. However, this wave of nostalgia often glosses over the underlying anxieties of the era. Meme curator Amanda Brennan dug into her archives and unearthed a post from that time which read, 'Can’t believe that the devil put all of his energy into 2016,' underscoring the mixed feelings of that year. 2016 was marked by significant global events, from Brexit to the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, and a series of crises that created palpable tension. Long before the chaos of the Trump election, commentators were already questioning how 2016 compared to historically dreadful years, such as 1348, during the Black Death, or 1943, amidst the Holocaust. As we enter a new year, the internet has become a breeding ground for nostalgia, with platforms like Facebook and Snapchat constantly reminding us of our past. This resurgence of nostalgia feels unique, particularly as AI technology increasingly permeates our online experiences. Many see 2016 as a time before 'The Algorithm' took full control, a moment before the 'enshitification' of the internet reached critical mass. Brennan suggests that 2016 serves as a significant marker, representing a decade since 2006, when the social internet began to take shape. Major changes in technology—like the launch of Twitter and Google's acquisition of YouTube—transformed how we interacted online. The internet had once been a refuge for niche communities, but the advent of social media blurred the lines between internet culture and mainstream pop culture. By 2016, the internet was populated by a more diverse user base, and even those less familiar with online communities found themselves engaging with platforms like 4chan. This shift also brought about troubling developments, such as the transformation of Pepe the Frog from a benign character into a hate symbol, and the rise of misogyny in political discourse. The interplay between internet culture and politics became increasingly evident, leading to a future where memes would influence real-world events. For those who grew up in 2016, the year holds a sense of nostalgia. Google was effective, deepfakes were easy to identify, and the challenges posed by AI in education were non-existent. Dating apps seemed promising, and Instagram had yet to flood the market with videos. This longing for a bygone era reflects a broader trend toward seeking a more analog lifestyle, reminiscent of the return to in-person matchmaking events and the popularity of point-and-shoot cameras. In a world where social media has become overwhelming, the desire to return to a time before 'doomscrolling' is understandable. Who wouldn't yearn for a simpler, more enjoyable online experience?