Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a term we have all become accustomed to hearing over the past few years. We use it in our lives nearly every day, often without realizing it – although some of us seek it out for certain activities.
As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, UA’s faculty and staff foresee continued growth of AI applications that will impact everything from social media to health care to the workplace. In many cases, artificial intelligence may bring about improvements and efficiencies. In other cases, industries may use AI to their own benefit and profit.
There are, however, places where AI won’t be a factor. As we seek to rebuild the political fissures of 2024, meaningful social interactions in communities will be crucial. And artificial intelligence can’t replace increased societal acceptance of the importance of mental health therapy.
Below, UA’s experts in a range of fields offer their predictions for 2025.
Polymer prediction: The public will have new options for safer, greener everyday products.
By Dr. James Eagan, assistant professor, School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
2025 kicks off a big year for 蘑菇视频 in the field of sustainable polymers. With more than $100 million in federal, state and industry investment, the 蘑菇视频 Polymer Industry Cluster will be leading the way in developing the next generation of sustainable polymers.
New products and research into the area of biodegradable plastics, tire recycling and sustainably sourced chemicals will be introduced. Individuals will see these new products in their day-to-day lives that are safer and greener. For example, more products will be labeled “PFAS-free.” PFAS, which stands for pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substance, are chemicals that have proven extremely useful over the decades in obtaining desired performance but have shown to be seriously concerning for our health. As a result, companies have pivoted with remarkable speed to find safer and greener alternatives.
At UA, new courses will be introduced and facilities dedicated to training our students in the area of polymer sustainability. And globally, you’ll see the gradual shift toward circularity expedited. Companies are racing to claim the highest recycled contents and protect their brand reputations, while governments are passing more and more legislation to protect both the environment and citizen health. Expect these trends to continue in 2025 as legislation and innovations unfold rapidly.
Mental health prediction: The mental health industry will continue to grow with increased access and acceptance.
By Dr. Varunee Faii Sangganjanavanich, professor and director, School of Counseling
There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the mental health industry. The pandemic made counseling more accessible to many, not only because of the growth of technology and online platforms in counseling, but also due to more acceptance of people experiencing mental health concerns and better understanding of how counseling can help those in need. Most providers offer in-person, online and hybrid counseling services, while some providers exclusively offer online counseling. Online counseling affords flexibility, ease and comfort that in-person counseling may not. However, in-person counseling provides dynamic interactions that are hard to replicate. Although online counseling is not for everyone, statistics have shown that Americans have spent more on counseling, especially online counseling, because they believe it helps them.
The number of people seeking mental health treatment has increased in the U.S. and the demand is expected to continue growing. Since 2022, marked as the post-pandemic era, national trends suggest that more adults received mental health treatment, including both counseling and prescription medication, when compared to 2019, a pre-pandemic period. Particularly for counseling, the number of American adults ages 18-34 that sought counseling increased from 9.5% in 2019 to almost 13% in 2022.
Several federal and state initiatives have promoted the growth of the mental health industry. On the client side, most health systems, commercial insurance companies, and even Medicaid and Medicare make mental health services more accessible through coverage for medical necessity. On the provider side, there are multiple incentive programs designed to address a workforce shortage in behavioral health in which future mental health providers are given financial assistance to enter and remain in the industry.
Considering the law of demand and supply, there will continue to be an increase in mental health spending among consumers. Specifically, we will continue to see a rising demand for counseling, which at its core is designed to help people develop coping strategies, achieve their well-being and live their lives in a more fulfilling way.
Biomedical engineering prediction: Significant advancements in AI and technology will support providers with additional tools to enhance health care.
By Dr. Ge (Christie) Zhang, professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
In 2025, biomedical engineering is set to accelerate its impact on health care through the evolution of several transformative biotechnologies. Significant advancements by biomedical engineers in the following areas are expected to shape the field.
Precision medicine: With continued advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, biomedical engineering will enhance precision medicine approaches. AI algorithms and predictive analytics allow for personalized treatment plans based on genetic, environmental and lifestyle data. This is particularly impactful for complex diseases like cancer and heart disease, for which AI can analyze individual biomarkers to optimize therapies.
