Non-AI Media Trends in 2025

A new year means new trends to spot and look forward to. At Newhouse, we are all about staying ahead in the media industry. So here are four upcoming non-artificial intelligence trends that students can prepare for using Newhouse resources:  

1. Immersive Media Experiences 

Advances in extended reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are poised to redefine how audiences interact with media. The technology is becoming more accessible, with standalone VR headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro and the Meta x Ray Ban AR-equipped smart glasses expected to be more affordable and user-friendly.  

According to a report by Statista, more than 90% of Generation Z respondents were willing to see what a piece of furniture or decoration would look like in their home using AR. This gravitation towards XR will likely encourage experimentation with techniques that transform traditional passive media consumption into active participation. 

As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Immersive Design and Virtual Reality Storytelling to learn skills that combine media, technology and socio-cultural demands. 

2. Decentralized Media Platforms

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the ownership and monetization of digital content. Decentralized blockchain-based solutions will empower creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers.   

This could lead to a surge in exclusive, direct-to-consumer (D2C) business models, where fans financially support creators without intermediaries.  

As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Digital News and Innovation and Emerging Media Platforms to keep up with evolving communication methods and media trends. 

3. Hyper-Personalization Through Data Analytics 

Media is leveraging big data to offer hyper-personalized user experiences. Streaming services like Netflix, Spotify and YouTube have already pioneered recommendation algorithms, but the next wave of innovation will go deeper.  

By integrating biometric data from wearable devices or smart home systems, platforms could tailor content not just to your interests but to your mood and environment.   

As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Content Management, Development and Innovation and Data-Driven Journalism to learn content development and management practices that optimize digital content delivery.  

4. Sustainable Media Practices 

According to an Onio article, a NielsenIQ study that found 78% of U.S. consumers consider a sustainable lifestyle as very important. 

Investments in renewable energy to power data centers or virtual production technologies to reduce their carbon footprint – especially in fields like journalism where on-ground reporting is key, which often means extensive travel – could be key to attracting an increasingly eco-conscious world.  

The media industry should focus its efforts on supply chain, recruiting new tech talent or upskilling existing talent to optimize communication channels to be able to process data and disseminate information in the most carbon-efficient manner, thereby reducing its impact on environmental degradation. 

As a Newhouse student, I recommend courses like Trendspotting in Digital Media and Advanced Media Business to stay atop the best ethical and environmental considerations concerning the media business. 

These trends are only some in a changing media industry, driven by technology and shifting consumer values. As Newhouse students, we can adapt to these innovations to thrive in an evolving landscape.