Bye Bye 2024!
The Sunday Feed
One of the most profound inventions the world has ever made is the humble mirror. A thing that is not just functional but deeply metaphorical. A small piece of glass that shows you who you are.
A modern-day translation of the mirror in the world of internet and social media is a word called ‘trending.” It shows us what the world has been looking at and spending time on.
Now that we are approaching the end of 2024, it is time for a little retrospection on what the world did during the year and what did they spend their time and money on.
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI continued to revolutionize industries by enhancing efficiency and decision-making.
A significant milestone was the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to the developers of AlphaFold 2, an AI system that accurately predicts protein structures, greatly aiding drug development.
Health Breakthroughs: The medical field saw significant progress with the approval of Cobenfy, the first new schizophrenia drug in decades, offering hope to patients worldwide. Additionally, effective malaria vaccines were rolled out in multiple countries, marking a substantial advancement in combating the disease.
Fashion Evolution: The year witnessed a blend of nostalgia and innovation in fashion. Notable moments included Nicola Coughlan’s recognition for promoting body positivity through her role in “Bridgerton,” and Jennifer Lopez’s acclaimed “revenge dress” following her divorce, highlighting personal expression through style.
Fitness Trends: Ice skating experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, with a 698% increase in reservations compared to the previous year, indicating a renewed interest in diverse physical activities. Despite this rise, Pilates maintained its status as the most-booked exercise, reflecting sustained interest in low-impact fitness routines.
Culinary Innovations: Food trends emphasized simplicity and comfort, with the “onion boil” becoming a budget-friendly favorite, inspired by traditional seafood boils but focusing on seasoned whole onions. Additionally, the fusion of sweet and savory flavors in desserts gained popularity, with creations like miso cookies captivating palates.
Entertainment Shifts: The concept of “elevated trash” gained traction in cinema, describing films that blend high-quality production with sensational themes. Movies like “The Substance” exemplified this trend, offering audiences polished yet provocatively themed entertainment.
Design Preferences: Interior design trends moved towards personalization and comfort, with a departure from mass-produced abstract art in favor of unique, individual pieces. There was also a shift away from overly tall ceilings, as more proportionate room heights were preferred to create cozy environments.
Technological Integration in Daily Life: The proliferation of digital wallets and cryptocurrencies continued, with more consumers adopting these technologies for everyday transactions, reflecting a shift towards digital and decentralized finance systems.
Sustainable Consumer Behavior: There was an increased emphasis on nature-friendly products and health benefits, influencing consumer spending patterns. This trend prompted companies to focus on key ingredients and sustainable claims to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Social Media Dynamics: The dominance of platforms like TikTok persisted, with short-form video content continuing to captivate audiences. Additionally, the rise of “authentic influencers” — everyday creators with higher engagement rates — influenced marketing strategies, as brands sought genuine connections with consumers.
So, as we get ready to break all ties with 2024 and build new relationships with 2025, we need to remember that we are what we were and we will be what we are. Be good. Stay humble.
Welcome 2025 — Let the party begin. Let this be a year where all my dreams come true!
John Khalkho: CEO — Dolores Recruitment