Did 2025 feel like a year that just wouldn’t quit? You’re not alone. Two-thirds of people (66%) say it was a bad year for their country, and half (50%) admit it was tough for themselves and their families. Yet, even in challenging times, people never lose hope. In fact, seven in ten people around the world (71% across 30 countries) predict that 2026 will be a better year.
That’s the headline from the Ipsos Predictions Survey 2026, a global study that asks people about their hopes, worries, and expectations for the future. Was 2025 the bottom of the barrel, or is the world simply ready to believe in brighter days ahead?
Unlike horoscopes, we don’t gaze at the stars to guess what’s next. Ipsos research listens to real people, and their voices tell a story of resilience, optimism, and surprising predictions for the year ahead.
Digging into the data, we find fascinating contradictions: while 6 in 10 expect more protests and political unrest, about half the world thinks the global economy could improve.
8 in 10 people plan to spend more time with their loved ones
This year’s predictions study doesn’t just give us percentages, it tells a story about resilience, shared anxieties, and why optimism still sticks around, even when life feels unpredictable. Ready to explore what people everywhere are thinking about the year ahead? Let’s dive in.
1. A Hopeful Outlook: Most People Say 2026 Will Be Better
2. Mixed Feelings on the Global Economy
3. AI: Opportunity or Job Worry?
4. From Glow-Ups to World Cups: What Everyone’s Planning for 2026 maybe?
5. Climate and Safety: Real Concerns, Real Talk
6. What will make 2026 meaningful for a digitally captive population?
1. A Hopeful Outlook: Most People Say 2026 Will Be Better
Here’s something to smile about: across 30 countries, 71% of people say they expect 2026 to be a better year than 2025.
That optimism stands in sharp contrast to how many felt about the year just ending: 66% said 2025 was a bad year for their country, and half of all respondents felt it was a bad year for themselves and their family. In other words, most people think the past year was tough, but a large majority still believe the year ahead will be an improvement.
Despite global challenges from conflict to cost of living pressures many still believe things can improve. Optimism, it seems, is remarkably resilient.
2. Mixed Feelings on the Global Economy
While optimism is high overall, people are split when it comes to the global economy. About 49% think the global economy will be stronger in 2026, while 51% don’t expect it to improve.
So yes: we’re hopeful, but realistic. It’s like planning a big party but wondering if the budget will stretch.
3. AI: Opportunity or Job Worry?
Here’s a hot topic: around two-thirds of respondents (67%) think AI will lead to job losses in their country in 2026, up three points from 64% last year. The growing concern shows that people are talking more seriously about what technology means for work and society.
That mix of anticipation and anxiety shows how AI has moved from abstract tech talk to something deeply personal. People are hopeful about innovation, but aware that disruption may come with it.
4. From Glow-Ups to World Cups: What Everyone’s Planning for 2026 maybe?
2026 is shaping up to be a year of self-care and connection:
- 82% plan to spend more time with family and friends.
- 75% want to exercise more.
- 59% are planning to watch the FIFA World Cup - global sporting excitement, here we come!
- 60% want to focus more on their appearance (yes, glow-ups are real).
- 37% plan to use social media less: digital detox, anyone?
These plans tell a story: people are ready to live life more fully: from health to hobbies to holidays.
5. Climate and Safety: Real Concerns, Real Talk
People also have thoughtful predictions about the world around them:
- Nearly 80% expect global temperatures to rise in 2026.
- 69% think there will be more extreme weather events in their own countries. ️
- Around 59% believe there could be protests or public unrest.
- And safety on the streets? Feelings are mixed: some think it will improve, others fear it might get worse.
These aren’t just stats; they reflect real hopes and concerns that people carry into the new year.
6. What will make 2026 meaningful for a digitally captive population?
While the world continues to navigate economic uncertainty and social shifts, one thing is clear: people are prioritizing what matters most: relationships, health, shared experiences, and optimism for better days ahead.
Whether you’re planning fitness goals, family dinners, downtime from social apps, or cheering on your favorite team, these insights show that 2026 feels like a reset year people want to make count.
What’s Your Prediction for 2026?
Do you think the world is on the right track? Are you more optimistic or cautious about the year ahead?
The survey shows that, no matter where we live, our hopes and worries often overlap. As 2026 unfolds, we’d love to hear from you: what are your predictions, hopes, or surprises for the year ahead? Join the conversation Ipsos’s LinkedIn post about the 2026 Predictions Survey.
*Source:Ipsos Predictions 2026 Report. Base: 23,642 online adults under the age of 75 across 30 countries, interviewed 27 October – 4 November 2025.
