Social Good Consumer Insights

Trend - New startups are launching generative AI-powered platforms for language education. These platforms improve on previous language education services by delivering more advanced feedback, streamlined lessons, and reduced costs for consumers.

Insight - The largest and most successful language education platforms focus on short-session, asynchronous learning models. These consumers prioritize flexibility, choosing platforms that fit into their busy lifestyles. However, many platforms with flexible lessons are less effective than real-time, scheduled, human-led lessons. Brands are now mixing the convenience of asynchronous platforms with the effectiveness of lessons curated by human teachers by using advanced generative AI to power educational platforms.

Trend - Brands are launching new focus-enhancing technology designed to help students better concentrate on their work in remote or hybrid learning environments. These products and features help immerse students in their school work, showcasing the benefits of technology in the classroom and eliminating procrastination and potential distractions from outside sources.

Insight - The rapid rise of remote learning, in hybrid classes, or in busy environments has posed issues for some kids. Distractions in these environments, and/or varying learning styles, can make remote learning a challenge for some students. As a result, parents and educators are becoming interested in technological resources that promote concentration, which helps ensure their students receive the same quality of education without external factors interfering. Focus technology helps students refine their fine motor skills while filtering out background noise, which is especially important for kids under 10.

Trend - Organizations are launching new Web3 campaigns, tools, courses, and products that are specifically geared toward Hispanic and Latin American populations. The majority of these initiatives have been founded in an effort to make Web3 more accessible and inclusive for both these groups.

Insight - Hispanic communities, as well as Latin American populations more broadly, face difficult and uneven barriers when entering the world of Web3. In the US, challenges include a lack of community funding and unequal Internet access. In Latin America, interested parties are held back by weaker tech infrastructure and fewer educational opportunities. To lessen these barriers, organizations are introducing Web3 initiatives dedicated to supporting these groups.

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 - Live fundraising, whether for charities or creators looking for support, has become more popular as platforms make it easier to stream campaigns and content live. Donation options are often included in these initiatives and simplify the process of giving and receiving funds.

Insight - Gen Z and young Millennial consumers are especially drawn to streaming platforms with content that's created by users, and live-streaming has become an enormous business because of these platforms. Fundraising in this space is made easier with the sense of personal connection that live-streaming fosters between charities, brands or creators and their followings.

Trend - Bars are using their platforms as community establishments for social outreach. The companies are creating more inclusive environments through in-house initiatives and branded donations for worthy causes.

Insight - Throughout the pandemic, North Americans who were given the opportunity to work safely from home have had more time for introspection, leading to a greater appreciation of the sense of community and social interactions. As these consumers look inward and reassess their values, they expect companies to do the same. In response to this social change, businesses are increasing their community involvement to create a more inclusive environment for customers.

Trend - The gaming industry's charitable initiatives are now extending to the war in Ukraine, with gaming brands offering charitable bundles and hosting events where proceeds will be going towards Ukrainian relief efforts.

Insight - As social and political tensions grow around the world, consumers are increasingly expecting that brands align themselves with causes that align with their personal values. Now brands that aim to address causes like humanitarianism, sustainability, and equality are expected to do so in a way that actually adds value and impact, rather than simply paying lip service to these causes.

Trend - Companies across various industries are taking to the metaverse to spread awareness of ongoing societal issues in the physical world. These initiatives have been expressed through NFTs, metaverse avatars, and social services that encourage users to continue supporting humanitarian efforts.

Insight - The metaverse has allowed users to engage in new methods of communication that hone in on technological advancements. In a bid to reach virtual audiences, humanitarian and philanthropic organizations are communicating their efforts using the newly available technology. This brings real-world issues to the platform's forefront, making it accessible to metaverse users who subscribe to social activism.

Trend - As consumers continue re-prioritizing their lives post-pandemic, they crave a more clear sense of purpose in their work. One way to achieve this in the workplace is by offering a more comprehensive DEI strategy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have become all the more important to consumers seeking ways to make the world a better place on a daily basis.

Insight - The past couple of years of the pandemic have also ushered in a political reckoning, where consumers are more reflective of their place in a society that is often unjust. This creates a sense of responsibility to try to positively impact society in as many ways as possible. Short of working in the actual social good space, integrating these beliefs into the workplace can be difficult; employers would do well to build DEI strategies that ensure the workplace remains inclusive and equitable, while also helping employees do right in their daily lives.

Trend - The pandemic ushered in varying degrees of change, including a political reckoning wherein the idea of activism became more mainstream and social media-friendly. Brands looking to participate in these conversations in a way that goes beyond lip service are doing so by replacing influencers with known activists.

Insight - Replacing influencers with activists is a way brands can use resources to shine a light on an issue of relevance to them and their customers. This humanizes the brand, and hypothetically, brings positive exposure to the cause in question. That said, today's consumer is much more discerning when it comes to corporate social responsibility. Though partnering with an activist is comparatively more socially conscious than partnering with an influencer, these partnerships will be best received if tangible results related to the cause are tracked and shared.