Cringe Lockdown Trends: What We Regret From 2020-2022
The 2020-2022 'Lockdown Era' was a unique period in history, marked by unprecedented changes in our daily lives. Confined to our homes, we sought new ways to connect, entertain ourselves, and maintain a sense of normalcy. This led to the adoption of various trends, some of which seemed perfectly reasonable at the time. However, looking back, many of these trends now evoke a sense of cringe. It’s fascinating how quickly perceptions can shift, and what was once considered trendy can become a source of amusement or even embarrassment. This article dives deep into the trends that defined the lockdown era, examining why they emerged, what made them popular, and why they now seem so cringeworthy. We’ll explore the social, psychological, and cultural factors that contributed to these trends, offering a comprehensive look at this unique period in our recent past.
The Rise of the Trends
When the world went into lockdown, our routines were disrupted, and our social interactions were drastically reduced. Suddenly, we had more time on our hands, and we were all navigating a shared experience of uncertainty and isolation. This created a fertile ground for new trends to emerge. Social media platforms became our primary window to the outside world, and viral challenges, DIY projects, and virtual gatherings filled our feeds. The trends that took hold during this time reflected our collective anxieties, desires, and coping mechanisms. We embraced activities that provided comfort, connection, and a sense of purpose in a world that felt increasingly chaotic. From baking bread to attending virtual parties, we found ways to adapt and make the best of a challenging situation. Understanding the context in which these trends arose is crucial to appreciating why they seemed so appealing at the time, and why they now appear somewhat absurd in retrospect.
Baking Bread: A Doughy Obsession
One of the most prominent trends was the surge in home baking, particularly sourdough bread. Social media platforms were flooded with images of perfectly risen loaves and meticulously scored crusts. For many, baking became a therapeutic activity, a way to combat stress and anxiety while creating something tangible and satisfying. The process of nurturing a sourdough starter, with its daily feedings and careful monitoring, provided a sense of routine and control in a world that felt increasingly unpredictable. The act of baking also connected us to a tradition, a skill passed down through generations, offering a comforting link to the past. However, the sheer ubiquity of sourdough posts eventually became a bit much. What started as a wholesome activity turned into a competitive sport, with bakers striving to outdo each other with increasingly elaborate creations. Now, looking back, the sourdough craze seems like a slightly overblown response to the crisis, a reminder of a time when our anxieties manifested in flour and water.
The DIY Mania: Crafting Our Way Through Crisis
Another trend that flourished during the lockdown was the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) movement. With more time spent at home, many people turned to crafting, home improvement projects, and other hands-on activities. From knitting and crocheting to furniture refinishing and gardening, DIY projects offered a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. The DIY trend was also fueled by practical considerations, as lockdowns and social distancing measures made it difficult to access certain services and products. People learned to cut their own hair, make their own cleaning supplies, and repair household items, driven by both necessity and a desire to be self-sufficient. While DIY projects can be incredibly rewarding, the sheer volume of DIY content online became overwhelming at times. Social media feeds were filled with images of half-finished projects, crafting fails, and questionable home décor choices. Looking back, the DIY mania reflects our collective attempt to exert control over our immediate surroundings, a way to feel productive and resourceful in the face of uncertainty.
Virtual Everything: Connecting in the Digital Realm
With in-person gatherings restricted, virtual interactions became the norm. Zoom meetings, online happy hours, and virtual parties replaced face-to-face interactions. While these virtual gatherings allowed us to stay connected with friends and family, they also highlighted the limitations of digital communication. Awkward silences, technical glitches, and the ever-present distractions of home life often made virtual interactions feel less fulfilling than their real-world counterparts. The virtual trend extended beyond social gatherings, encompassing online fitness classes, virtual museum tours, and even virtual weddings. While these innovations were commendable efforts to adapt to the circumstances, they also underscored our longing for genuine human connection. The novelty of virtual events eventually wore off, and many people experienced “Zoom fatigue,” a feeling of exhaustion and burnout from spending too much time on video calls. In retrospect, the virtual trend serves as a reminder of the importance of physical presence and the unique value of in-person interactions.
Why the Cringe?
So, why do these lockdown trends now seem so cringeworthy? There are several factors at play. One key reason is the shift in context. What seemed perfectly normal during a time of crisis can appear absurd when viewed through the lens of normalcy. The heightened emotions and anxieties of the lockdown era amplified our behaviors, making them seem more intense and exaggerated in retrospect. Additionally, the sheer saturation of these trends on social media contributed to their eventual cringeworthiness. The constant stream of sourdough bread photos, DIY fails, and awkward Zoom screenshots created a sense of overexposure, diluting the initial appeal of these activities. Furthermore, as we emerge from the pandemic, our priorities and perspectives have shifted. We are now more aware of the importance of real-world connections, the value of simplicity, and the need for balance in our lives. The trends that once defined our lockdown experience now serve as a reminder of a time we would rather forget, a period of uncertainty and isolation that we are eager to move past.