Preventative and regenerative medicine: Biomedical engineers are developing innovative devices and therapeutics that bring cutting-edge biotechnologies closer to practical applications in preventative and regenerative medicine. For instance, wearable devices equipped with biosensors can monitor complex health metrics in real time and, when integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and telemedicine, they can support patient monitoring and chronic condition management, enabling early intervention and remote health care access. Advances in cellular engineering, gene-editing technologies, 3D and 4D bioprinting and smart biomaterials allow biomedical engineers to fabricate sophisticated, patient-specific implants and prosthetics, transforming organ transplantation and regenerative medicine.
Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs): BMIs, also known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), enable direct communication between the brain and external devices, offering the potential to restore lost sensory or motor functions and assist with cognitive tasks. Biomedical engineers are expected to make strides in developing non-invasive BMIs, such as wearable electroencephalography (EEG) headsets and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices. These devices capture brain signals without requiring surgery, making BMIs accessible to a wider range of users.
With the overarching goal of tackling complex health care challenges through innovative solutions, biomedical engineers will continue contributing to a future of tailored, technology-driven patient care that emphasizes both therapeutic and preventative solutions.
Social media prediction: Social media, now with a multi-decade history, will continue to impact society and marketing efforts to reach consumers.
By Dr. Alexa Fox, associate professor, Department of Marketing
Paid social will be top of mind: More than two-thirds of marketers named social media advertising as the No. 1 e-commerce-related change they plan to make for the 2024 holiday season — even over increasing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for personalized recommendations and customer service — and the increase in investment will continue in the new year. Paid social media content has become a huge business, with social media ad spend growing by more than $40 billion between 2022 and 2024, and another increase of $30 billion expected by 2026. With the cost of social media advertising at about 10 times less than traditional advertising mediums, and the continued declining reach of organic social media content, it’s no wonder that marketers will emphasize paid social media in 2025.
Social media users will continue to seek more control over their data: Meta is now offering European users less personalized ad content if they do not want to pay for an ad-free subscription. The problem is that social media users may not perceive the more generic content to be as interesting. Marketers must effectively manage the tradeoff between social media users’ privacy protection and their perceptions of information relevance.
A tremendous increase in legal efforts has encouraged social media companies to take more responsibility for the user experience, especially when it comes to minors — even a consideration to implement a Surgeon General’s warning label on social media platforms. This is in response to the mental health crisis among young people, where social media is emerging as an important contributor. In the new year, the societal impact of social media should not be undermined.
Video content and new AI features will take center stage: Social media users have sought an increasing amount of video content in recent years, and the future of video looks bright. Look for continued emphasis on Reels across platforms — especially since discussions of a nationwide TikTok ban may be fading into the sunset as 2025 approaches. Platforms will continue to rely on AI-fueled recommendations to pique social media users’ interests, from in-feed content recommendations to ad creation tools, and from photo to video filters.
Economics prediction: Housing prices in expensive cities will crest.
Dr. Brian Adams, assistant professor, Department of Economics
As stricter return-to-office policies come into effect, housing prices and rents in expensive central cities will be pressed higher. As commuting again becomes a daily cost for more workers, demand for housing near employment centers will continue to increase. In cities that restrict housing supply, prices will also increase.
However, these increases will represent a last gasp. In the longer term, ever-improving telecommunication technology and learning from artificial intelligence (AI), rather than in-person mentorship, will erode the productivity advantages of employment centers. Meanwhile, the diffusion of partial self-driving technology will make commuting less onerous. Combined, this will make housing in suburbs and small cities relatively more attractive. Big geographic differences in housing costs will dissipate. Substituting towards low-density living will still have all the ecological and social consequences of previous waves of suburbanization.
Management prediction: AI will advance neurodivergence trends in the workplace.
By Dr. Maria Hamdani, professor, Department of Management
Neurodivergence, originally termed “neurodiversity” by autistic scholar Judy Singer in the 1990s, has recently become the preferred term to describe naturally occurring variations in brain function, such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia. During the past 15 years, companies have increasingly sought ways to tap into neurodivergent talent. The successful implementation of these initiatives contributes to structural and managerial improvements that benefit all employees, reinforcing a commitment to and expansion of neurodiversity programs. Based on current research and my interactions with employers and self-advocates, here are three trends I anticipate for how neurodiversity will shape the workplace in 2025.
Increased awareness and digital community-building: The awareness of neurodivergence as a natural part of human diversity will continue to rise, driven by social media platforms amplifying the voices of self-advocates. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn play a key role in reducing stigma, as neurodivergent individuals share their experiences and insights. This digital momentum fosters supportive professional communities and encourages broader societal acceptance, enhancing inclusivity in the workplace.
