As we anxiously wait to see who is going to lead the free world for the next four years, it's time to reminisce on what the world was like during the last election. What songs were playing on the radio? What were you wearing? What was your favorite movie? It may be hard to remember, especially since life passes us by so quickly, but, in case you cannot recall what the most important aspects of 2012 were, here's a list of some fads that took the world by storm.
1. YOLO
How could we ever forget the time when "You Only Live Once" became famous? It seemed that, wherever you turned, someone was screaming YOLO, only to proceed to do something incredibly stupid. Ah, good times.
2. Gangnam Style
It seemed like it happened overnight, but all of the sudden Gangnam Style took over the lives of millions. Whether you tried to sing the song or learn the dance (no one ever knew how to do either), you can agree that the South Korean singer Psy had his time in the spotlight.
3. Instagram
Imagine a world without Instagram. It seems impossible, doesn't it? 2012 was the year Instagram started gaining popularity. If you still have those first Instagram posts on your profile, I highly suggest you go back and laugh at yourself.
4. "Fifty Shades of Grey"
E.L. James' novel quickly became a bestseller back in 2012. The controversial novel soon became a million dollar movie production in 2015, but the era of middle-aged and teenage girls reading the same book seems to have passed us.
5. The end of the world
Remember when everyone thought the world was going to end? Yea, so when that didn't happen the trend kind of died down. Up until then, however, a shocking number of people believed the Mayan Apocalypse prediction until December 22nd came around and we were all alive.
Looking at our decisions in 2012, it's easy to feel as if we should go lock ourselves behind closed doors. However, we don't have time for that. When Tuesday rolls around, it's your job to go make a difference for America and vote. Don't let the next four years go by as fast as these past four did without having your voice heard.