The Year Tech Felt Human: Why 2016 Is Now Nostalgia Core for Gen Z and Millennials
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A growing number of younger millennials and Gen Z are declaring 2016 the “last good year,” a sentiment rooted in a perceived simplicity of life before the relentless churn of polarized politics, algorithmic feeds, and the all-consuming impact of the pandemic. It was a time when social media felt genuinely social, and technology, while evolving, hadn’t yet reached its current state of pervasive complexity.
2016 marked a pivotal moment in global politics, with Rodrigo Duterte assuming the presidency in the Philippines and Donald Trump’s ascent to the White House underway. The digital landscape was equally transformative, though in ways that wouldn’t fully reveal themselves for years. TikTok, known then as Douyin, was largely confined to China, while Vine offered bite-sized comedic relief. YouTube videos hadn’t yet embraced the highly polished aesthetic of today. Emerging wireless wearables were still largely confined to Silicon Valley labs, and the concepts of “AI slop” and “brainrot” hadn’t yet entered the cultural lexicon.
Technology in 2016 possessed a certain approachable quality, a sense of being designed for human connection rather than constant optimization. Many of the iconic gadgets of that year have since been discontinued, but the trends they ignited continue to shape our digital lives. Let’s revisit some of the devices that defined the era – and their modern counterparts.
In 2016, the physical home button was a defining feature of smartphones and tablets. The iPhone 6S Plus enjoyed widespread popularity, but Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 7 line signaled a significant shift. The removal of the headphone jack, coupled with the debut of the first-generation AirPods, foreshadowed a future of wireless connectivity. Since then, iPhones have steadily shed bezels and home buttons, with the 2022 iPhone SE representing the last model to retain them. This design evolution has largely dictated the aesthetic of smartphones today.
While most contemporary phones have followed this trend, a niche market has emerged for devices that reintroduce QWERTY keyboards – reminiscent of Blackberry’s dominance in the early to mid-2010s – and “dumber” form factors. These phones offer a deliberate escape from the constant connectivity and potential for “doom scrolling” that characterize modern smartphone use.
Wired Earphones: A Nostalgic Comeback
AirPods debuted in 2016, but were initially viewed as a luxury item – expensive and easily lost. The transition to wireless earbuds wasn’t immediate. For many, the reliable choice remained the wired earphone. These offered affordability – with options like the P100-wired earphones from CDR-King being readily available – and surprisingly decent sound quality for the price.
Wired earphones didn’t disappear with the rise of wireless technology. In fact, they’re experiencing a resurgence as a fashion statement and a nod to a simpler time. Celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Rosé have publicly expressed a preference for wired earphones, and Jennie has been spotted wearing them outside of performances.
Apple EarPods with the appropriate plug (3.5 mm, Lightning, or USB-C) remain available for purchase. For those fully committed to the wireless experience, the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation, released just months ago, boasts advanced noise-cancellation, enhanced workout features, and improved fit.
Apple Watches and Fitness Trackers: The Rise of Wearable Tech
The years 2015-2017 were pivotal for Apple and the broader wearable technology market. The introduction of the Apple Watch in late 2015 marked a turning point for watches and fitness trackers, slowly integrating smarter features into everyday wearable devices.
Initial reactions to the Apple Watch were mixed, with some questioning its value proposition compared to traditional watches. Today, however, the Apple Watch is a resounding success and has profoundly influenced other tech brands and watchmakers.
Simultaneously, Fitbit was at its peak. Devices like the Charge 2 and Blaze transformed step counting into a cultural phenomenon, fostering a sense of community through leaderboards and challenges. While Apple Watches eventually incorporated these features, Fitbit’s influence on the health-tracking capabilities of modern smartwatches is undeniable. Today, Fitbit is integrated into Google’s Pixel Watch, while Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin dominate the high-end fitness space.
Pre-Nintendo Switch and VR Headsets Era: Gaming’s Evolution
Before the Nintendo Switch revolutionized handheld gaming, the Nintendo 3DS reigned supreme. 2016 also saw the introduction of the first Oculus Rift, laying the groundwork for the virtual reality revolution.
Today’s handhelds – the Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ASUS ROG Ally – deliver console-quality graphics and processing power. Retro-inspired handhelds like those from Anbernic are also gaining popularity, offering a nostalgic gaming experience with familiar form factors and classic games.
The VR landscape has evolved significantly since the Oculus Rift’s debut. Newer iterations like the Meta Quest headsets and the Apple Vision Pro offer immersive experiences. Beyond traditional VR, smart eyewear like Ray-Ban Meta is beginning to emerge as a new frontier in wearable technology.
The Timeless Kindle: A Constant in a Changing World
If there’s one piece of tech that has remained remarkably consistent, it’s the e-reader, particularly the Kindle. While subsequent models have incorporated upgrades like increased storage, improved memory, and quality-of-life enhancements, the core functionality remains largely unchanged. Newer Kindles and e-readers now feature styluses and colored e-ink screens, but the original Kindle’s design feels surprisingly familiar even today.
2016 Tech in 2026?
Looking back, the gadgets of 2016 evoke a sense of a time when technology felt lighter, simpler, and more human. While many of those devices are now obsolete, the habits they fostered – streaming, scrolling, gaming on the go, and tracking our health – continue to define our relationship with technology.
The key difference? Everything is sleeker, smarter, and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence. Whether this represents genuine progress remains to be seen. – Rappler.com.
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