The internet is pining for simpler days of iPods and digital cameras

Nostalgia for obsolete technology is trending right now. With doomsayers predicting that AI could bring about the apocalypse, this January marking the highest number of layoffs to kick off a year since 2009, and ongoing political unrest, people are harking back to simpler times.

Many people hailed in 2026 by reminiscing about 2016 — posting throwback pictures and declaring that 2026 will be the new 2016, set to songs released around that time. Some have thrown it back even further — think pieces and experts have dubbed 2026 the "year of analog." On Reddit, users have asked, "What is a luxury item from 20 years ago that is basically worthless trash today?" and discussed portable GPS devices, digital cameras, iPods, and novelty ringtones.

Users shared memories: "I paid $700 for one of those in... 2003?" about a portable GPS, and one recalled that ringtones cost $8.50.

nostalgia, ipod, digital camera, portable gps, novelty ringtone, reddit, 2016, 2026, ai fears, layoffs