“2026 is the new 2016” has been all over social media since the beginning of the year, with everyone reminiscing about the era’s defining memories and trends. From the music we had on repeat to the challenges that dominated our feeds, here are the reasons that make this era special.
Mohammed Salah’s Success Story
Mohamed Salah had just joined A.S. Roma and we watched as his career truly take off. Little did we know then that this rise would lead him to Liverpool, where he would cement his status as a global football icon.
Making Plans Was Easy
Back then, dining out meant heading to our favorite hotspots like Chili’s and TGI Fridays. Hanging out with friends was effortless: we’d meet up at the mall, grab a Frappuccino from the hottest coffee spots (and, of course, pose with our name on the cup), catch a movie or hit the arcade, or simply walk around with no real plan at all.
Mobile Games Were Actually Fun
Everyone was either out on the streets chasing Pokémon or glued to Candy Crush and Piano Tiles. This was the golden era of mobile games, before in-game ads took over and fun came with no interruptions.
The Music We Had on Repeat
We watched the biggest stars come together for Esrem Alb, a song that played on repeat throughout Ramadan, alongside Ahmed Saad’s iconic Bahebak Ya Sahby. Tamer Hosny released Omry Ebtada, while Amr Diab dropped Ahla W Ahla, each album marking the moment. We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were living through a defining era of music.
Iconic Shows and Movies That Took Over Our Screens
Cinemas were buzzing with films that would go on to become classics, from Laf W Dawaran to Hepta. On TV, we tuned in night after night to watch what are still considered some of the medium’s best works; El Kebeer Awi was at its peak, and Nelly w Sherihan and El Ostora had just dropped.
Filters Didn’t Try to Be Subtle
Taking pictures was fun and spontaneous rather than curated. From over-the-top Retrica filters to the iconic Snapchat flower crown and dog filter, selfies were something we did for fun, not perfection.
A Golden Era of Viral Challenges
Everyone froze in place for the Mannequin Challenge as Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd played in the background. On the other side of the internet, everyone tried to flip half-filled water bottles while the comments section argued over whether it was pure skill or just luck.
These weren’t just trends; they were moments that quietly shaped a generation. From the music we played on repeat to the habits we never questioned, we were simply living; unaware that these would become the times we’d look back on and long for years later.
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