Recently, I attended a conference organized by Federal Urdu University, which featured discussions on media, social media, politics, and public opinion.
As a speaker, I talked about how we, as journalists, shape public opinion and how hashtags are often perceived as representing the opinions of everyone.
I also highlighted how artificial intelligence, currently at its peak, may face a decline in the coming years, a trend visible to journalists and media students alike.
I compared it to fast food becoming cheaper while organic food grows costlier, suggesting a societal shift back toward quality and authentic creation.
As we step into the new year, a report by The New York Times suggests that 2026 will bring significant changes in human lifestyle, politics, technology, entertainment, and social behaviors.
Simple mobile phones are expected to become status symbols, while marketing will dominate nearly every aspect of life.
There will be growing backlash against AI-generated, unnatural content, alongside a renewed appreciation for genuine creativity, emotional expression, and love.
Film characters will transform into global brands, while influencer culture is predicted to decline. New fashion icons, such as New York Mayor’s wife Rama Duwaji, are expected to gain worldwide attention.
Trends from the past, such as pipes and traditional tobacco use, may return, and audience-driven entertainment experiences are likely to rise. Overall, 2026 is poised to usher in a new era that favors authenticity over artificiality.
