Digital nostalgia and analogue trends rise among social media users

Social media users are experiencing a resurgence of 2016 nostalgia, with trends such as “2026 is the new 2016” gaining traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This movement involves recreating mid-2010s aesthetics, including specific fashion styles, music, and digital filters, as users look back on a period perceived as simpler and prior to the heavy influence of artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven content.

Parallel to this digital nostalgia, there is a growing movement toward analogue experiences, particularly among Gen Z and younger demographics. Driven by digital fatigue, many individuals are seeking tangible alternatives to technology, such as using digital cameras instead of smartphones, listening to curated playlists on iPods, and engaging in journaling to reduce screen time. This shift has led to increased interest in stationery brands like Tabiyo Original, Mossery, and Ana Tomy.