Consumer Insights > Social Media

Implications - Social media giants have come under scrutiny for some years now as they increasingly become vessels for the spread of false information, the incitement of violence, for tech addiction and for negatively impacting mental health. Such scrutiny has resulted in small changes in the way these companies operate, some of which can go so far as to affect their bottom line by reducing the amount of time spent on their own services, or by inciting consumer backlash. Such initiatives aim to reduce the negativity that social media giants have done little to address in the past, as more consumers demand change. [More]

Implications - Up until this point, the formula for successful influencer marketing was fairly cut and dry; a person becomes an influencer by creating engaging content, gains brand partnerships, and monetizes content as an ambassador. This model is turned on its head with peer-to-peer funding platforms that enable fans to send money directly to content creators. The shift to a many-to-many model speaks to the true intended nature of social media influence, placing more focus on truly entertaining content than the influence or exposure of a third party. [More]

Implications - In order to create seamless omnichannel interactions, brands are combining social media initiatives with personalized campaigns. Through online engagement, brands create unique coupons, Avatars, websites and more, that illustrate their understanding of individuality. This shift in personalized retail will increase consumer engagement while allowing brands to cultivate authenticity for their audiences. [More]

Implications - Moving beyond mere collaborations with other brands, influencers are becoming more self-sustaining with product lines and businesses based on their online persona alone. Realizing their online reach and impact among viewers, influencers across various categories are becoming their own bosses by creating brand new product lines from scratch. No longer relying on big name brand influence, online personalities are using the power of the crowd to fuel their entrepreneurial business inspirations. [More]

Implications - Tapping into selfie culture, beauty brands are incorporating flashy, funny and unique elements into their products, and positioning them as a means to improve one's image online. Moving beyond the promise of simply enhancing customers' looks, this shift is distinctive to those in the Millenial and Gen Z cohorts, who are invested -- and willing to invest in -- their online selves, [More]

Implications - Relying more on the accuracy of technology, consumers are turning to AI solutions to edit, alter and enhance their photos and online accounts. Offering more than simply aesthetic enhancements, AI technology gives consumers the chance to utilize data and learnings to optimize their online presence. An efficient solution for maintaining and monitoring, these examples speak to the need for tools that not only enhance content, but also for automated solutions when it comes to online user experiences. [More]

Implications - Taking a more specialized approach to content, media platforms like podcasts and online shows are turning to specific entertainment interests to connect with consumer groups. From platforms that highlight fashion to those that focus on cult Hollywood movies, these examples not only showcase a rise in curated content, but also a rise in user-generated content, where consumers are looking to reach others who can similarly identify with such niche interests. [More]

Implications - Over-the-top dessert items are inviting participation from individuals of all ages in a way that allow consumers to indulge in both sweet cravings and a desire to playfully "destroy." This progression speaks to the continued desire to incorporate elements of play into the dining experience, something that is seeing renewed interest in the age of social media dining specifically. [More]

Implications - Though social media has become an artistic platform in itself, influencers who dominate these realms are increasingly entering more traditional artistic spaces. The infusion of film, digital, fashion, and social media allows these influencers to transform these spaces to suit their own needs and platforms, while making artistic messaging more palatable for young consumers more accustomed to social media platforms than traditional art forms. [More]

Implications - Wedding pictures have migrated from dusty photo albums to social media platforms, which has in turn led to changes in the presentation of wedding accouterments. Moving beyond the flowery aesthetic of traditional weddings, consumers are looking for fanciful takes on things like wedding cakes to make them more appealing on social media. In a connected world, brands need to find shareable ways to present their products for aesthetically motivated consumers. [More]