Expansion of AI-driven tools and bias awareness: Digital progress and AI are creating an ecosystem of tools tailored to neurodivergent needs, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity. AI-powered neuroinclusive employment networks like Mentra match neurodivergent individuals with fulfilling careers through a data-driven approach, personalized interviews and job coaching. The Neurodiversity Career Connector (NDCC), launched by the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable and Disability:IN, connects neurodivergent candidates with U.S. companies committed to neurodiversity hiring programs. The use of digital and AI tools to boost productivity will continue, with platforms like Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai providing live transcription and automated meeting notes, while tools like Reclaim.ai and Motion will continue to grow offering smart scheduling and productivity enhancement. Additionally, generative AI features, such as Zoom’s AI Companion, will offer better features in effective communication to help bridge communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. However, as these tools spread rapidly, caution is necessary, as existing systems can inadvertently perpetuate biases. Involving neurodivergent individuals in AI development will be crucial to increasing the acceptance and effectiveness of these tools.
Data-driven customization of workplace supports: There will be a growing trend in utilizing data analytics and AI to personalize support for neurodivergent employees. Platforms like Microsoft Viva, Workday and Slack can analyze anonymized data on productivity and engagement, allowing companies to create tailored accommodations that meet individual needs. These insights might lead to more improvements by integrating with other available tools, leading to an integrated ecosystem for identifying problems and deploying solutions. Examples of this include integrating Ginger for mental health support and Thrive Autism Coaching for personalized coaching to support neurodivergent employees based on data analytics. This data-driven approach is likely to enable tailoring work environments to tap into neurodivergent talent.
In summary, 2025 will likely see companies becoming more inclusive of neurodivergent individuals due to advancements in digital and AI capabilities. Human resources (HR) departments will be crucial in clearly communicating available accommodations, which can build trust and engagement. However, many HR teams struggle with understaffing and cumbersome accommodation processes. To overcome these barriers, organizations should consider adopting universal design principles in workplace accommodations and actively involve neurodivergent employees in policy formulation. This shift towards strategic talent management in the AI era underscores why there is a growing demand for HR professionals who can help in thoughtful implementation of digital solutions to identify and develop talent and create innovation.
Law prediction: U.S. poised to expand global leadership in AI if policymakers and courts are supportive.
By Jess Miers, visiting assistant professor of law, University of 蘑菇视频 School of Law
In 2025, Generative AI will firmly establish itself as a transformative force, reshaping daily life and industries alike. Its predictive capabilities, fueled by vast datasets and advanced machine learning algorithms, will reach new heights, driving breakthroughs across sectors including finance, health care, energy and education. Businesses will leverage AI to optimize supply chains, reduce costs and make precise data-driven decisions. Beyond predictions, Generative AI will catalyze human creativity, enabling unprecedented innovations in art, literature and technology.
The next generation of AI, including successors to GPT-4, could redefine the field with larger datasets, expanded token limits (which AI models use to process and generate larger, more complex inputs and outputs, enabling more detailed and contextually rich interactions) and enhanced reasoning and adaptability. These systems may synthesize complex insights across domains instantaneously, producing outputs that are not only accurate but also contextually nuanced. Such advancements hinge on access to high-quality, diverse training data. Current models like GPT-4, trained on trillions of tokens, demonstrate how data richness drives the sophistication of AI outputs.
However, legal and regulatory challenges threaten this progress. Key copyright cases — Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence, Andersen v. Stability AI, The New York Times v. OpenAI, and Alter v. OpenAI — will determine whether AI can continue using publicly available materials to expand its knowledge base. Favorable rulings will allow future models to progress by harnessing human knowledge, while adverse decisions will impose restrictive licensing regimes, stifling innovation and entrenching the dominance of established AI incumbents at the expense of smaller developers.
A fragmented regulatory landscape further compounds these challenges. In 2024, 45 states introduced more than 450 AI-related bills, with roughly 13% enacted, signaling a growing push for state-level AI governance. This trend is expected to intensify in the coming year as states seek to enact more legislation targeting AI technologies. While these efforts address valid concerns, they risk creating a patchwork of conflicting regulations, akin to the fragmented state online privacy laws of recent years. Unlike established technology companies with the resources to navigate such complexities, smaller developers and startups will struggle to comply, potentially being driven out of the market. This will undermine the nascent third-party ecosystem fostered by platforms like Hugging Face and OpenAI’s API, stifling the innovation and diversity that have been key to the field's growth.
