early2010s

The early2010s refer to the initial years of the decade, commonly considered to be 2010–2013 (with some sources extending into 2014). The period was defined by rapid technological change, including the near-universal rise of smartphones, the expansion of cloud computing, and the growth of online video and social media as everyday tools. Economies recovered gradually from the 2008 financial crisis, with uneven growth and a shift in global economic influence toward emerging markets.

In politics and society, the era saw significant upheaval and debate. The Arab Spring of 2010–2012 challenged long-standing regimes across the Middle East and North Africa. The Occupy movement highlighted concerns about income inequality in Western countries. The Eurozone crisis tested the cohesion of the European Union. Debates about privacy and government surveillance intensified after high-profile disclosures in 2013.

In science and culture, notable milestones included the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, confirming a key element of the standard model. Energy markets transformed as shale oil and gas unlocked new production in the United States and elsewhere. Culturally, streaming video and expanded social media reshaped media consumption, while major films, music, and video games reflected broader, more global audiences.