Ins and Outs for 2026
From a 'people-first' politics and K-12 phone bans to millennial optimism and SEC schools, here's what's hot (and what's not) in the new year.
Gloomcycles. “Off-year” elections that rocked the boat. And a culture shift embracing President Donald Trump that was over before it even started. 2025 was fast-paced, chaotic, and alarmingly violent. It’s been quite a year, so thank you for being part of mine.
Before the holidays, we asked members of our Gen Z community to weigh in on the trends that shaped their year — and where they think the energy is headed next.
As we look to 2026, here’s what’s in and out.
INS
AI fluency courses & curriculum
Teach students how to get ahead with the tools at their disposal.
People-first politics
Listen, listen, and listen some more. In a post-Trump era where AI is a core debate, personalities and policies that prioritize people will gain power.
Southern/SEC schools
Ivy League schools continue to fight with the Trump administration (cutting funding and programming), and the ROI on the cost of enrollment isn’t adding up. Plus years of RushTok have changed which schools hold the most social clout.
K-12 phone bans
The proof is in the pudding.
Millennial optimism
Growing up in crisis and constantly complaining about it is no longer fun — for anyone.
Wisdom of the crowds
Kalshi ruled the 2025 election cycle and announced a $1 billion raise, valued at $11 billion. And now, the betting platform is partnering with CNN and CNBC, showing the weight of crowdsourcing.
DIY careers
When hustle culture, the gig-economy, AI entrepreneurship, and influencer allure combine.
Politicians who take a stance on AI regulation
No one wants a social media repeat. Even the most bullish AI advocates need political allies.
High-value purchases
In this economy, a one-time spend with long-term benefits breakthrough.
Religious and spiritual revival (beyond church)
As a way to both cope with the chaos and find community.
Side parts
Everything that was cool 10-15 years ago is back in again…
Being earnest
Bullies are easy to read through.
OUTS
AI bans in school
The genie is out of the bottle. AI is already impacting every industry, and students need to learn how to use it for good.
Old-guard politics
Donald Trump walked so Zohran Mamdani could run… but the post-establishment political moment doesn’t have to mean a whole-hearted embrace of populism.
Prestigious degrees
Are losing their pull as younger Americans chase financial and emotional stability.
6, 7 (and other brain rot)
Everyone’s over it.
Gen Z pessimism
Is shifting into an appetite for hope.
All-knowing experts
Long-gone are the days when only a few experts with access to proprietary data could analyze a situation.
Traditional work
Why would we expect the generation that grew up going to Zoom school and with ChatGPT to want 9-to-5 office jobs?
Reliance on algorithms
They’ve gotten too predictable, and are annoyingly divisive.
Little sweet treats
Don’t hit the way they used to as the cost of everything continues to rise.
Trad wives
The concept may linger, but the viral content won’t.
Middle parts
Will be viewed as severe.
Excessive consumerism
Went too far.