Internet Consumer Insights

Implications - The internet has changed voyeurism from a taboo act, to one that's socially acceptable, and then even sought after. Accepted voyeurism has matured from viewing photos on social networks and status updates on Twitter, to stalking people in real life through geotagging and photography.

Implications - Instead of hiring staff photographers, several leading newspapers and magazines are turning to photo sharing sites like Flickr to obtain their images. Flickr members are the new photojournalists as news and entertainment sources are turning to people who are already there to shoot their photos.

Implications - “Cute” blogs have infiltrated the web, and thousands of “adorable” chain letters and photo blogs later, they continue to captivate online users. Animals have global appeal, extending far beyond any cultural boundaries, giving this genre of images and videos an easy ability to go viral.

Implications - In 2007 street style blogs emerged as go-to guides for fashion inspiration. In 2008, spotting real-life outfits on global streets evolved, with sites now spotting style on subways, events and university campuses. “Real style” also featured in high fashion magazines and touched new markets this year, such as video games.

Implications - In 2008, Wi-Fi was still something considered mostly for cell phones and computers. In 2009, we revisit Wi-Fi, but only to show how its uses have spread to a diverse range of other innovations, from Wi-Fi connected clothes hampers to rings that can beam signals to control your iPod.

Implications - The Dark Knight brought in a billion dollars in revenue just months after its launch. Never before have we seen products launch that can so quickly generate so much revenue. The billion dollar success will change the way big movies are launched and introduce comprehensive launch strategies.

Implications - As Google’s success is publicized widely in the media, other internet entrepreneurs are hoping to obtain even a small sliver of the multi-billion-dollar search engine pie. Niche search engines are springing up daily, many of which integrate pop culture phenoms like social networking.

Implications - Harnessing the collective power of individual creativity is a cost-effective way to innovate. Crowdsourcing is the extreme version of a focus group; rather than simply recording responses and acting accordingly, crowdsourcing directly and immediately affects the product or venture in which it is used.

Implications - Twitter is now hitting the mainstream. It's altering the way people communicate with each other online, and its powers can be used for either good or bad. Twitter poses some incredible opportunities for marketing and news dissemination, but the Twitter community can quickly team up against, and exploit, the wrong campaign.

Implications - Cool and intelligent used to imply two different categories, but as the world goes online, the geeks are set to rule the earth. Even those who aren’t nerds are getting in on the geek action (a former oxymoron). From fashion statements to elaborate Web page design, products that celebrate geek-hood and nerd-dom are in.