Another decade will soon enter the past as 2020 begins. Memories shared are left behind in the 2010s. As fast as time moves, it’s easy for people to not realize what significant events occurred within the past few years. It’s possible they haven’t even noticed that an entire decade will soon be in the rearview mirror.  For those longing for the memories from the past, the following list will sum up the highlights of the last ten years.  

Instagram

Social media truly got its start with the creation of Instagram. Following the release of Facebook, the app was first introduced in 2010 and has since skyrocketed to the top of the app store. Currently, Instagram has over 1 billion active monthly users. Instagram has become a way for celebrities, influencers and average users to share their lives. The increase of Instagram models has led to teenagers’ attempt to spread body positivity for all body types, rather than only highlighting thin women.

Fashion trends

The 2010s were full of numerous fashion statements, many of which have been deemed questionably in hindsight. Think back to school in the early 2010s— every girl walking down the hall had Miss Me jeans and Uggs on. Their hair was covered with feather extensions from a local salon. Everyone had silly bands up to their elbows and traded them left and right. At the end of the decade, people continue to make statements through clothing and makeup. The wavy eyebrow confused the internet while inspiring some to try the look themselves. Recently, teens have resorted to comfort over eccentric fashion by wearing leggings, hoodies and oversized tees on a daily basis. 

Reelection of Obama        

In 2012, Obama was reelected to be president of the United States. He was running against Mitt Romeny. Obama’s presidency made history because he was the first african american president when he won his previous term in 2008. 

Iconic dances

Thanks to social media, dance crazes have broken out nationwide. People see a dancing trend and try to mimic the moves themselves. In 2013, the Harlem shake sent millions to try the dance, whether in classrooms, office cubicles, or sports games. In 2015, the song “Watch Me” was released, and the era of the whip and nae nae began. Everyone froze in their steps in 2016 when the mannequin challenge spread. Last but not least, internet famous Backpack Kid shared a video of him doing a dance called “flossing.” The dance instantly spread, reaching millions of people worldwide. 

Miley Cyrus’s evolution

Well known Disney star Miley Cyrus broke the internet in 2013 when she released “Wrecking Ball.” Her image as wholesome Hannah Montana was discarded when millions of people watched the music video in which she swang on a wrecking ball nude. Controversy has followed her throughout the decade. She divorced her husband Liam Hemsworth in recent months and has since moved on to date Cody Simpson, who is also a previous Disney star. 

ALS ice bucket challenge 

Starting in 2015, videos of people pouring a bucket full of ice water onto their head went viral. However, this was much more than a trend, over $115 million was raised for Lou Gehrig’s disease. The challenge started in honor of Pete Frates, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. Celebrities like Opera, Justin Bieber, Bill Gates and others shared videos of themselves doing the challenge, as well as donating.

Ebola outbreak

Ebola made its way to the US in February of 2014, bringing fear to people nationwide. Although there were no deaths in the United States as a result of quarantine measures, the disease allowed for the US medical industry to become more thorough with people returning to the country after traveling to a disease ridden destination. 

Legalization of same sex marriage

Pride has grown nationwide within the past decade, predominately in 2015 when same sex marriage was leagilzed in the United States. Numerous celebrities and influencers have been using their platform to come out or discuss equality, making the topic more common and socially accepted. Pride parades are held across the United States, predominantly in June, with the annual pride parade in NYC bringing in over 2.5 million people across the world to celebrate equality. The LGBTQ community has gloabally spread within the past ten years.

One Direction broke up 

One Direction performed together for the final time in December 2015. Fans sobbed for days, longing for their favorite band to reunite. One Direction stated that they split for many reasons, but it was mainly because they wanted to pursue solo careers. However, fans may need to dig out their 1D posters because rumors spread that the band will reunite in 2020. 

Trump elected as President

People across the country kept their eyes glued to their news outlets as they anticipated the results of the 2016 presidential election. Donald Trump’s win over Hillary Clinton shocked everyone, leaving many in denial that their president would Trump. He’s known for his memorable tweets on Twitter that he doesn’t seem to filter with professionality. Talk of Trump’s impeachment has been in the air as the 2020 election approaches. 

TV reboots and remakes

Many well known television characters have made a reappearance this decade. “Fuller House” was released as a sequel to the beloved 80s sitcom, “Full House.” Motion picture animations have also stepped up their game, which motivated Disney to release multiple life action remakes of original Disney Films like “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Dumbo,” and “Maleficent.” The new streaming service Disney Plus includes a new series version of High School Musical, along with classic hits from the early 2000s like “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Hannah Montana.” Marvel characters left the 2D comic world and entered reality with multiple remakes of Stan Lee’s series, such as Spider-Man, Iron-Man and Thor. These include actors like Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Pratt. Theaters were packed when the blockbuster hit “Endgame” was released in 2019, which killed off fans’ beloved characters. 

Apple products 

Technology continued to evolve within the past decade. Starting with the release of the iPhone 4 in 2010, there have been twelve iPhone models released, the most recent being iPhone 11 that came out on Sept. 10, 2019. Also, watches have stepped up their game. The new SmartWatches are capable of not just telling time, but they can also show a person’s text and call notifications, track their fitness and other tasks. Headphones have also lost their cords and transitioned to Airpods. Steve Jobs’ multi-billion dollar business is still growing dramatically. The world is waiting to see the next gadgets in store for the upcoming decade. 

As people recollect on a few of the most iconic moments from the 2010s, it’s likely they find themselves slightly emotional as they close this chapter at the end of 2019. As the door is shut on the past ten years, the door to the future is opened and welcomed with open arms, along with everything it has in store.