How People Imagine Tomorrow, Manage Uncertainty, and Shape Hope
People across the world think about their future more often than ever before. It affects how they plan money, choose work, move cities, or shape their families.
In this study, respondents from 60+ countries reveal a world that is mostly optimistic, often thoughtful, and surprisingly confident in its ability to adapt.
Globally, 57% feel optimistic about the future, while 25% feel neutral and 17.5% feel worried. People think about their future often: 62% do so daily, and another 34% do so weekly or occasionally. Two thirds trust technology to improve their life. And even when uncertainty appears, 60% say they feel prepared or very prepared for what lies ahead.
But feelings about the future shift across markets. India, UAE, and Nigeria show some of the highest optimism and preparedness. United Kingdom and United States reveal steadier optimism with more emphasis on control and planning. Brazil and South Africa show more mixed emotional landscapes where societal and economic pressure shape tomorrow. These contrasts show how the future feels different depending on where people live.
“Prices are rising. Needs are multiplying. Savings are shrinking. Are we doing our best?”
Across 122,330 respondents from more than 60 countries, the TPS Pulse research on Money and Meaning reveals a world where many households are balancing not just budgets, but priorities, responsibilities, and aspirations. Households are not collapsing, but they are stretched. They are not overspending, but they are adjusting. They are not avoiding saving, but they are negotiating for it every month.
TPS Pulse Research reveals a real picture of people trying to build financial stability while navigating real-world pressures. This is not about extremes. It is about the daily financial decisions that shape how people live.
What We Asked
We asked people how they feel about the future, how often they think about it, how much control they believe they have, how prepared they feel, how they see major global trends like AI and climate change, and which skills or changes they believe will define the next decade.
Most people feel optimistic about the future, but optimism takes different shapes across countries
Globally, 57% lean toward optimism. This suggests that even with global uncertainty, most people imagine a future with opportunity. Yet the 17.5% who feel worried reveal the emotional workload of rising costs, climate issues, and technological disruption.
How markets feel about the future
- India stands out with one of the strongest optimism levels, driven by opportunity and rapid growth.
- UAE shows similarly high optimism, supported by safety, economic stability, and strong public services.
- United States and United Kingdom sit in a moderate optimism zone, with higher neutral shares reflecting cautious planning.
- Philippines and Mexico show warm optimism mixed with practical concerns.
- South Africa, Brazil, and Nigeria show more emotional variation as economic pressure and safety concerns shape future expectations.
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People think about their future often, and daily reflection is becoming the new normal
A combined 96% think about their future daily, weekly, or occasionally. This shows that planning and reflection are now part of everyday life. Only 3.6% rarely think about the future, suggesting very few people live fully in the present.
How markets differ
- India has some of the highest daily future-thinking among major markets, driven by mobility and ambition.
- UAE shows strong daily thinking tied to rapid societal change.
- United States and United Kingdom show balanced weekly and daily reflection, consistent with individualistic, goal-oriented cultures.
- Brazil and South Africa show a higher share of occasional thinking, influenced by economic and social uncertainty.
People feel in control of their future, but control varies sharply by region
Together, 59.8% feel they have good or high control. But the 29% neutral group is large enough to show uncertainty about how predictable life feels today.
How control differs across markets
- India, UAE, and Nigeria show a strong sense of personal control, consistent with fast-changing, opportunity-rich environments.
- United States shows a high mid-range confidence, with strong planning habits.
- United Kingdom shows more neutral control, reflecting cautious optimism.
- Brazil and South Africa reveal more volatility, where structural factors shape how much control people feel.
People feel prepared for the future, but preparedness is emotional, not just practical
Globally, 59.9% feel prepared or very prepared. The 28.4% neutral group is interesting because neutrality often reflects emotional hesitation rather than lack of resources.
How preparedness differs across markets
- UAE and India show strong preparedness due to rapid digital access and clear future pathways.
- United States shows solid preparedness paired with realistic uncertainty.
- United Kingdom shows steadiness but with more neutral responses.
- Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria show mixed readiness, shaped by economic and community factors.
