Something’s going around and it’s not just the flu. Everywhere I turned last week, there were lists and columns and stories of things to be optimistic about in 2026. That’s the one bandwagon I’m happy to jump on.
What were some of the upcoming developments inspiring hope? They ranged from the very personal to the global economy to everything in between.
Starting with health, several observers singled out mRNA technology as the probable answer to new, more effective treatments for all kinds of cancer. According to the National Library of Medicine, “With over 60 treatments in development and first commercial approvals expected by 2029, RNA cancer vaccines represent a significant advancement in personalized cancer care, offering new hope for patients.” Amen to that.
Central to advancements in human health, such as unlocking the cure for Alzheimer’s, as well as aiding all manner of human endeavors, artificial intelligence also topped optimists’ lists as one technology to cheer. Naysayers abound too of course, but this take from one expert seemed spot on: “A year from now, answering questions will be the least useful thing AI can do. (And it will be excellent at answering questions!),” Fidji Simo, OpenAI CEO of applications, told the newsletter Axios. “Instead, we’ll have proactive AI assistants constantly running in the background, getting things done for us across the web and the real world,” she said. “It will anticipate our needs, and we’ll be able to trust it to make decisions and take action on our behalf.”
Will there be job displacement? Of course, there already is, but I like the take that advancements in AI will not only enhance human health but free us to focus on imaginative, creative, fulfilling work.
Meanwhile, American students will spend less time on their smart phones in 2026, which seems just in time. According to Reviews.org’s latest cell phone usage report, Americans check their phones 186 times per day, or about once every five minutes while awake. Eeek, that’s a lot of wasted time. Some 14 states have enacted policies regarding “bell to bell” cellphone use and other restrictions in schools and Massachusetts seems to be on the verge of doing so in the coming legislative session.
Will adults follow suit with some self-imposed better phone habits? This optimist thinks yes. And a New York Times prediction that “dumb phones” will be a 2026 status symbol supports that view.
Moving from technology to more enriching fare, 2026 will be the National Year of Reading in the UK, and we sure could benefit from that on this side of the pond.
According to government statistics, just 16% of Americans in 2023 read for pleasure, down from 28% in 2004. Yet there are signs reading is making a comeback. The American Booksellers Association reported a 24% increase in new independent bookstore openings in 2025 compared to 2024 and Barnes and Noble is planning a big expansion this year. Saltwater Bookstore here in town always has the best and latest as well as carefully curated works so let’s do our best to keep our finger from clicking that Amazon button and shop there.
Hollywood will also keep us entertained in 2026. Fans of “Dune,” “Spider Man” and the “Avengers” will get their latest infusion and “Practical Magic” and the “Devil Wears Prada” make a comeback as well. Movies and TV programs are collective cultural experiences and some have pointed to the massive audiences for the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Day parade in 2025 as evidence we are seeking more connection. How hopeful is that?
Speaking of movies, don’t forget to frequent the Warwick. We are so lucky to have a local cinema in town, and while I love Netflix and all the streaming channels, there’s nothing like sharing a big screen experience.
Will we have enough pocket money to frequent bookstores and movie theatres? “Yes, but,” say those steeped in economic trends. Affordability will remain a huge concern on everything from energy costs to groceries, but big picture the American economy is growing, inflation is coming down and the jobs outlook is improving.
Ipsos, a data analysis company, summed up the state of optimism in the U.S. in 2026 this way: “The fatigue Americans have with the economic and political systems they live in is real. They are feeling true economic pain, and the feelings of angst about the nation’s divided politics are just as real. By a 2-1 margin, Americans feel that the country is headed on the wrong track and not in the right direction.
BUT (emphasis mine) the vast majority of Americans live outside of Washington D.C. That is to say, Americans are not unconcerned with the dramatics of D.C. politicking, but most are able to separate what happens in the media with what is happening at home. People feel better about themselves and the ones they care about.”
Finally, an end-of-year Gallup global survey found a worldwide “hope score” of +11, indicating “optimism continues to outweigh pessimism at the global level.”
In other words, maybe hope is as contagious as the flu. Spread it widely with your friends and neighbors. Happy, hopeful new year, all.
