Trend cluster
Category

Social
Tech

Devices made specifically for social networking signify a true social media addiction.

Touchscreen Tech BraceletsSocial Media ShortcutsSocial Networking Typing ToolsInstant Messaging KeyboardsCute Electronic Bunnies

Trend

What is the Social Tech trend?

Social Tech: Most mobile phones give the option to connect to social media; however, there is an increasing demand for devices made specifically for social media use. It seems what was once considered an addiction to communication is actually an addiction to the act of social media, as telecommunication devices no longer suffice. Essentially, lengthy phone conversations seem unnecessary to a consumer who is accustomed to communicating in 140-character snippets.

Trend themes

Themes within the Social Tech trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Device-specific social media interfaces

Consumers are demanding devices specifically tailored for social media communication, rather than traditional telecommunication devices.

02

Hotkey peripherals for social networking

Peripherals like the S.N.A.K Keyboard and Flashpoint iBoard offer hotkeys and shortcuts for commonly used social media functions, allowing for efficient and seamless online communication.

03

Robotic pets as virtual companions

While those who can't commit to a real pet can turn to electronic pets like the Karotz Smart Rabbit, which is not only cute but also high-tech and enables social media update alerts, mp3 playing and webcam functions.

Industry implications

What the Social Tech trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Consumer Electronics

Consumer electronics companies can offer device-specific social media interfaces and peripherals optimized for social networking.

For

Robotics

Robotic pet manufacturers can innovate on products that could function both as virtual companions and social media alerts.

For

Software Development

Software developers can create more efficient and intuitive social media platforms and interfaces that can operate across multiple devices and operating systems.

Trend signals

Trend signals for Social Tech

Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 60%, freshness 8%.

Popularity68%
Activity60%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X (not a primary audience)
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Social Tech trend

6 featured examples from May 26, 2010 to Mar 10, 2011