2025 - A Year of Reflection

By: A. S. Thiollier

2025 has shaped up to be quite a year. Politically, the Trump administration has taken over the press worldwide and wars continued to plague whilst causing unrest. Technologically, AI has only seen exponential growth and potentially fearful developments. It has certainly not been easy. Yet, it is precisely during moments of the greatest turmoil that we must find from the madness the teachings we may learn and grow from. As the new year approaches, the internet has become infested of complaints such as “I wouldn’t repeat 2025 if someone paid me!” or “I can’t wait for this year to end”. But, if we are to truly move away and move forward from the chaos that has ensued in the past, it is of the utmost importance that we understand how to actually do so. What to keep the same, what to change. This way, we can turn the year hopeful that history will not repeat itself.

First, and most importantly, it has been proven that not being political is a political choice. Of the estimated 245 million Americans eligible to vote in the 2024 election, 90 million chose not to. As discussions of politics became seemingly endless, many opted out. As the news broadcasted on TVs became too heavy to handle, many hands switched it off. There is no doubt that living in a political world is not always easy. But the choice to avoid and refuse to be involved does not exempt you from it. Those who do not participate must accept that they will live in the consequence of other people’s actions.

This year, AI has advanced rapidly, as has misinformation. Through the use of deepfakes, video and image editing, and even complete fabrications, fake news has traveled fast in 2025. Not only that, but the increasingly popular headlines and shortform content have carefully been crafted to shock and intrigue: not necessarily to inform. As social media gradually takes over from news outlets as the source for fact, it is becoming vital to be critical and hesitant to accept half-truths. In a time of lies and deceit, knowledge is power, and navigating the digital world is the battle for it. By relying on several sources, avoiding clickbait articles and fact checking, we can reassume control over the information being fed to us.

Finally, times of unrest are not times to divide, they are times to unite. As people all over the world have become more and more polarized on any number of issues, friendships and families have ruptured in turn for violence and hatred. Standing up for what is right and what one believes is undoubtably honorable and necessary. But it is also important to maintain a standard of respect and patience for contrary thinking people. Basic humanity and kindness are the light that brightens dark times, and it must be fought for.

Change is the catalyst for progress. To expect a better future without reflecting and acting in the present is to give up on the chance for one. When global issues grow, it is easy to feel powerless to make any difference. But every step in the right direction is a step forward. By deciding to learn from mistakes, find new solutions, and work hard to achieve them, it might just be that 2026 shapes up to be the best year yet.