The economy is a vital part of our society, affecting everything from the stock market to pop culture. 2025 brought financial uncertainty, with people talking about everything from AI taking over jobs to tariffs. As a new year rolls in, experts expect that the economy will grow, despite consumer sentiment being relatively low, with a poll done by AP news estimating that about 68% of Americans rate the economy poorly. The question is, could the negative views of the economy actually change it, and could it make things worse in 2026?
Wherever you go, it’s so common for people to complain about the economy. From groceries becoming more expensive to unaffordable technology, it’s no surprise that 79% of millennials say they can’t afford a house. Although there is widespread negativity, stock markets have been booming, especially in the tech industry, wages are expected to exceed the pace of inflation, and banks are planning to cut interest rates. Even though there are financial challenges, the economy seems to be doing fine as of early 2026.
But the startling fact is that people’s negative outlook on the economy very well affects it, and not in a positive way.
Take traveling for example. According to CNN, the amount of people traveling on planes in 2025 has fallen 15% when compared to pre-pandemic years. People’s main concern for traveling on planes is the cost, with many saying that they can’t afford airplane tickets in this economy. This leads to less business, not only for the airline company, but for dozens of tourism companies. To make up for the lost prices, the airlines will hike up ticket prices to make up for the lost revenue, which leads less consumers to buy tickets, and so less people will go on vacation.
The anxiety about the future economy is definitely valid, but especially for the younger generations. As college students go into the workforce, it’s been increasingly harder for them to find work. A huge part of this is due to AI taking over entry level jobs. “I was watching a dystopian movie where AI took over jobs and I watched as the economy got poorer and poorer,” explains Mimi Yoseph, a Freshman at Palisade, “And that’s so much like what’s happening right now.” It’s hard enough to deal with all the financial problems in our world, but to have to worry about getting a job is another level of stress.
A lot of concern depends on people’s financial situation, and economically 2025 was stressful enough to scare off a lot of consumers and affect the economy. From pricey airline tickets to a smaller job market, lots of people are skeptical that the economy will improve in 2026 despite positive signs from experts, which will further negatively impact the economy.
