# Private Socials Emerging social media platforms are focusing on privacy. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published May 26, 2022 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/private-socials ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Private Socials trend? **Private Socials:** 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. ## The consumer insight behind the Private Socials trend 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 6, 2021 to May 25, 2022 - Published: May 26, 2022 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Private Socials trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Private Socials trend means for industry ### For 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. ### For 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. ### For 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. ## Workshop question How is your brand prioritizing the overall wellness of its customers? ## Trend signals for Private Socials Trend score 1.9 out of 10, from popularity 27%, activity 18%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 27% - Activity: 18% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Private Socials trend 4 featured examples from Nov 6, 2021 to May 25, 2022. - [Private Family Media Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lalo): Lalo Launches an Application to Memorialize Your Loved Ones (Category: Social Media) Implication: The technology industry can continue to develop and innovate digital memorialization apps to serve a growing market. - [Collaborative Newsletter Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/togetherletters): 'TogetherLetters' Helps Users Connect Outside of Social Media (Category: Social Media) Implication: TogetherLetters is a prime example of how email marketing can be used in a new way to foster collaborative communication. - [Healthy Social Media Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-social-media-app): The 'Ruva' App Protects Privacy and Discourages Addictive Scrolling (Category: Social Media) Implication: The social media industry could benefit from a new focus on healthy social media use, removing advertisements, and offering personalized paid features. - [Customizable Friendship-Forging Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iradius-networking-app): This Networking App Respects Your Privacy & Preferences (Category: Tech) Implication: iRadius' Friend Radar app highlights the growing demand for more genuine social connections and the need for privacy in social networking apps, creating an opportunity for innovat… ## Recent trend clusters - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Snap Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/snap-utility) (Tech) - [Power Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/power-convergence) (Tech) - [Visual Verification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/visual-verification) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)