# Collaborative Communities A resurgence in empathy inspires us to work with strangers. By [Marissa Brassfield](https://www.trendhunter.com/Marissa), Ridiculously Efficient CEO | Published Mar 22, 2009, updated Mar 27, 2009 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/collaborative-communities-a-resurgence-in-empathy-inspires-us-to-work-with ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Collaborative Communities trend? **Collaborative Communities:** The sour economy and financial collapse have led to a resurgence in empathy. Individuals who might never have asked for help in a boom economy are now forced to do so. And 2008’s crowdsourced insight has evolved into 2009’s collaborative communities, who prefer to tell their story face to face. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 8 to Mar 21, 2009 - Published: Mar 22, 2009 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Collaborative Communities trend ### Collaborative Communities In a time of economic uncertainty people are searching for more empathy, encouraging face-to-face interaction resulting in collaborative communities. ### Guerrilla Social Bonding With people becoming more disconnected in real life, guerrilla social bonding projects have emerged as a way to form connections with strangers. ### Modern Community Building There is a rising trend in the search for shared community resources, such as carpooling or shared composting sites, creating a more inclusive and thoughtful neighborhood connection. ## What the Collaborative Communities trend means for industry ### For Digital Communities Rising trends in collaborative communities and guerrilla social bonding is creating an opportunity for digital communities to overcome physical disconnection. ### For Sustainable Living The rising trend in sharing resources and community-based initiatives creates a big opportunity for sustainable living industries to meet the needs of these new trends. ### For Eco-Tech Eco-tech industries are in a unique position to help build new infrastructure and offer new products and services to address the collaborative efforts within the community building movement. ## Trend signals for Collaborative Communities Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 59%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 59% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Collaborative Communities trend 5 featured examples from Feb 8 to Mar 21, 2009. - [Collaborative Stories on Skin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-skin-project): A Story Tattooed On The Bodies of 2,095 Strangers (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The tattoo industry can capitalize on the trend of collaborative tattoo stories by offering specialized services for creating and connecting tattoo narratives. - [Collaborative Global Eco Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-hour-2009): Will Earth Hour 2009 Have More Than 50 Million Participants? (Category: Eco) Implication: An opportunity for energy companies to promote energy-saving products and initiatives and to improve their brand image through environmental activism. - [Positivity Towards Strangers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/validation-film): 'Validation' Reinforces the Power of Empathy (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunities for the entertainment industry to create more films that promote positivity and empathy. - [Guerrilla Social Bonding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guerrilla-social-bonding-igotanenvelope): IGotAnEnvelope Encourages You To Send and Receive Strangers' Letters (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate features or develop new platforms that facilitate unconventional ways for people to interact and connect online. - [Modern Community Building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-communes-bringing-communities-together): WannaStartACommune.com For Collaborating With Neighbors (Category: Social Good) Implication: WannaStartACommune.com is driving the need for innovative solutions in community development, such as shared resource platforms and neighborhood-focused services. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)