As we close the chapter on 2025, it’s time to be honest with ourselves. Some trends, habits, and mental energy just aren’t worth carrying into the new year. So here are eight things I’m officially leaving behind in 2025—and you might want to, too.

Stop letting TikTok dictate what “good skin” should look like

Yes, especially those infamous “singit glow-up” videos that feel like an assault on both logic and self-esteem. This year made me realize how much time I’ve spent comparing my real, unfiltered bodies to skin tones engineered by lighting tricks, heavy filters, and an algorithm none of us signed up for. Products promising “instant whitening” rarely deliver anything beyond a temporary glow, which is mainly aided by lighting tricks or Photoshop-level editing.

In 2026, let’s let go of the idea that our skin has to meet an algorithm’s standard of perfection. The basics still work: hydration, sunscreen, and actually taking care of ourselves.

Unlearning our fascination with nepo babies

2025 pulled the curtain back on a lot of “inspiring” influencers we once admired. As corruption stories continued to surface, it became harder to ignore how closely some online personalities are tied to powerful families with long, questionable histories. Their success isn’t always the result of grit or talent—it’s often the product of access, money, and connections most people will never have.

Comparing our behind-the-scenes struggles to their perfectly curated lives is exhausting and unfair. In 2026, we need to be more intentional about who we follow—and more willing to call out privilege, especially when it’s flaunted with zero accountability. Privilege, no matter how flashy, should never be above accountability.

Retiring AI voiceovers

You know the one: robotic, monotone, slightly creepy, we’ve all heard them. For a while, it felt like every tutorial, “life hack,” and viral video was narrated by the same soulless AI voice.

In 2026, it’s time to choose human voices and real reactions over algorithmic monotony. Real laughter, surprise, or even awkward pauses make content feel alive, not like a machine is trying to mimic emotions. If we’re letting AI narrate our lives in the future, the least we can do is remember what actual people sound like.

Lining up for viral food

While social media virality has given some small businesses a well-deserved boost (and that’s awesome), but standing in a crowd for hours just to snap a photo or try the latest viral snack or dish? I’m over it.

In 2026, let’s choose meals that nourish both our bodies and our minds, not just our FOMO. Food should be enjoyed at our own pace, in places where we can sit down, relax, and actually taste what we’re eating—not rush through it for content.

TikTok life hacks that defy the common sense

Frying eggs with a candle. Folding a barong like origami. Cooking rice with a lighter. Yes, they’re creative but also unnecessary.

In 2026, let’s reclaim simplicity. Cooking can be straightforward, folding can make sense, and life won’t feel like an endless series of complicated experiments designed for views. Efficiency is great, but not at the cost of common sense. Sometimes, normal is revolutionary enough.

Pretending our floods are just “rain problems”

Every year, the Philippines faces natural disasters, but too often, the aftermath becomes a political spectacle. While people are out on the streets, rescuers are risking their lives, and communities are coming together to rebuild, some politicians use the aftermath as an opportunity to push their own agendas.

Yes, disasters may be natural, but the lack of preparation and infrastructure is political. Take flooding, for example—something we’ve always shrugged off as “an act of nature.” But this year, we can’t ignore it anymore: these floods are getting worse because of decades of corruption, poor planning, and neglect. What was once seen as a natural inconvenience has now become a clear result of systemic failure.

In 2026, we should stop normalizing chaos and stop treating disasters as temporary inconveniences. Flooding, like other calamities, is a real issue that demands real, proactive solutions, not just knee-jerk reactions when the damage is already done. It’s time to demand accountability and better governance.

Idolizing politicians

Time and time again, we’ve been reminded that a famous last name doesn’t automatically make someone a good leader. Political dynasties are everywhere, and too often, privilege is mistaken for competence.

In 2026, it’s time we stop treating politicians like celebrities. We need to focus on leaders who have truly earned their experience, take responsibility, and are genuinely committed to serving their communities. Leadership isn’t about looking good on camera or jumping on the latest trend because it’s always about action, empathy, and real results.

Overanalyzing texts as if they’re personal attacks

“K.” “Okay.” “Sure.” I’ve spent far too much time this year decoding every single word like it was a secret government memo. Seriously, why did one period feel like a personal attack?

In 2026, I’m taking a step back (for real). Texts are just texts and not covert operations or psychological tests. We should save our mental energy for real-life challenges: floods, traffic, or asking for accountability. Life is too short to analyze every period, emoji, or comma.

Letting these things go won’t magically fix the world — there are still floods, traffic, and corruption to deal with — but it does give us some breathing room to focus on what really matters.

So here’s to 2026! Let’s make it a year of less hype and more accountability; less FOMO and more genuine connections. Fewer overanalyzed texts and viral distractions, and more energy for the things that truly shape our lives: demanding better leadership, supporting real businesses, and taking care of ourselves, genuinely.

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