Does 2025 feel different to you?
When a new year arrives, New York Times writers often make predictions about what it will be like. Imagine you were tasked with writing one of these stories. What predictions would you make about music, style, fashion, sports, video games, politics, global events or even your own personal life?
Go ahead and make a forecast for 2025 — and if you remember, check back at the end of the year to see if any of your predictions come true.
In “12 Predictions for Life in 2025,” the Styles section asked reporters and critics to share what they think 2025 might have in store for us. Here are two of their predictions:
Minds Drift to Medieval Times
Remember when all of those men were thinking about the Roman Empire? Next year, a different historical period seems poised to infiltrate minds: the Middle Ages. There have been indications that a fresh fascination with medieval times may be taking hold. Chappell Roan performed at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards in a suit of armor. Dior sent chain mail down the runway at a show inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots. A rakish, pickle-blessing priest at a Renaissance festival in New York became an unlikely TikTok star.
Instead of being “demure,” people in 2025 will start readying themselves for battle, or at least try casting away their phones to party like it’s 999. — Callie Holtermann, reporter, Styles
A Turning Point in the War for Attention
If our thoughts this year have felt like pinballs in a machine — clattering, bopping and bouncing in all directions at the mercy of incessant smartphone notifications — 2025 will be when we reset the game. Workshops now promise to teach the art of reclaiming attention, states are passing laws that restrict phone use in schools and some people are swearing off their devices in February instead of alcohol in January. And TikTok, known for an algorithm that can make it particularly difficult to pry eyes off screens, has come one step closer to being banned in the United States.
All of this points in one direction: Next year may be a turning point in the war for attention, a moment when many “Marie Kondo” their minds and see what joy might be sparked by clearing out the meme clutter. — Emma Goldberg, reporter, Business
The Food section also offered its own predictions for 2025:
A Year of Sauces
From Chipotle’s viral vinaigrette and Raising Cane’s peppery mayo-ketchup blend to more culinarily elevated versions of romesco, salsa macha, tzatziki, hoisin, harissa and garlicky toum, sauces will be a national obsession.
Ranch will continue its reign, with new flavor extensions like pickle or chimichurri. But watch for more nuanced and culturally specific sauces as diners continue “on their global flavor journey,” said Emily Murphy, director of specialty merchandising at the specialty food company Baldor. — Kim Severson, reporter, Food
Students, read one or both of the articles and then tell us:
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How do you think 2025 will be different from last year?
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Think about any aspect of life — music, culture, fashion, sports, video games, food, politics, global events or even your own personal life — and then make a prediction about something that will change in 2025. Why do you think this change will come? What significance will it have?
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In general, are you looking forward to a new year? Are you feeling optimistic that the world, your country or your life will change for the better? Or are you feeling pessimistic about what the new year might bring? Why?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.