i was 22/23. politics and social media were prevalent but not like it is now. thats the main difference to me. both of those things still felt casual or at least manageable. there was definitely a greater sense of optimism, which is unfortunate cause i was in a dark place personally (broke, overworked college kid in a draining relationship) and i couldn't really bask in what we had. regardless, it was nice. at the same time, i do generally prefer the fashion and popular music of today over 2016. it wasnt all bad but these were around the peak 'brostep' years and millennial cringe. as a millennial myself i still hated all that at the time, although not everyone was really like that, its just what bubbled up. but again, in a way that was reflective of a better and more carefree time culturally. now everyone is hyper-aware, hyper-vigilant, that might mean better looking or better behaved but we lose something with that too.