The instinctual feeling that it is still 2020. Shared by many members of Gen Z, who feel like past events are closer than they actually are; as if it is still 2020. Probably spurred by the pandemic and isolation, but nobody really knows where it comes from.

Most years have a satisfying ending, where after Christmas and New Years you get to reset and to on to the next year. However, COVID didn't care about the holiday season, and the defining characteristic of 2020 was carried on into the following year. In a way, it felt like 2020 never really ended.

"RIP my man Harambe"
"Dude, that meme is like 4 years old."
"I think you mean almost 8 years old."
"wait..."
"that's the 2020 effect"

The 2020 Effect by TheDimensionist November 6, 2023

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tiktok 2020

The era where you could go viral for dancing or saying a phrase, the era where cringe was acceptable and no one judged you for you but it was also the time where cancel culture was a wildfire.

Person 1: Dude I miss tiktok 2020 so much

Person 2: So you liked being cringe?

Person 1: 😒

tiktok 2020 by chipsandflowerss3434 March 3, 2024

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The 2020 Effect

A perception that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Life for many people and corporations became dull and uneventful. Leading to people believing the years before 2020 were the most eventful and impactful. While also leading many to prefer life before the pandemic hit and the nostalgia people get from apps and memories.

"The 2020 effect really made corporations become simpler and drier."
"The 2020 effect ruined the world. I wish I could go back to the old times."

The 2020 Effect by Indubiousness July 13, 2025

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