By: Mark McCrindle
2024 was a year marked by significant social, technological, and economic shifts.
From the ongoing rise of artificial intelligence to the impact of global politics, the cost of living and more, the year offered a unique blend of challenges and opportunities.
Key Trends and Events of 2024
- The impact of global politics: The 2024 U.S. presidential election and its global ramifications dominated headlines. The political landscape remained volatile, with significant implications for international relations and economic stability.
- Demographic shifts: Global population trends continued to evolve, with significant shifts in migration patterns and aging populations. The emergence of Generation Beta, the generation born after 2024, marks a new chapter in human history.
- The ongoing rise of AI: Artificial intelligence continued its rapid advancement, permeating various aspects of our lives. While AI offers immense potential for innovation and problem-solving, it also raises concerns about job displacement, privacy, and the ethical implications of its use.
- The consumer landscape: Consumers faced increasing economic pressures, leading to shifts in spending habits and people weighing up cost vs ethical and sustainability concerns.
- Cultural and social trends: Pop culture, social media, and digital trends continued to shape our lives. Events like Taylor Swifts eras tour concluded after nearly 2 years and 152 shows resulting in it being the highest earning tour of all time.
Brainrot voted Word of the Year
This year ‘Brainrot’ was voted the Oxford Word of the Year. Capturing the sentiment of low-quality content often found on platforms like TikTok, Brainrot is defined as “Supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”
Oxford Press report that despite it’s modern application, it’s not a new word. The first use of the word was recorded in Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden in 1854.
Brainrot is closely associated with doomscrolling, the act of spending excessive amounts of time online scrolling through content. Our Trends of 2025 research found that 86% of Gen Z have taken steps to try and reduce their social media usage. Social media has evolved from a platform that enables people to connect and contribute to one that people consume. The impacts of social media are anything but social and many are taking steps to try and reduce their social media usage.
Peach Fuzz named Colour of the Year
Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2024 is Peach Fuzz which “Captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul”
Oliver and Isla the most popular baby names
Analysis of the top baby names conducted in 2024 showed that the names Oliver and Isla were the most popular baby names. Oliver is the top baby boy name, continuing his 11-year reign across. For Generation Alpha, the generation born between 2010 and 2024, Oliver has been the top baby boy name for all but four years of Gen Alpha. Isla, after contending in the top 5 for many years, makes a reappearance as the number one baby girl name. She knocks Charlotte off the top position.
2024 was a year marked with resilience of people, ongoing significant economic, social and demographic change.
Trends of 2025 infographic
In this infographic we breakdown our 5 research-based trends shaping 2025.
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Supplied