There’s growing recognition that the technology-enabled ability to lead an efficient and largely unchallenging life is stripping out difficult experiences that ultimately enhance wellbeing (by cultivating meaning, resilience and fulfilment). Just as AI delivers next-level convenience, the importance of reintroducing healthy friction, discomfort and risk of failure is coming to the fore.

Connection is crucial to wellbeing, making the current social recession both an urgent issue and a fast-growing opportunity for brands, employers and civic organisations. We highlight new initiatives and influencers addressing friendship, local community, and the importance of feeling valued and seen. For insights into how environments can foster belonging and social bonds, see our Spotlight series Spaces: Cultivating Connection.

People are seeking wellbeing by disconnecting – both literally (by more consciously striving for digital balance, especially for children) and by taking breaks from their everyday frenzy. Finding rejuvenation in nature is becoming a more keenly felt need as people act on social media slogans like “less screen time, more green time”.

People are more intentionally adding healthy doses of joy and play into daily life as a counter to the more mindless gratification available, the pressures of wellness and hyper-optimisation culture, and modern stress factors. There’s also new determination to live well (think work-life balance) versus hyper-focusing on career, fitness or longevity goals.