Without doubt, 2025 has been a heavy year for the world. So how do we cope? At Harbingers’ Magazine, many of us have realised that the way to go is by writing. Whether it be through an article about jokes, nostalgia or shared struggles, the Society section has served as a way to feel connected to teens from all over the world.

This year, we’ve covered topics ranging from history and politics to entertainment and pop culture, and have published many incredible articles.

As the Society Editor, I’ve put together a list of five pieces (appearing in chronological order of publication) that I think everyone should read. Their authors have been able to communicate their voices and thoughts so clearly, making them really worth your time – think of it as a highlight reel of the year!

Perhaps we have at times been annoyed by hearing the words “skibidi toilet”, but have we ever tried to understand why we (admit it) find it funny? This stunning piece by Justin Sau (Harbingers’ Culture Editor in 2024) explains why each generation, from Boomers to Gen Alpha, finds themselves thinking that their jokes are superior to others, and why they all have a unique sense of humour.

Our Editorial Board (that is, all of Harbingers’ section editors) came together to provide different views on the question of whether there should be an age limit for access to social media. With perspectives from all over the world, this piece is contemporary and wide-ranging, making it a gateway to understanding the relationship between social media and Gen Z. While it is easy to believe the stereotype that teens are on their phones all day, we thought deeply about both the challenges and benefits that come with using social media from an early age.

Who doesn’t love the existential dread that comes with thinking about the speed at which time passes? In this piece, Elias Malmqvist explores exactly that. It perfectly captures what it feels like to agonise over whether you are ‘doing enough’ with your life, according to society. At the end, however, it turns around and comforts the reader that, yes, we are just fine at whatever stage of our lives we are currently in.

When I travelled to Bali in the summer to research the subject of mental health in a different culture from my own, I was welcomed by a plethora of approaches. Ranging from entirely scientific to completely spiritual (and everything in between), this trip completely changed my perspective on mental health. Interviews with psychiatrists and spiritual leaders gave me an insight that I feel is worth sharing. It is very easy to assume that the world’s perspective on mental health is the same everywhere. Not so! From this article I hope that we can learn that this is not the case, but also that approaches to psychology are as diverse as society.

All in all, I couldn’t be prouder of how the Society section has worked this year. Getting to work on the pieces in this section is so rewarding for me personally, because I learn from each article. So, being able to reintroduce the high points of the year is extra-special. As 2026 rolls around, I hope you keep reading, writing and learning about the world around you. In the meantime, though, happy holidays!