7 Predictions for 2026 from a Non-Psychic

Regardless of who you are, I think most of us can agree that the last decade has been rough. 2025 was one of the worst years of my life for me and many other people I know. Amid these difficulties, I also feel a shift coming. I can’t tell you which planet is messing with us, but I can make some harebrained predictions based on vibes.

1. People will protect their peace and set strong boundaries

More people are going to say “no” and that’s fine. We’re all fucking tired. Don’t take it personally when someone turns down a plan or an idea. A lot of us are struggling and need to conserve our energy and time.

2. A shift from social media and seeking genuine connections instead

Social media are hellholes as is, with grifting, misinformation and nastiness abound. I think there will be a shift away from the major platforms, and toward more niche sites that prioritize actual human connections over thinly veiled propaganda and outrage bait. Human connections will be the goal over likes and views.

3. Propaganda not working the way it used to

I have almost entirely stopped paying attention to mainstream news, and most people I know have. I instead seek small outlets or decentralized outlets like the AP or Reuters. Why? Because no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, these media companies keep making money off of your outrage and division. More people are coming to that realization and limiting their own access. Being mad 24/7 isn’t healthy or comfortable. I foresee many more people no longer engaging.

4. Panicked and failing tech corporations

Even if you are an advocate of artificial intelligence, recognize that some of its uses are alarming at best. Beyond AI, technology innovation has stagnated because the CEOs have thrown all their eggs into a basket missing its bottom. Between the growing discomfort of consumers and how out of touch tech companies have become, I see some major business catastrophes on the horizon.

5. A lot of long-time systems will change

There’s a lot of institutions, systems, attitudes and ideas that we’re hanging onto although it’s clear they no longer work (or maybe never did). With the growing malaise and exasperation, there will be pushes for big changes and reform, some of which will come to fruition.

6. Hyper-individualism will decline

This is already happening, but I think it’s going to nosedive this year. The alpha, lone-maverick idea seems good on paper but just isn’t how humans operate. There will be a shift away from doing everything yourself and never asking for help, toward building communities and support networks that are fulfilling for everyone.

7. We’ll be okay

Things will get tougher, unfortunately, but I think we’ll get out okay. Nothing bad lasts forever, just as nothing good lasts forever. No matter what, just keep going. The world needs you and your energy. The seeds we plant now will lead us to a better tomorrow.

These are my seven, probably wildly inaccurate and optimistic predictions for 2026. What are some of yours?