ANNUAL OPTIMISM THREAT ASSESSMENT
2025 REPORT — OFFICE OF UNFOUNDED OPTIMISM
The Office of Unfounded Optimism's 2025 Annual Threat Assessment identifies the following sectors as exhibiting elevated levels of unfounded optimism:
Statements such as "AI will handle that" and "we'll figure out monetization later" continue at historic rates. The Office has flagged 847 pitch decks this year. None contained a contingency plan.
The phrase "the market always comes back" was cited in 63% of flagged cases. The market's opinion on the matter was not consulted.
"We don't need to talk about it" remains the most common basis for unfounded optimism in interpersonal cases. The Office notes that not talking about it has never, in any documented case, resolved it.
YouTube-tutorial-based optimism represents the fastest-growing category of unfounded optimism. The Office recommends hiring a professional. The Office always recommends hiring a professional. The Office is tired.
This report is issued annually. The findings have not improved. The Office will continue to monitor. The Office does not expect the situation to improve. This expectation is itself founded.