Internet Consumer Insights

Trend - Tech companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create advanced dubbing software to help with translation and localization. AI dubbing goes beyond simple translation and text-to-speech, offering services that use the original actors' voices, dub in real-time, or maintain emotions.

Insight - Pandemic-induced lockdowns led to an influx of content and media consumption around the world. Many consumers began experimenting with international forms of content, having to enjoy this content with subtitles or poor translations, leading to a desire for improved content accessibility. AI solves this issue by providing curated dubbing services for each type of content, such as real-time dubbing for news broadcasts, or emotion-retaining, original-voice dubbing for television media.

Trend - Game developers are addressing the issue of inadequate LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. These communities often feel unrepresented by games that center around straight, cisgender characters. Development studios are addressing this blindspot by promoting LGBTQ+ characters and stories in video games.

Insight - Representation is key in the media as all consumers, from teens to adults, look for themselves in content that they consume. In gaming, members of the LGBQT+ community often feel unrepresented, turning to small-budget independent games that tell their stories. This has placed pressure on more prominent, mainstream game creators to incorporate more diverse stories, characters, and identities into video games. These titles also strive to educate gamers on LGBTQ+ issues.

Trend - The convenience of blockchain technologies led to developers incentivizing players to play their games for monetary compensation. These games award players NFTs and cryptocurrencies for performing well, providing direct and immediate real-world value for engaging with play-to-earn games.

Insight - Many gamers have a desire to transform gaming beyond a time-consuming hobby into a source of income. This was previously only possible through esports competitions or becoming an online content creator. Companies have found a way to satiate this desire for all players through the use of blockchain technologies. Gamers are more drawn to titles that implement this technology as they feel they are being more productive by generating income while indulging in their hobbies.

Trend - Companies that develop metaverse experiences have begun adopting machine-learning artificial intelligence systems in order to increase the quality of virtual worlds. Non-player characters are being augmented with AI to increase interactivity, immersion, and entertainment for players.

Insight - Non-player characters are necessary aspects of virtual worlds in the metaverse. These characters interact with the player in different ways, acting as virtual storefronts, tour guides, help networks, or parts of a video game. However, these characters often function in one-dimensional ways, leading to repetitive outcomes. Virtual world attendees have begun seeking more interactive, dynamic experiences that do not take away from the immersive experience that virtual worlds provide.

Trend - Established and emerging esports entertainment companies are using blockchain technology to better engage consumers and fans. The companies utilize NFT collections to offer exclusive experiences, such as invite-only parties, NFT-holder lounges, and conferences where the organizations listen to their most dedicated fans. This aims to increase engagement while rewarding dedicated communities.

Insight - Consumers in the realm of esports are often loyal to certain teams, companies, or brands. As a result of this, fans are seeking new ways to immerse themselves in the world of esports and support their favorite entities beyond viewing tournaments and wearing branded apparel. Leveraging blockchain technology provides these very opportunities to interested consumers.

Trend - Dating apps are transforming their platforms to accommodate virtual reality users in the metaverse. Companies are letting users attach their metaverse avatars to their profiles for a new VR-based iteration of dating.

Insight - The metaverse world is creating parallels with the physical world as brands increasingly adapt their services to Web3. As consumers become more invested in the digital space, they seek to fulfill aspects of their real lives through their virtual personas. Based on these consumer demands, companies are transforming their platforms to accommodate VR interactions.

Trend - The term “metaverse” refers to a virtual reality space in which users can interact with a computer-generated environment, as well as with one another. Tech companies are racing to develop the potential of these digital spaces, with emphasis on social life, culture, and brand presence.

Insight - The incredible speed at which technology is evolving is resulting in an uptick of digital services, pertaining both to aesthetic, as well as functional experiences. Led by curiosity, excitement, and a desire to be entertained, many individuals are spending increased amounts of time on the Internet. Whether it involves developing their personal brand, entrepreneurial project, socializing, or play, consumer expectations are informing a demand for increased immersion.

Trend - As the cannabis industry continues to grow due to legalization in some areas in recent years, so does the community around it. Influencer culture is breaching into this space, as individuals use the digital platform to engage with an audience about the topic of cannabis.

Insight - Due to their mass digital consumption in today's era, consumers familiarize themselves with products and services by searching for reviews online. They often trust peer reviews more than advertisements. Specifically, Millennial and Gen Z demographics are likely to engage with digital reviews from real-life sources. This is especially true regarding newer products and industries such as cannabis.

Trend - The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how people interact on a daily basis and when in-person experiences and events are unavailable--artists, collectives, and brands turn to interactive virtual events to keep consumers inspired and engaged. This not only proves to be entertaining for audiences, but it also gives creatives a chance to express and market themselves.

Insight - When unable to experience something in person, consumers turn to the digital space for entertainment and inspiration. The accessibility that the Internet and different digital communication tools provides has the potential to comfort consumers, allowing them to feel less isolated. This results in a tightly knit and diverse community, where everyone feels comfortable to express themselves and connect with one another.

Trend - As artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are rapidly progressing, the 4G network struggles to meet bandwidth requirements. If VR and AR applications continue to evolve, developers will require a more substantial network that is faster, consistent and has lower latency. As 5G connectivity is expected to deliver these elements, companies are beginning to test the potential of mixed-reality tech in this environment.

Insight - Millenials and Gen Z are excited about the innovations that are ahead and mixed-reality tech has been a pivotal point for them as it has provided opportunities for new forms of entertainment through interactivity. As time progresses, users expect better service and new developments. The 4G platform, however, has limited processing capabilities and as more users flood the platform, that becomes an issue. Because of this, users are interested in what 5G connectivity has to offer to enable the next stages of VR, AI, and AR.