As a new year unfolds, people around the world are forming expectations for the year ahead. Ipsos research across 30 countries gives a glimpse into what’s on their minds for 2026.
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So… What Do People Really Expect from 2026?
🌟 Personal Outlook: Hope, Family, and a Fresh Start
With the new year upon us, optimism is on the rise for many. 💡
People are starting 2026 with themselves in mind. Three in four (75%) say they plan to exercise more than they did in 2025, and 60% say they will dedicate more time to their appearance, reflecting a growing focus on self-care, health, and personal growth as the new year begins.
Optimism extends to how people view the year ahead overall. 71% globally believe 2026 will be a better year for them than 2025, with confidence highest in Indonesia (90%), Thailand (86%), and India (85%), reflecting a strong sense of personal progress and hope for positive change.
Although half (50%) of people say 2025 was a challenging year for themselves and their family, attitudes toward the future are noticeably brighter. A strong 82% plan to spend more time with family and friends in 2026. This intention is especially strong in Indonesia (91%), Malaysia (90%), and Singapore (85%), showing that connection and togetherness remain central priorities for the year ahead.
🏘️ Expectations for Society: Population and Safety Concerns
Looking beyond personal lives, expectations for society reveal contrasting views across regions.
40% globally believe their country’s population size will fall. Japan (74%) and South Korea (73%) stand out way above average, pointing to deep-rooted worries about ageing populations and demographic decline.
When it comes to safety, perceptions are more reassuring in some countries. In Singapore, 60% disagree that their area will be less safe in 2026, vs 41% globally. This suggests stronger confidence in community safety and public order compared to many other parts of the world.
💰 Economic Expectations: More Spending Power or Not?
Economic outlooks for 2026 vary sharply by country.
Across countries, money matters are top of mind. Indonesia (80%), Malaysia (70%), and Thailand (65%) believe to have more disposable income in 2026, signaling expectations of economic improvement and greater financial flexibility.
In contrast, sentiment is more restrained in developed markets. In Japan and Australia, 50% disagree that they will have more money to spend next year, reflecting ongoing concerns about cost of living, wages, and economic uncertainty.
🤖 Expectations Around AI: Opportunity or Risk?
Artificial intelligence continues to shape how people think about the future of work.
Globally, more people believe AI will lead to many jobs being lost (67%) rather than many new jobs being created (43%), highlighting widespread concern about disruption and automation.
However, attitudes are more positive in parts of Asia. Majorities in Thailand (74%), Indonesia (68%), and Malaysia (67%) believe AI will create many new jobs, suggesting stronger confidence in adaptation, reskilling, and technology-driven growth.
🌍 Environmental Expectations: Ongoing Concern, Slightly Softer Tone
Environmental concerns remain high, though there are subtle shifts compared to last year.
Over two-thirds (69%) believe there will be more extreme weather events in 2026 than in 2025, a figure that is down 3 percentage points from last year. While concern remains strong, the slight decline may indicate fatigue or growing normalization of climate-related risks.
Similarly, 78% expect average global temperatures to increase, down 2 percentage points from previous year. Despite the small decrease, the vast majority still anticipate continued global warming, underlining that climate change remains a dominant global concern.
*Source : Ipsos study conducted on 23, 642 adults 18-75 y.o., across 30 countries, interviewed between Oct 24 and Nov 7, 2025.
So… What Do People Really Expect from 2026?
🔍 The Year Ahead, in a Nutshell
Expectations for 2026 paint a complex picture.
People are hopeful about their personal lives and relationships, cautiously optimistic about finances, divided on the impact of AI, and still deeply concerned about environmental change. Together, these insights highlight how people are moving forward with hope, while staying realistic.
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