# Neutral Net Brands protest net neutrality repeals in the United States in various ways. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 13, 2018 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/neutral-net ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.5/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Neutral Net trend? **Neutral Net:** Brands are taking more passionate stances by opting to speak out against the repeal of net neutrality laws in the United States, which have caused backlash across the political spectrum. This shift serves to educate and rally the average consumer who will be affected by these repeals, and indicates a shift in which brand neutrality in the face of political and social issues is being overtaken by the need to better cater to consumers–who increasingly tend to align their personal values with their purchase decisions. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 26 to Feb 9, 2018 - Published: Feb 13, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [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 Neutral Net trend ### Corporate Activism Brands are taking more passionate stances on political and social issues, sparking important conversations and raising awareness among the general public. ### Humorous Activism Hilarious and often viral social media stunts are proving to be a powerful way for individuals to get their message across in the fight for net neutrality. ### Creative Communication Individuals and brands are finding unique and accessible ways to explain the complex issue of net neutrality, from children's books to burger campaigns. ## What the Neutral Net trend means for industry ### For Technology Net neutrality has major implications for the tech industry, with companies and consumers alike fighting to maintain a free, open, and fair internet. ### For Marketing and Advertising Brands are using their platforms to take a stance on net neutrality, align with consumers who care about political issues, and drive important conversations about social responsibility. ### For Education As net neutrality remains an important issue for citizens around the world, there is an increasing need for education efforts that will help people of all ages understand its implications and why it matters. ## Workshop question How can your brand better support its customers' value-based decision-making? ## Trend signals for Neutral Net Trend score 2.5 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 22%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 22% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Neutral Net trend 5 featured examples from Jan 26 to Feb 9, 2018. - [Net Neutrality Branding Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/internetwide-day-of-action): Internet-Wide Day of Action Helped Consumers Grasp Net Neutrality (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The technology industry has a unique impact in this conversation as providers of internet access and platforms for advocacy. - [Net Neutrality Children's Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodnight-internet): Goodnight Internet Helps Parents Explain Net Neutrality to Kids (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Publishers can tap into the demand for satirical children's books that tackle complex subjects like net neutrality. - [Politically Charged Burger Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whopper-neutrality): The Whopper Neutrality Ad is a Political Push from Burger King (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains like Burger King can create disruptive innovation opportunities by creating political ads to draw attention and incite conversation around sensitive issues. - [Humorous Protest Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rob-bliss): YouTuber Rob Bliss Took a Stand for Net Neutrality in a New Viral Video (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Social media platforms can leverage the trend of social media activism to empower individuals and groups to advocate for their causes and engage with their community in a meaningf… - [Company-Driven Political Protests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supporting-net-neutrality): Sonos is Supporting Net Neutrality by Closing Its New York Store (Category: Marketing) Implication: Companies in the consumer electronics industry can leverage their product platforms and customer base to promote net neutrality and other social/political issues for brand recogni… ## 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 Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)