The report on upcoming trends is based on just over 7,400 unique responses from young people aged 15–24, represented from across the country.
And this year, the young people are unanimous, says Göransson. Previously, trends have been painted as different opposites – a tug-of-war between, for example, optimization, pressure to perform and the pursuit of success versus balance, awareness and health.
Now it feels a bit like that side, the balanced side, has won, Göransson notes.
Cozy focus
Coziness in all its forms is in focus. “Cozy comeback aesthetic”, “cozy rebellion” and “curated solitude” are some of the concepts that appear among the young people’s responses.
It is a concept for prioritizing personal time, getting away from overstimulation in the digital world that many young people live in, recovery, and prioritizing interpersonal relationships.
Specifically, this means soft clothes, cozy lighting and curated personal time like mushroom picking or walking without music in your ears.
At the same time, people are distancing themselves from screens, connectivity and AI. Instead, “granny hobbies” – such as knitting, crocheting, spinning, puzzles, cooking – are taking their place. In addition, young people believe in physical and social interaction next year, in the form of film clubs and running groups, for example.
Away from the polished exterior
This year's youth barometer includes not only Generation Z, but also the oldest members of Generation Alpha (born approximately 2010-2024). Generation Z has long been known to value authenticity – and this will return strongly in 2026.
"You really want to get away from this polished image that you feel you get on social media," says Göransson and continues:
For example, people talk about “real core.” They want to see messy homes, people who have regular jobs, not just influencers, and real emotions.
Sofie Fogde/TT
Facts: Big events in 2026 that young people are looking forward to
TT
The Youth Barometer has also investigated which events are believed to set the tone for 2026. These are some of the most common answers:
The hype around K-pop is expected to continue.
The "Super Mario Galaxy" movie.
World Cup.
The movie "The Odyssey".
The parliamentary election.
Game release of GTA 6.
The Youth Barometer is conducted annually among young people aged 15-24 from all over the country. The trend report is based on a free text question in the survey. Over 15,000 respondents participated in the entire survey, of whom over 7,400 answered the free text question.
Source: Youth Barometer