People believe major global trends will shape the future, especially AI, climate change, and healthcare innovation
Below is the global share of respondents who rated each as highly important.
People care about both the planet and personal progress. Climate change, healthcare, and education form the core of future concern and future hope.
Market differences
- India, Philippines, and Nigeria show strong belief in education and upskilling.
- United States and United Kingdom place higher importance on climate change and healthcare innovation.
- Saudi Arabia and UAE rate AI and automation especially high.
- Brazil and South Africa show higher concern for the global economy.
Technology inspires more trust than fear
Nearly 7 in 10 people trust technology to make their life better. The 27.7% who say “depends” show healthy caution about privacy, control, and long-term effects.
How trust differs across markets
- India, UAE, and United States show strong trust in technology.
- United Kingdom leans toward cautious trust.
- Brazil and South Africa show more “depends” responses, reflecting complex tech access and concerns.
Curiosity defines the future — people want to learn new skills and explore what lies ahead
People were asked what skill will matter the most for the future. Top themes include:
- Digital literacy
- Creativity and problem solving
- Adaptability
- Emotional intelligence
- Technical upskilling
When asked what kind of lifestyle changes they are open to in the next 5 years, people mention:
- More remote or hybrid work
- Health focused lifestyles
- Digital learning
- New career directions
- Sustainable living
Markets with the highest openness: India, UAE, Philippines, and Nigeria.
What This Means
- Optimism about the future is strong, but neutrality and worry still shape a significant minority.
- Daily future thinking is now a global habit.
- People feel they have a fair amount of control, but uncertainty remains uneven across countries.
- Preparedness is both emotional and practical.
- Climate, healthcare innovation, and education define the future priorities for most people.
- Technology trust is high but depends on culture and context.
- Curiosity and skill building are central to how people imagine tomorrow.
In Closing
Across continents and cultures, people are imagining the future with a blend of hope and realism. They want opportunity but also stability. They want progress but also clarity. Whether it is India’s rapid optimism, the UAE’s confidence, the United States’ thoughtful steadiness, or Brazil and South Africa’s complex emotional terrain, everyone is trying to shape a future that feels meaningful, safe, and full of possibility.
TPS is a global opinion to insights community. These findings show how people everywhere understand change, adapt to uncertainty, and dream about what comes next.
Disclaimer:
These insights are not just for brands; they are for anyone trying to understand how decisions are made in 2025-26. The more people share, the clearer the picture becomes.
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FAQ's
1. How do people feel about the future today?
People feel cautiously optimistic about the future. While uncertainty around economics, technology, and global events exists, many remain hopeful and focused on adapting to change rather than resisting it.
2. What factors shape how people view the future?
Views of the future are shaped by economic stability, technological progress, personal circumstances, and societal change. Media, lived experience, and access to information also strongly influence future outlooks.
3. How does uncertainty affect future planning?
Uncertainty makes people rethink how they plan for the future. Instead of relying on long, rigid plans, many focus on short-term goals and stay open to change. This shift encourages flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adjust quickly when life moves in unexpected directions.
4. Do different age groups see the future differently?
Yes, age influences future outlook. Younger people may feel hopeful but uncertain, while older groups often balance optimism with caution based on past experiences and established responsibilities.
5. How does technology influence expectations for the future?
Technology influences expectations by reshaping work, communication, and daily life. Many people expect technology to bring convenience and opportunity, alongside concerns about pace of change and digital dependence.
6. How do economic conditions shape future outlooks?
Economic conditions have a big impact on how people imagine their future. Rising costs, job stability, and overall financial pressure influence how confident they feel and how far ahead they’re willing to plan. When the economy feels uncertain, people often become more cautious and focus on essentials rather than long-term goals.
7. How do global events influence perceptions of the future?
Global events influence perceptions by increasing awareness of interconnected risks and opportunities. News cycles and shared experiences can rapidly shift public sentiment about what lies ahead.
8. How might people’s outlook on the future change over time?
Outlooks may change as conditions stabilize or evolve. Increased confidence often comes from improved economic security, clearer direction, and greater trust in institutions and systems.
