New Year is an interesting time of
the year when people try to come up with some resolutions, course corrections
and so on. There are many articles also with predictions on the how the year is
going to be for people at large.
Some of the random trends that I
have been watching over the months that made me curious and what I feel may
prevail or get structured over the year. You may call this a wayside commentary!
Emotional Connect – A sudden new
trend emerging wherein the emotional appeal overtaking reason and logic in many
things around us. We may see the brand marketeer use more of emotions to
connect than with facts. Let’s see how this takes shape over the year.
Like how we have a pantone colour
shade for the year, we will be having “Emotion” of the year that is expected to
loom around different parts of the world.
Almost a vast majority of the
people watching a News item in a local channel used to feel that their blood pressure
rose at least for a few minutes due to the sheer nature of the way the
particular news item was handled and the ensuing loud debates/arguments. Yes,
the news channels are programmed to give a negative shade for their own
interests. Yet, now people are getting acclimatised to this concept and perhaps
it does not bother them any longer. Not that people have become “thick skinned”
while watching news item or even dealing with people on social media nee “trolls”.
They are now more focused and are
realising that these and such innuendos are not worth losing their sleep. The positive
outcome is that this has helped people learn to deal with them or react with a
dash of subtle humour!
The emphasis in articles are no longer
by just crisp bullet points. They are by “listicles”. Get used to the “21
pictures that will restore your faith in humanity” or “10 reasons why you
should have Oatmeal for breakfast” and the likes.
It’s now inevitable. The smart
phones have taken over our lives. And we are all getting addicted to them, and
almost impossible to resist. However, there is a shift in perspective. People
have started getting into doing Tech detox. A regime like how people adopt
dieting and fitness strategies. So, do not be surprised if a friend suddenly
opts out of your active Whatsapp group – he might be just toning his mind-technology
muscles. Or someone else may be opting a need based communication strategy or
responding to just “tags”.
Talk of social media group communications
– another firm trend is that people no longer are interested in dull forwards
or jokes in their groups. There could be healthy debates on any topic under the
sun with diverse opinions within the groups, but forwards are strictly
avoidable.
Kids become geeky too early. And
we can expect many new ventures and concepts arising out of college students. I only wish that they complete their courses. Or will the business take over their minds?
Apps – How much ever we may be
vary of individual apps on our phone and may crib that apps are occupying space
in our phones. Let’s admit – we look forward to apps for everything. From
booking our transport to reading to learning to counting our steps or to keep
track of how much we eat…..
App is the way forward. It‘s
going to be exciting times ahead as we hone our skills to use different functional
apps wisely without actually fretting.
Happy New Year All!