The Social Media Saturation
The role of social media in amplifying these trends cannot be overstated. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook became echo chambers, where certain activities and aesthetics were endlessly repeated and reinforced. This created a sense of pressure to participate, even if the trend didn’t genuinely appeal to everyone. The constant sharing of lockdown activities led to a phenomenon of “trend fatigue,” where the novelty of a particular activity wore off quickly, replaced by a sense of weariness and irritation. The curated nature of social media also contributed to the cringe factor. People often presented idealized versions of their lockdown experiences, showcasing perfectly baked bread, flawlessly executed DIY projects, and impeccably styled Zoom backgrounds. This created a distorted picture of reality, masking the challenges and struggles that many people were facing. Looking back, the social media saturation of these trends highlights the potential pitfalls of online echo chambers and the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on social media content.
The Shift in Perspective
Our perspectives have changed significantly since the height of the lockdown era. The anxieties and uncertainties that once dominated our lives have, to some extent, subsided. We have regained a sense of normalcy, and our priorities have shifted accordingly. What once seemed like essential coping mechanisms now appear excessive or even comical. The sourdough obsession, for example, seems less crucial when we can easily purchase a loaf of bread from the store. The DIY mania has waned as we regain access to professional services and products. The novelty of virtual gatherings has faded as we prioritize in-person interactions. This shift in perspective is a natural part of the healing process, as we move forward from a traumatic period in our history. The cringeworthiness of these trends is a reflection of our collective growth and adaptation, a sign that we are ready to embrace a new chapter in our lives.
The Longing for Authenticity
One of the underlying reasons why these trends now seem cringeworthy is our growing desire for authenticity. The curated and often artificial nature of social media became particularly grating during the lockdown era, as people sought genuine connections and real-world experiences. The perfectly staged photos of sourdough bread and DIY projects felt increasingly out of touch with the realities of daily life. The pressure to present a flawless lockdown experience on social media created a sense of inauthenticity, a feeling that we were all performing for an audience rather than simply living our lives. As we emerge from the pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on vulnerability, honesty, and genuine self-expression. The trends that once dominated our feeds now seem like a relic of a time when we were all trying too hard to project an image of perfection. Our longing for authenticity is a sign of our collective desire to move beyond superficial trends and embrace a more meaningful and genuine way of life.
Examples of Cringe-Worthy Trends
To further illustrate the point, let’s delve into some specific examples of lockdown trends that now induce a sense of cringe:
Dalgona Coffee
This whipped coffee concoction took the internet by storm in early 2020. The frothy, aesthetically pleasing beverage seemed like the perfect lockdown indulgence. However, the labor-intensive process of whipping instant coffee into a cloud-like foam quickly lost its appeal. The dalgona coffee trend now seems like a fleeting moment of desperation, a sugary distraction from the realities of the pandemic. The countless photos and videos of dalgona coffee that flooded social media have become a reminder of a time when our culinary creativity was limited to instant coffee and a whisk.
At-Home Haircuts
With salons closed, many people attempted to cut their own hair, often with disastrous results. Social media was filled with images of uneven bangs, lopsided bobs, and other hairstyling mishaps. While some brave souls managed to pull off a decent at-home haircut, the vast majority of these attempts were far from professional. The at-home haircut trend is a prime example of a lockdown trend that seemed like a good idea at the time but now evokes a sense of embarrassment and amusement. The memory of those awkward haircuts serves as a reminder of the challenges and limitations of the lockdown era.
Zoom Parties
Virtual parties became a staple of lockdown life, offering a way to socialize and celebrate special occasions from a distance. However, the novelty of Zoom parties quickly wore off. Awkward silences, technical difficulties, and the inability to truly connect with others made these virtual gatherings feel like a pale imitation of real-life parties. The Zoom party trend now seems like a well-intentioned but ultimately unsatisfying attempt to replicate the social experience in a digital format. The memories of those pixelated faces and laggy conversations serve as a reminder of the importance of physical presence and genuine human interaction.
Moving Beyond the Cringe
While it’s easy to poke fun at these cringeworthy lockdown trends, it’s important to remember the context in which they arose. These trends were a reflection of our collective efforts to cope with a challenging and unprecedented situation. They provided comfort, connection, and a sense of purpose during a time of uncertainty and isolation. The cringeworthiness of these trends is not a sign of failure, but rather a testament to our resilience and adaptability. We learned to bake bread, DIY our way through crises, and connect virtually when physical presence was impossible. These experiences have shaped us, and they have taught us valuable lessons about the importance of community, creativity, and adaptability. As we move forward, we can embrace the lessons learned from the lockdown era while leaving the cringeworthy trends behind.
In conclusion, the trends from the 2020-2022 'Lockdown Era' offer a fascinating glimpse into a unique period in our history. What seemed normal then now often evokes a sense of cringe, a reflection of our shifting perspectives and our longing for authenticity. While it's amusing to look back at our sourdough obsessions and awkward Zoom parties, it's also important to remember the context in which these trends arose. They were a testament to our resilience and adaptability, our efforts to find connection and meaning in a time of crisis. As we move forward, we can learn from these experiences and embrace a more genuine and balanced way of life.
For further reading on the cultural impact of the pandemic, consider exploring resources on reputable websites like The World Health Organization which provides a wealth of information on the pandemic's effects on global health and well-being.
