The Rise of Hopecore and Optimism: Understanding the Shift in 2025 Mental Wellness Trends

In the summer of 2025, a new wave of mental wellness culture called Hopecore surged in popularity across the United States. Searches for “Hopecore” reached an all-time high, outpacing “motivational messages” by four times in the past month alone. Alongside this, interest in “how to be more optimistic” also peaked in 2025, and the demand for “good news app” grew by 160% over the past year. These trends reveal a significant shift in how people seek positivity and mental wellness in their daily lives.

This post explores the rise of Hopecore and optimism, what drives this cultural change, and practical ways to embrace this hopeful mindset in everyday life.

A peaceful park bench bathed in sunlight symbolizing hope and renewal

What Is Hopecore and Why Does It Matter?

Hopecore is a cultural movement centered on embracing hope, positivity, and resilience in the face of uncertainty. Unlike traditional motivational content that often focuses on achievement or productivity, Hopecore emphasizes emotional healing, kindness, and small moments of joy. It encourages people to find light even during difficult times.

This trend reflects a growing desire for mental wellness approaches that feel authentic and accessible. People want more than quick fixes or clichés; they seek genuine connection to hope as a source of strength.

Key Features of Hopecore

• Focus on simple, hopeful messages rather than grand promises

• Encouragement of self-compassion and emotional honesty

• Use of visual aesthetics like soft colors, nature imagery, and calming designs

• Community-building around shared stories of overcoming hardship

  
  

The rise of Hopecore shows a shift from external validation to internal peace. It’s about building a mindset that sustains through challenges rather than pushing for constant success.

Why Optimism Became a Top Search in 2025

The spike in searches for “how to be more optimistic” signals a widespread interest in learning practical optimism skills. People are looking for ways to retrain their thinking to focus on positive outcomes without ignoring reality.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Global challenges such as climate concerns, economic uncertainty, and social tensions have increased stress levels.

• Mental health awareness has grown, encouraging people to seek tools for emotional resilience.

• Technology and apps that deliver positive news and uplifting content have become more popular, making optimism more accessible.

  
  

Practical Ways to Cultivate Optimism

• Practice gratitude daily by noting three things you appreciate.

• Reframe negative thoughts by asking what you can learn from setbacks.

• Surround yourself with hopeful content, such as uplifting stories or inspiring podcasts.

• Connect with supportive communities that encourage positive thinking.

  
  

These steps help build a habit of optimism that improves mental wellness over time.

A journal open to a gratitude list with a warm cup of tea nearby, promoting mindful optimism

The Role of Good News Apps in Supporting Mental Wellness

The 160% increase in searches for “good news app” shows how technology supports this optimism trend. These apps curate positive news stories, counterbalancing the often negative news cycle that can overwhelm users.

Good news apps offer:

• Daily doses of uplifting stories about kindness, innovation, and progress

• Features that encourage sharing positivity with friends and family

• Tools for mindfulness and reflection alongside news content

  
  

By providing easy access to hopeful information, these apps help users maintain a balanced perspective and reduce anxiety.

Examples of Popular Good News Apps

• Positive News: Focuses on solutions journalism and inspiring stories worldwide.

• Good News Network: Shares verified positive news from various categories.

• Happyfeed: Combines journaling with positive news to boost mood.

  
  

Using these apps regularly can reinforce the Hopecore mindset and support daily optimism.

How Hopecore Influences Lifestyle and Culture

Hopecore is more than a trend; it’s shaping how people live and interact. It influences fashion, home decor, social media, and even workplace culture by promoting kindness and emotional well-being.

Lifestyle Changes Inspired by Hopecore

• Choosing comforting colors and natural materials in home spaces to create calm environments.

• Sharing hopeful messages and stories on social media to uplift others.

• Prioritizing mental health breaks and self-care routines.

• Building inclusive communities that focus on empathy and support.

  
  

This cultural shift encourages people to slow down and appreciate small moments of hope, which can improve overall happiness and resilience.

A cozy living room with plants and soft lighting creating a hopeful and calming atmosphere

What This Means for Mental Wellness Moving Forward

The rise of Hopecore and optimism in 2025 highlights a growing awareness that mental wellness requires more than quick fixes. It demands ongoing attention to emotional health, community, and mindset.

People are seeking tools and environments that nurture hope and resilience. This shift offers hope for a future where mental wellness is integrated into daily life, supported by technology, culture, and personal habits.

Tips to Embrace the Shift

• Explore Hopecore content that feels authentic to you.

• Use optimism-building techniques regularly.

• Try good news apps to balance your media diet.

• Create spaces and routines that support calm and hope.

  
  

By adopting these practices, anyone can join the movement toward a more hopeful and optimistic life.