2025 Predictions: social media is OUT & food politics are IN
Jan 3, 2025
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Danielle Kurtzleben, an NPR politics reporter, shares her insights on cultural shifts expected by 2025. Social media’s role is predicted to diminish as people increasingly rely on personal recommendations over algorithms. Food is becoming a potent symbol of political identity, merging dietary choices with beliefs. The conversation dives into how food debates intersect with gender issues, while also offering a playful look at future trends like fashion and nightlife. It's a fascinating exploration of evolving cultural dynamics!
Social media is fundamentally transforming into a platform reinforcing personal and political identities rather than merely serving communication purposes.
The increasing politicization of food is creating a powerful intersection between dietary choices and political identities across the spectrum of beliefs.
Deep dives
The Future of Social Media
Social media is experiencing a significant transformation, moving towards a space that reinforces identity rather than simply serving as a news or communication platform. Influencers appear to be losing their traditional influence, and upcoming legal challenges surrounding platforms like TikTok highlight the uncertainty of their future. As TikTok grapples with potential shutdowns, discussions unfold about how social media is becoming more about personal affiliation and tribalism, which may dictate users' experiences online. This evolution reflects a broader skepticism towards these platforms, suggesting they are becoming increasingly centralized around specific political and social identities.
Food as a Political Identity
The connection between food and political identity is intensifying, with both left and right adopting food-related narratives that reflect their values. Inflation and the cost of groceries surfaced as pivotal topics during recent election cycles, framing discussions around economic policies in a culinary context. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently nominated to lead Health and Human Services, evoke the intersection of food politics and health, stirring debate over processed foods and dietary choices. The growing politicization of food intertwines with cultural trends, influencing how individuals express their political affiliations through their eating habits.
Polarization and Food Trends
The polarization surrounding food choices is becoming evident, with contrasting views on diet and health surfacing from both political spectrums. Figures like RFK Jr. and the emergence of niche food movements reflect a divided yet overlapping discourse on nutrition. While right-wing trends embrace ideals of high-protein diets and traditional cooking methods, they collide with liberal attitudes towards health and sustainability. The ongoing discussion about food illustrates the potential for unusual alliances within the political sphere, as both extremes find common ground on dietary issues, albeit for different reasons.
Brittany has some predictions for the big trends to watch for in 2025. First, social media is OUT. Not that people will stop using social platforms, but rather, Brittany thinks what they mean to us will continue shifting. Second, politicizing food is IN. Brittany thinks food will increasingly become a marker of political identity. You are what you eat? No, what you eat is a sign of what you believe.
Plus, a lightning round of Ins & Outs Is the club in or out in 2025? How about wide-legged pants? Let Brittany know your thoughts in the comments.
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