Blast From the Past: 10 Iconic 2010s fads We All Remember
The 2010s was a decade defined by the rapid evolution of social media, the birth of the influencer, and some of the strangest viral trends in history. From the early years of Tumblr-inspired aesthetics to the late-decade dominance of TikTok, 2010s fads moved at lightning speed, fueled by the global connectivity of the internet. Whether they were harmless schoolyard trends or massive digital challenges that raised millions for charity, these moments shaped the cultural zeitgeist of the era.
As we look back at the years between 2010 and 2019, it is impossible not to feel a sense of nostalgia for the specific, often chaotic energy that defined the decade. Let’s dive into ten of the most iconic 2010s fads that we all remember participating in or, at the very least, watching from the sidelines.
Viral Challenges and Digital Phenomona
The 2010s saw the rise of the "challenge" format, where a specific action was recorded and shared, often to raise awareness or simply for the sake of going viral. These 2010s fads proved how quickly a single idea could travel across the globe.
- The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Perhaps the most impactful of all 2010s fads, this 2014 phenomenon involved dumping a bucket of ice water over your head to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It raised over $115 million for the ALS Association and became a global movement joined by celebrities and world leaders.
- The Harlem Shake: In early 2013, the internet was taken over by 30-second clips featuring a calm intro followed by a bass drop and absolute rhythmic chaos. This trend highlighted the power of platforms like YouTube in creating overnight sensations.
- Planking: One of the earliest 2010s fads to go truly viral, planking involved lying face down in an unusual or dangerous location. While often criticized for its simplicity, it laid the groundwork for the era of social media-driven stunts.
- Bottle Flipping: What started as a viral video of a high school talent show performance turned into a global obsession. In 2016, everyone from toddlers to professional athletes was trying to land a partially filled water bottle upright on various surfaces.
Fashion and Lifestyle Staples
Fashion in the 2010s was a mix of high-tech innovation and nostalgic revivals. These 2010s fads dictated what we wore to school, work, and everywhere in between.
- Silly Bandz: At the very start of the decade, these colorful, animal-shaped rubber bands were the ultimate status symbol in classrooms. Despite their simplicity, they became a massive collector's item before fading away as quickly as they arrived.
- Athleisure: This trend transformed the way we dress by making leggings, yoga pants, and high-end sneakers acceptable for almost any occasion. Brands like Lululemon and Nike led the charge in making comfort a primary fashion statement.
- Fidget Spinners: Originally marketed as a tool for focus and stress relief, fidget spinners became a mandatory accessory for every student in 2017. They were so ubiquitous that they were eventually banned in many schools for being too much of a distraction.
- Mustache Motifs: For a brief period in the early 2010s, the "ironic" mustache was everywhere. It appeared on t-shirts, mugs, finger tattoos, and even jewelry, representing the peak of the "hipster" aesthetic that dominated the first half of the decade.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming and Apps
Our smartphones became the primary way we engaged with 2010s fads. Several apps reached a level of cultural saturation that had never been seen before.
- Pokémon Go: In the summer of 2016, the world seemed to stop as millions of people took to the streets to catch virtual monsters in their real-world neighborhoods. This fad was a rare moment where digital gaming encouraged physical activity and community interaction on a massive scale.
- Vine: Though the app only lasted a few years, its six-second video format birthed a new generation of comedians and influencers. Vine’s specific brand of humor continues to influence content on platforms like TikTok today.
The Lasting Legacy of the 2010s
While many 2010s fads eventually became "cringe" or were forgotten, they represent a unique period of transition in human history. It was the decade where we fully integrated our lives with the digital world, and these trends were the growing pains of that integration. Whether it was the thrill of a successful bottle flip or the shared laughter of a Vine compilation, these fads provided a common language for a generation connected by screens.
As we continue through the 2020s, it is clear that the fast-paced nature of these trends has only intensified. However, the original 2010s fads will always hold a special place in our memories as the first real examples of what it means to live in a truly viral world.