22 Things People Have Stopped Caring About In 2026

From makeup to sports to relationships, people are prioritizing their peace of mind over societal expectations.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A recent BuzzFeed article explored people's answers to the question: "What's something you quietly stopped caring about?" In response, even more people wrote in with things they have simply stopped caring about in 2026, including wearing makeup daily, watching sports on TV, dating and relationships, keeping an immaculately clean house, and more. The article highlights how people are prioritizing their own happiness and well-being over societal pressures and expectations.

Why it matters

This shift in priorities reflects a broader trend of people valuing their mental health and personal fulfillment over external validation or conforming to societal norms. As people have re-evaluated their lives during the pandemic and other recent challenges, many are choosing to let go of things they once felt obligated to care about in order to focus on what truly matters to them.

The details

The article features a range of examples of things people have stopped caring about, from wearing makeup daily to keeping up with the latest consumer trends. Some respondents mentioned no longer feeling the need to please others or meet their expectations, while others cited a desire for more simplicity and less clutter in their lives. The common thread is a focus on protecting one's own peace of mind and living authentically, even if it means going against societal pressures.

  • The BuzzFeed article was published on February 7, 2026.

The players

Julia Corrigan

The author of the BuzzFeed article.

edgyjaguar4063

A respondent who shared that they no longer watch sports on TV as much as they used to.

glitterytrash258

A 72-year-old respondent who shared that they have stopped caring about dating and relationships, aside from friends and family.

progoat44

A respondent who shared that they are single and happy, no longer caring about clothes or having a lot of money.

stylishlatte707

A respondent who shared that they no longer care about wasting time watching sports 24/7.

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What they’re saying

“I've stopped caring that people will dislike me if I say no or don't jump up to help them. Been an overworked person for a very long time and finally figured out some people will take advantage of your willingness to help and dump it all on you without respecting you. I still do things I need to do or things I care about, but if I don't care, I don't do it. Find someone else to do everything for you.”

— j4287b3497 (BuzzFeed)

“Definitely not caring what people think. Just because I told you something doesn't mean I want you to start convincing me why it's a good or bad idea. If I want an opinion, I will ask you directly. I'm also completely over buying the latest and greatest things. Most of the time, they are not worth it, and any dopamine effect is over quickly anyway.”

— bittermoon7351 (BuzzFeed)

The takeaway

This shift in priorities reflects a broader societal trend of people prioritizing their own well-being and authenticity over external pressures and expectations. As people have re-evaluated their lives in recent years, many are choosing to let go of things they once felt obligated to care about in order to focus on what truly matters to them, whether that's relationships, consumerism, or societal norms.