Reader’s Digest recently published a story explaining why 2016 has been trending, drawing on scientific insights from psychology professor Cathy R. Cox about nostalgia and how our brains process memories and emotions. The article highlights the psychology behind why many people find themselves reminiscing about that year in 2026.
“People often become nostalgic when the present feels overwhelming or uncertain,” Cox explains. “There’s a lot happening in our world right now — politics feel unstable, technology is changing rapidly and many people are unsure what the future looks like for them personally.”
The piece discusses how brain science and cultural factors intersect to make certain years stick in our minds, especially as people reach milestone anniversaries or reflect on pivotal periods in their lives.