The United States has a genuine opportunity not only to maintain but also to expand its leadership in AI. The critical question for the coming year is whether policymakers and the courts will embrace and enable this potential. The stakes are enormous, and the nation’s position as a global AI leader is ours to lose.
Global migration prediction: Nations will confront challenges of displaced populations as the U.S adapts to shifting policies.
By Dr. Elena Popa, assistant professor of instruction, Department of Anthropology
In the coming year, global migration trends are expected to be affected by a combination of factors, including ongoing conflicts, economic disparities, climate change and shifting immigration policies. The number of people forcibly displaced has steadily increased over the past decade. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are likely to continue displacing large numbers of people, many of whom will seek refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. Although forced migration raises social and political challenges for host nations, most of those displaced by conflicts or natural disasters remain within their own countries. As a result, countries with large internally displaced populations will continue to face pressures to manage these challenges domestically while seeking international support.
In the United States, migration patterns are likely to reflect policy shifts enacted by the incoming presidential administration. Stricter border enforcement and increased deportations from the U.S. may reduce the number of undocumented migrants attempting to enter the U.S. Such measures, however, could also push migrants to pursue alternative, and often riskier, routes or to overstay their visas if currently in the U.S. Additionally, previous restrictions on migration from predominantly Muslim countries may be extended to include refugees from Gaza, which could further limit entry for individuals from specific regions. At the same time, policies favoring highly skilled migrants—particularly those offering pathways to permanent residence—are likely to attract a larger number of international migrants seeking opportunities in the U.S. While this policy could help fill labor gaps, it may also heighten competition in certain fields over time. This selective approach has the potential to create a more polarized migrant population in the U.S. as it favors highly skilled migrants while increasing barriers for those with lower skill levels and those displaced by conflict.
Sociology prediction: Conflict resolution skills will facilitate the bridging of deep divisions and enable the development of interpersonal connections in the U.S.
By Dr. Robert Peralta, professor, Department of Sociology and director, Center for Conflict Management
Following the contentious and emotionally charged 2024 election, can we begin to move forward together as diverse communities with differing perspectives and aspirations for our nation? Perhaps, but it will take intentional effort. From a conflict resolution perspective, repairing social bonds within divided communities necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates both sociologically grounded structured interventions and organic relationship development. Research in conflict resolution identifies several key strategies. Establishing structured opportunities for meaningful interaction between divided groups through collaborative community projects can facilitate the restoration of interpersonal connections.
Addressing shared local concerns through collective action fosters a sense of unity among individuals. Facilitating community dialogue sessions with well-defined ground rules serves as an effective starting point for interpersonal healing. Additionally, supporting inclusive cultural festivals also contributes to the development of stronger communities. Collaborating on shared objectives that enhance the well-being and health of the community can significantly contribute to restoring and building interpersonal relationships. Addressing challenges that impact all community members necessitates cooperation and open dialogue. Examples of communal goals include environmental conservation initiatives, economic development projects, emergency preparedness measures and youth programs that foster unity among diverse community members through shared interests.
Local institution-building is another crucial element in fostering community bonds. Strengthening institutions that naturally foster community connections, such as community centers, libraries, sports leagues and parent-teacher associations, creates neutral environments conducive to organic relationship development. Media and narrative shifts can support these efforts through local journalism that highlights cross-group cooperation, sharing stories of successful collaboration and challenging oversimplified “us vs. them” narratives that often dominate discourse. Leadership development becomes vital in this process. Training community leaders in mediation skills, developing diverse leadership coalitions and creating mentorship programs across group lines helps institutionalize bridge-building practices. The key is focusing on practical, local-level engagement rather than abstract ideological debates. Research shows that when people work together on concrete projects, ideological differences often become less salient than shared community membership.
Success requires patience and recognition that relationship repair happens gradually through sustained interaction. The goal isn’t to eliminate differences but to build resilience and mutual understanding that allow differences to exist without threatening community cohesion. Most importantly, initiatives should emerge from within the community rather than being imposed from outside interests, with external facilitators serving only as resources when requested. With the intention of healing and improving the health and well-being of our communities, I am hopeful that we can move forward together in unity and cooperation for a better tomorrow.
Media Contact: Cristine Boyd; 330-972-6476; cbyoyd@uakron.edu