Emerging social media platforms are focusing on privacy
Trend - With criticisms around excessive social media use and the data-selling that goes along with it, some brands are releasing social media platforms with limited functions and privacy features that help protect users' data, while still enabling sharing between family and friends.
Insight - Despite the ubiquity of social media platforms, there are more consumers who want to "unplug," even temporarily, from the constant messaging and advertising that exists online. Although modern digital habits are here to stay, some consumers still want a better balance between engaging online and disconnecting. Additional concerns related to privacy and the sharing of personal data from larger platforms has resulted in some consumers turning away from these platforms for less intrusive alternatives.
Insight - Despite the ubiquity of social media platforms, there are more consumers who want to "unplug," even temporarily, from the constant messaging and advertising that exists online. Although modern digital habits are here to stay, some consumers still want a better balance between engaging online and disconnecting. Additional concerns related to privacy and the sharing of personal data from larger platforms has resulted in some consumers turning away from these platforms for less intrusive alternatives.
Workshop Question - How is your brand prioritizing the overall wellness of its customers?
Trend Themes
1. Privacy-focused Social Media Platforms - Brands are releasing social media platforms with limited functions and privacy features that help protect users' data, while still enabling sharing between family and friends such as iRadius Friend Radar and Ruva.
2. Healthy Social Media Use - Social media apps with alternative missions to promote healthy social media use, sacrifice 'like' buttons, use predictable timelines and personal links instead of publicly accessible profiles such as Ruva.
3. Collaborative Communications - Alternative platforms like TogetherLetters that enable groups to connect with one another in a more passive, authentic manner outside of social media, with a newsletter-inspired UX design.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The next business opportunity is to provide social media platforms that prioritize the privacy of users and healthy social media use without exposing them to businesses' manipulative strategies.
2. Collaborative Apps - With the rise of passive consumption of information, by providing a consumer-friendly UX that encourages collaboration rather than competition through newsletter inspirations.
3. Sustainability & Timelessness - The demand for products and services that transcend time in terms of beneficial value, while incorporating sustainable features and functions would be a safe bet as seen in Lalo's functional and sentimental digital scrapbook offering.
