# Doomsday Sympathizing Stressed consumers find solace in depictions of worst case scenarios. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Jan 14, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/doomsday-sympathizing ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Doomsday Sympathizing trend? **Doomsday Sympathizing:** The pop culture phenomenon surrounding a zombie apocalypse and the collapse of modern society appeals to consumers' sense of adventurism, which is being acknowledged with depictions of worst case scenarios. This comparison helps to offer release while denoting a preference for escapsim in the everyday. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 18 to Aug 8, 2014 - Published: Jan 14, 2015 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Doomsday Sympathizing trend ### Pop Culture Apocalypse The cultural fascination with apocalyptic scenarios in media, such as zombie takeovers and worldwide destruction, has extended to real-life art and design, leading to disruptive opportunities for escapism and rethinking urbanization. ### Post-Apocalyptic Aesthetics The popularity of post-apocalyptic graphics and artwork creates opportunities for businesses to tap into aesthetically-pleasing designs that depict the consequences of actions taken today, and acknowledge stressful times for consumers who may be looking for escape. ### Depiction of Ruin The representation of doom and destruction in artwork and media can serve as a form of catharsis for stressed consumers, while also prompting reflection and rethinking of modern society's trajectory and actions for potential disruptive innovation opportunities. ## What the Doomsday Sympathizing trend means for industry ### For Entertainment The cultural fascination with apocalyptic scenarios in media and the popularity of post-apocalyptic graphics and artwork presents a disruptive opportunity for entertainment businesses to create new types of content and mediums that acknowledge consumer stress and offer escape and reflection. ### For Architecture and Design The depiction of ruin in art can motivate businesses in architecture and design to consider the potential consequences of actions taken today, and leverage post-apocalyptic aesthetics to create aesthetically-pleasing designs while also promoting reflection on society's trajectory. ### For Tourism and Travel Post-apocalyptic graphics and artwork can offer unique and disruptive opportunities for tourism and travel businesses to create experiences that allow consumers to explore and imagine a different, apocalyptic version of popular travel destinations and landmarks. ## Trend signals for Doomsday Sympathizing Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 45%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Doomsday Sympathizing trend 4 featured examples from Mar 18 to Aug 8, 2014. - [Post-Apocalyptic Graphics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/postapocalyptic-graphics): These Digital Paintings Imagine Famous Landmarks Taken Over by Fungus (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can use the idea of fungus-driven apocalypse for creating next-gen games and applications. - [Apocalyptic Street View Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-view-images): Urban Jungle Street View Fills Google Maps with Endless Plants (Category: Art & Design) Implication: There's an opportunity to create a new app or feature that overlays digital vegetation onto live Google Maps views, helping people find the closest green spaces in their cities - [Post-Apocalyptic Photos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklynbased-photographer): Brooklyn-Based Photographer Lori Nix Imagines Post-Apocalyptic Urban Views (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Art galleries and museums, as well as interior design and home decor companies can incorporate post-apocalyptic aesthetics into their offerings. - [Apocalyptic Artwork Captures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apocalypse-in-art): Apocalypse in Art Portrays Doomed Buildings (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Artists can leverage apocalyptic motifs to create impactful and thought-provoking artwork that highlights social and environmental issues. ## 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)