Today marks the middle of 2024 🙃 I've been reflecting on 🔑 trends that I feel are shaping our digital & social landscapes. I then asked Perplexity "In 1 word, share what all 5 have in common" and I 💯 agree. Read through to see what it is.
1️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 = 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆
• Overview:
In an era dominated by digital interactions, there's a growing craving for genuine connection. Anti-social social communities, like Lofi Girl, are mono-themed spaces where people unite over a single interest and end up learning more about each other.
• Thinking More About:
These niche communities thrive on trust, offering deeper connections. Although passive, they mobilize when needed, creating unique marketing opportunities. 📣 View my 8-part series in the comments
2️⃣ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗬𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗸
• Overview:
Self-expression is at an all-time high, especially among Gen Alpha. Platforms like Roblox allow frequent changes in avatar design & styling, fueling a digital fashion wave that blends digital + physical styles.
• Thinking More About:
With millions of UGC options, people can express their core identity beyond traditional clothing. The avatar UGC industry, expected to hit $3 billion by 2032, offers limitless self-expression for Gen Alpha, both IRL & URL.
3️⃣ 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝟯𝗗 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱
• Overview:
We now live in a 3D world, with AR experiences and virtual technologies becoming mainstream. Tools like Unreal Engine, Blender, CLO3D & more are making 2D experiences feel outdated.
• Thinking More About:
How will this 3D shift impact traditional shopping & human interactions? The evolution of websites & social to keep up with this change is fascinating to consider. How virtual twins will form.
4️⃣ 𝗔𝗜: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂
• Overview:
AI is a fantastic assistant but not a replacement. It enhances productivity and creativity.
• Thinking More About:
Despite advancements, many are hesitant to embrace AI. There's immense potential for those willing to explore & utilize AI's capabilities. The train has left.
5️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱
• Overview:
As Gen Xers age into retirement, they're eager to rediscover interests, entering a "second childhood" phase focused on fulfilling experiences and long-held dreams.
• Thinking More About:
I love this term, recently shared in an The New York Times article. Xers are ready but there's an obstacle, IMO. This gen lacks platforms & technologies geared specifically support lifting these aspirations. There's room to tap into this niche by providing tools & experiences that help Gen Xers activate their second childhood, creating opportunities for growth and engagement.
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘:
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
📸 Image = Self-Expression via HEY U WORLD
