Junkee’s Ins And Outs For 2024

2023 has been one exhausting year. From Barbie to just about every celebrity couple divorcing or breaking up, it’s been a year full of trends, iconic moments, and shitty politics. But that’s all in the past. We’re setting our sights on the New Year, and you know what that means. Yes, it’s time for another Ins and Outs list (Junkee‘s Version). You’re welcome.
Alice Griffin
Editor-In-Chief, Junkee and Punkee
In: Tattoos that have no meaning
No longer going down an existential rabbit hole every time I contemplate getting a tattoo. In 2024, I’m just going to have fun and ink something cute!
In: One bed, two blankets
My tiny mind was BLOWN when I found out about the Scandi sleeping method. This will vastly improve my relationship, I know it.
In: Replying to messages
A concept years in the making for me. No more accidentally leaving friends on read!
Out: WhatsApp family chats
2024 is the year I quietly retreat from ‘Griffin Family Wordle!’, ‘Freedam drinks’ and ‘Hummus for dins’ — all of which I’ve never once posted in.
Out: Caring about typos
Acrylics + many Teams messages = lots of typos. I’ve decided my team can just decipher what I’m saying in 2024.
Out: Lugging my whole life around in a huge bag
I’m leaving my laptop in the office next year.
Nick Bhasin
Managing Editor, Junkee
(Note: we asked for three of each. Nick wrote one of each and fled the country. Regards to him.)
In: Threads
Now that Twitter has become almost completely useless, we’ve got to pray that Threads thrives. Maybe it’s better that my social media use goes down and I just stop using the stuff altogether, but I really miss having a place to post short, dumb jokes. Writers need a place to have fun.
Out: TikTok Trend Names
There are too many trends on TikTok. There, I said it. I know how it makes me sound and I don’t care. You can’t just point out something that people have known about each other for centuries and give it a name like you just discovered it. In relationship/dating terms, a beige flag isn’t a dealbreaking characteristic, but it also isn’t great. So in other words, it’s a… what? A quality someone has?
Talecia Vescio
Social Media Producer & Presenter
In: Emojis
They’re a visual representation of The Vibes. You wouldn’t take away Michelangelo’s brush, don’t take my emojis.
In: Powerpoint Presentations
This year, I brought back the powerpoint, and I’ve never felt power like it. Creating an entire presentation about a 5-second video of Jacob Elordi bending down to pick up Barry Keoghan’s iced coffee at a Q&A screening of Saltburn honestly made my entire year.
In: Notes App
Use it for everything. Doesn’t need to make sense. Write your shit down. Say your words. Never look at it again. Show a stranger your musings. Limitless fun.
Out: Drinks with floaty bits
Orange juice with pulp, smoothies with chia seeds, cocktails with herbs etc. I’m done with it all.
Out: Time
Ignoring clocks and determining everything by vibes. If I want to be there, I’ll be there. If I’m running late, take it up with our good mates from Greenwich.
Out: Being a fucking hater!!!!!
This world is heinous and messed up 99% of the time, so when humans find joy in things, for the love of whatever God you believe in, just let us have it.
Ky Stewart
Writer, Junkee
In: Kylie Minogue
2023 was the year Kylie Minogue returned to claim her Princess of Pop status and I couldn’t be more proud. What I want, nay, need from Kylie in 2024 is even bigger and better pop songs. I want her to rule the world! Become Prime Minister! I don’t know but something girl. Kylie, the world needs you.
In: Dancing in music videos
Fun and iconic music videos have become staples of 2023 and I need every single pop artist in 2024 to get up and shake their ass on camera. I’m serious.
In: Little sweet treats
I’ve always been a firm believer that everyone should get at least one little sweet treat a day to keep the scaries away. There are some haters out there who don’t see the point or think it’s excessive but in a world where everything seems so dark and cold sometimes all that can put a smile on my dial is a little sweet treat. I demand more in 2024.
Out: Kyle Sandilands
There’s nothing more to add here.
Out: Yucking people’s yums
Just don’t do it! Let people live their lives and do what they want without some random person on TikTok telling you that it’s gross. Obviously keep everything legal but if you’re into some weird, harmless shit then power to you pal.
Out: Smart casual
Enough with the smart casual dress codes!!! I don’t know what that even means and I refuse to play your silly fashion games. I’ve had enough of stressing whether I’m dressed too smart or too casual for your rooftop drinks with five people.
Katie Stow
Editor, Punkee
In: Romantic comedies
They need to bring back classic formulas, mushy plot lines, excessive pashing, hot sex scenes. Genuinely cheesey goodness on the big screen.
In: Milk
No nut squeezing here. Full cow milk. Big strong bones. YUM.
