The 2010s were a whirlwind of change, innovation, and sometimes, just plain weirdness. As we move further into the 2020s, Gen Z looks back in amusement and disbelief at some of the trends that defined the previous decade. From fashion faux pas to viral social media challenges, let’s dive into the 16 Trends from the 2010s that we can’t believe were a thing.
1. The Harlem Shake
Remember when every group of friends, company, and even newsrooms thought it was essential to have their version of the Harlem Shake? The internet was flooded with videos of people dancing wildly after a jump cut to the beat of Baauer’s song. This trend was everywhere in 2013, showcasing the power of viral trends but leaving us wondering why it captured everyone’s attention.
2. Planking
Lying face down in unusual and sometimes dangerous places, planking was a trend that truly tested the limits of common sense. From atop police vehicles to precarious ledges, the quest for the most outrageous planking photo was a 2010s phenomenon that combined humor with a touch of recklessness.
3. Flash Mobs
While the idea of spontaneous dance and performance in public spaces wasn’t new, the 2010s saw a massive surge in flash mobs. These organized performances, often for the sake of art or protest, became a social media sensation, blurring the lines between performance art and public nuisance.
4. Silly Bandz
These colorful silicone bracelets that retained shapes of animals, objects, and symbols were all the rage among kids and teens. Silly Bandz became a form of social currency in schools, with children trading them like precious commodities. Looking back, the obsession seems inexplicable.
5. The Ice Bucket Challenge
This trend mixed viral challenge culture with charitable giving, as people dumped buckets of ice water over their heads to raise awareness for ALS. It was a refreshing take on social media activism, combining fun with philanthropy, but it also sparked debates about “slacktivism.”
6. Mustache Everything
From jewelry to car decals, the mustache became an inexplicable symbol of quirky coolness. This fad saw mustaches plastered on every conceivable product, embodying a trend that was both whimsical and bewildering in its ubiquity.
7. Snapchat Filters
Snapchat revolutionized social media with its filters, turning users into puppies, swapping faces, and more. While filters are still popular, the fascination with transforming one’s appearance into something outlandishly cartoonish was a hallmark of the 2010s.
8. YOLO (You Only Live Once)
Popularized by Drake’s 2011 hit “The Motto,” YOLO became the battle cry for justifying rash decisions and impulsive actions. It encapsulated the spirit of living in the moment, for better or for worse.
9. Gangnam Style
Psy’s “Gangnam Style” took the world by storm with its catchy tune and iconic dance moves. It became the first YouTube video to hit a billion views, marking a significant moment in internet history but also making us question the global taste in music and dance.
10. Hoverboards
Despite not actually hovering, these self-balancing scooters became a must-have gadget, until they started catching fire. Hoverboards symbolized the future we were promised but also highlighted the pitfalls of rapid tech consumerism.
11. The Mannequin Challenge
Groups of people freezing in place to the sound of “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd created eerie, static scenes that captivated social media. The Mannequin Challenge showed the creativity of collective stillness, yet its appeal was as fleeting as the trend itself.
12. Vaping
Vaping emerged as a supposed safer alternative to smoking, quickly becoming a trend with its own subculture. However, concerns over health effects and the rise of teen vaping have since cast a shadow over its initial popularity.
13. Emoji Overload
Emojis transitioned from a convenient way to express emotions in texts to a language of their own. The 2010s saw emojis everywhere, from movie plots to high fashion, pushing the boundaries of digital communication.
14. Gluten-Free Everything
Even for those without celiac disease, going gluten-free became a wellness trend that saw a rise in gluten-free products and menus. This trend highlighted a growing awareness of dietary needs but also sparked debates about health and wellness fads.
15. Beard Cultivation
The 2010s saw a resurgence in facial hair, with beards becoming a symbol of masculinity and style. Beard oils, balms, and grooming products flooded the market, turning beard care into a meticulous art form.
16. Unicorn Everything
From Frappuccinos to hair color, the obsession with all things unicorn reflected a yearning for whimsy and fantasy. This trend brought a splash of color to food, fashion, and social media, embodying the decade’s penchant for escapism.
Reflecting OnThe Trends
As we reflect on these 16 Trends from the 2010s we can’t believe were a thing, it’s clear that the decade was marked by a mix of innovation, curiosity, and sometimes, just a dash of absurdity. These trends not only entertained us but also sparked conversations about technology, social norms, and how we connect.
