Why 2016 Feels Like a Distant Dream

A decade has passed since 2016, and people are still looking back fondly at that year. It was a time when the Americas celebrated the eradication of measles, Beyoncé dropped her iconic album "Lemonade, " and there was hope for the first woman president. Social media was buzzing with trends like Pokémon Go and the "baking" makeup technique. But it wasn't all good. The year also saw tragic events like the Pulse nightclub massacre, the loss of music legends Prince and David Bowie, and deepening political divides. Celebrities have been sharing their 2016 memories online, reminiscing about their careers and personal lives. Kylie Jenner celebrated the launch of her lip kit, which later made her a billionaire. Karlie Kloss reminisced about wearing chokers and using the Snapchat puppy filter. Lena Dunham and Reese Witherspoon also shared photos from that year, reminding fans of their past selves.But nostalgia can be tricky. While some people look back at 2016 as a simpler time, others remember it as a year filled with challenges. Social media was less invasive, and people felt more connected in the online spaces they shared. However, the political landscape was shifting, with events like the Brexit vote and the U. S. presidential election causing significant upheaval. Jessica Maddox, a media and cultural studies professor, points out that nostalgia is complicated. We can't relive the past, and trying to recreate those feelings can be difficult. She also notes that the internet has become a more divisive place since 2016. What was once a shared cultural experience has now become a battleground for conflicting opinions. Dustin Kidd, a sociology professor, suggests that the longing for 2016 is a coping mechanism. It's a way to find comfort in a time before politics became all-consuming. The trend of looking back at 2016 is a reflection of our current cultural climate, where people are searching for a sense of unity and shared experience.