In: The Golden Bachelorette
I want an 80-year-old Aussie woman to find her new squeeze on national television please and thank you.
Out: Underwear with seams
Stop pretending they’re comfy. You’re lying to yourself.
Out: Harry & Meghan
It’s time for them to enter their rest era. See you in 2025 cuties.
Out: Girl dinner
Don’t get me wrong, I love a snack. But I’m ready for Girl FEASTING.
Lia Kim
Culture writer and Producer, Junkee
In: Going to the cinemas with friends
No disrespect to the sacred ritual of watching movies at home in my pyjamas, but I’ve really missed making the cinemas an actual social outing with your friends. Specifically romcoms and horror movies.
In: Weeknight activities
Manifesting enough energy to do things on weeknights so I can avoid feeling like I’m just living for the weekend.
In: Digital cameras
Despite having phones capable of 4K videography, it’s time to return to the humble digital camera. Instead of that one perfect pic for Instagram, we’re reverting to entire photo albums to commemorate that one time we had a picnic.
Out: Morning routines
No one else’s morning routine is my business anymore. I don’t need to hear that making your bed as soon as you wake up really makes a difference. I’m sure it does, and I’m happy for you. But sometimes I can’t be bothered, and that’s okay.
Out: Gatekeeping sports
Whether it’s mocking female fans of sports, or claiming women’s sports aren’t as “fun” to watch: it all comes down to misogyny. Please stop it.
Out: Beige flags
I think this is also called having a personality.
Abbey Sheather
Junior Videographer and Editor
In: Australian-Made feature films
After the rise of Talk To Me, we deserve more Australian movies with the same level of fame that other countries get.
In: The Matildas
Do I hate soccer? Yes. Do I wanna cheer on cool women in sport? Absolutely.
In: Pink
Pink shouldn’t die with the Barbie hype, she needs to live on forever and ever.
Out: Being rude to staff
This is always out. Just a reminder.
Out: “Guilty Pleasure Movies”
WE ALL LIKE ROMCOMS. GROW UP AND ADMIT IT.
Out: Climate Inaction
The door is open, and she can leave. (Labor Government. Your move.)
Joe Harding
Commercial Video Producer
In: Country music
My inherent disdain for modern country music needs to ship out.
In: Sunscreen
I’m embarrassed how long it’s taken me to start looking after my skin. 2024 is the year of 50+.
In: Physical movies & albums
They want to destroy it but we can’t let it happen.
Out: Banks
I need to know my money is not doing harm to the world so I’m spreading my wings and flying away from the big four banks!
Out: Air fryers
I’m packing it up and getting back to experimenting in the kitchen.
Out: Reminders
The stupid little daily reminders on my phone have gotta go. I never listen to them.
Ellie Kamateros
Administration Manager
In: 9PM
Why do gigs end so late? Start everything earlier so it doesn’t take me days to recover.
In: Saying what you’re feeling!
Makes everyone’s life so much easier! If you are down, tell someone. If you are having a great day, share it with people — it might brighten up their day too.
In: Jeans that fit
Let 2024 be the year that designers make jeans that fit my hips AND my waist. Shock, horror!
Out: Selfish vibes
Sure, people get busy but that should never stop us from being considerate and helping others where we can.
Out: The Ticketek Lounge
I have PTSD from watching that loading bar, and I didn’t even end up getting Taylor tickets.
Out: Alcohol-centric hangs
Blackout drunk doesn’t always equal having a good time. Normalise casual sobriety and please don’t ask people why they’re not drinking. Doesn’t affect your night at all!
Merryana Salem
Staff Writer, Junkee
In: Doctor Who
After a handful of dud seasons and a year-long hiatus, Doctor Who is back! And with the fabulous Ncuti Gatwa thriving in the lead role, it’ll be better than ever.
In: Awareness about Palestine
2023 saw the biggest global pro-Palestine support in decades. Let’s keep up the fight for a ceasefire and end the occupation in 2024.
In: Slow fashion
Fast fashion is cheap, nasty and bad for the environment 99% of the time. In 2024, we’re loving long-lasting, lovely, ethically-made ‘fits.
Out: Being a fan no matter what
We all have our favourite celebrities and famous creatives, but if you’re denying their bad deeds? In this economy? Grow up!
Out: Streaming services
I am over subscribing to endless streaming services that don’t have anything you want to watch most of the time. 2024 has me going back to blu rays and DVDs.
Out: Calling AAVE “Gen Z Slang”
No, “slay”, “cap”, “tea” and “drip” are not internet or Gen Z slang, they’re appropriated from African American Vernacular English (especially the Black queer community). Let’s stop pretending otherwise.