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On the first day of the year, as I sipped on a glass of beetroot juice, I mulled over my resolutions for the year. There’s the usual stuff—better physical and mental health, more books, less doomscrolling. But the one resolution that I really need to stick to? Spotting red flags early and running far, far away from them.

Little did I know, it would only take two days to put this resolution to the test. I encountered a man on a dating app who, as it turned out, was using someone else’s photos. It wasn’t even the AI stuff—just old-school catfishing. The past few months I have seen quite a few AI images on dating apps and I know more people will be using it. A quick Google search led me to dozens of sites offering “AI-crafted profile photos” specifically for dating apps.

It made me wonder - Where’s the line between “tweaking your appearance” and outright manipulation? Catfishing is nothing new, but AI takes it to another level. People upload polished, filtered photos hoping to beat dating algorithms that reward beauty—but is it worth sacrificing trust for a swipe?

Red flags in dating are just one piece of the internet chaos we’re wading into. As we step into the swirling digital vortex of 2025, it’s time to ask:

Will AI replace our bosses (and maybe even us)? Let’s dive into what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to survive it all with your sanity intact.

What to Expect: The Digital Crystal Ball

1. AI Everywhere, for Better or Worse

   Generative AI will seep into every nook of our lives, like glitter after a craft project. Expect AI-generated essays, hyper-personalised ads, and even more polished dating profiles. But with power comes responsibility—and some ethical chaos.

2. Privacy Becomes a Battlefield

   Think of 2025 as the year we collectively wake up to the importance of locking our digital doors. Governments are pushing stricter privacy laws, but Big Tech still finds ways to rummage through our digital drawers. From data breaches to lawsuits, expect privacy to dominate headlines.

3. Niche Communities Rise

   Mass social media platforms are losing their luster. More users are retreating to cozy corners of the internet—Discord servers, Slack groups, and Subreddits. These online sanctuaries could become the future of digital socialising—smaller and safer. I wrote about how I stopped posting less and DMing more in this newsletter. 

What To Watch Out For: 

1. The Deepfake Dilemma

   Deepfake technology has reached a terrifying peak. From fake celebrity scandals to fraudulent phone calls mimicking loved ones, the line between “real” and “fake” is disappearing. The implications? Scams, misinformation, and a whole lot of trust issues.

2. Smarter Scam

   Last year was the beginning of scams. Almost every day there was a news item about someone being ‘digitally arrested’. Scams are evolving, now armed with AI to craft eerily convincing messages. The result? An uptick in stolen identities and bank accounts. The worst part? Even tech-savvy individuals aren’t immune.

3. Digital Exhaustion

   Between endless notifications, algorithmic manipulation, and the race to keep up with trends, the internet is turning into a mental health minefield. 2025 might be the year many people hit their breaking point, and hopefully, finally choosing IRL connections over the relentless digital race. 

But enough of the doom and gloom—here’s some quick tips on how to reclaim your digital space in 2025:

1. Treat Privacy Like Self-Care

   • Stop treating data sharing like an “accept all cookies” buffet.

   • Regularly check app permissions, update passwords, and use tools like VPNs and encrypted messaging apps (hello, Signal).

2. Think Before You Share

   Before hitting "retweet" on that shocking headline, pause and check. Misinformation thrives on knee-jerk reactions. 

3. Find Your Tribe

   Unfollow accounts that bring stress and negativity. Instead, join niche communities that align with your interests, be it digital gardening or obscure 90s TV show fan groups. The internet should feel like a playground, not a battleground.

4. Audit Your Digital Life

   Purge old accounts, delete embarrassing old tweets, and unsubscribe from newsletters you never read (except this one, obviously). Digital cleaning is oddly cathartic.

5. Log Off More Often

   The real world isn’t that bad—promise! Designate screen-free zones in your home or take a digital detox. Your brain (and your eyeballs) will thank you.

So here’s to navigating the weird, the wonderful, and the downright worrying internet of 2025. May your memes be fresh, your data be safe, and your connection (both digital and human) be strong.

What are your internet resolutions this year? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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