This past year has been like no other in recent memory. Almost nothing about 2020--from our fascination with Tiger King, stay-at-home orders, to the demand for face masks and disinfectants--was at all expected. So, of course, very little about the trends from the past 12 months seemed natural or predictable.
The year 2020 saw a rise in many new and unexpected trends that made a mark in the past year. The sudden changes in everyone's routines brought about many ways of coping with the coronavirus pandemic and its safety protocols. From fashion to social media to food, many new habits and hobbies were formed by consumers as the months of quarantine rolled by. Everyone had their own way to soothe their anxieties, and some of these are also shared by many.
A shift in our daily schedules and abrupt changes such as non-essential travel restrictions and social gatherings led to many adjustments. Technology made us stay connected with loved ones. New ways to pass time became popular to help fill up our isolation at home. Streaming services and other platforms that help make staying home easier became the norm.
While we're hoping for a brighter, better 2021, the recent months have made us all more self-aware, careful, grateful, and adaptable--and these traits we can bring with us to years ahead. Now that 2020 is nearing its closure, it's expected we get pensive and take a look back at how our year was.
Let's count down some of the popular trends that became a part of our daily lives in quarantine and became important parts of this very challenging yet memorable year. Which 2020 trend can you resonate with the most?
The past year was the perfect time to catch up on your favorite show. Video streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube soared in users as many people took to watching shows through the internet.
People who needed a break from watching shows found entertainment through podcasts, which can help you feel less alone while you manage to get work done. From career, current events, relationships, comedy--many podcasts got more listeners in the past year.
When quarantine protocols were enforced, many dining services were put to a hold, grocery shopping became more tedious, and people had to find ways to experiment with simple, new recipes in the kitchen. The earlier days of the pandemic showed food trends like banana bread, fluffy pancakes, and Dalgona coffee.
Because social gatherings have been off the table for the past year, many content creators and performers managed to get by through livestreaming. From musicians, gamers, YouTube vloggers, fitness coaches--these are just a few of the many that transitioned to live streaming.
Staying indoors almost 24/7 can bring about cabin fever and make anyone unhealthy from the lack of physical activity. Many people took up the habit of exercising at home while gyms are still closed, or taking leisurely walks with social distancing, just to maintain some movement in their days.
TikTok became the haven for millennials and Gen Zs who are usually the trendsetters in viral challenges, TikTok dance moves, and funny clips.
Face masks and face shields became this year's unexpected must-have and everyday staple.
Talk about retail therapy. This year must've been when everyone's carts were filled with items bought online.
Face-to-face interactions have been replaced by video calls. V appearances, work meetings, and classes have moved to video calling. New ways to look good in a Zoom call have become a big thing for many.
Going out always has its risks, and while we're thankful for all our frontliners and first responders, many people have transitioned into working from home and learning online. While staying productive and learning during a pandemic isn't easy, it's been amazing to see how far we've all come in adapting to the new normal and surviving the year.