# Social Tech Devices made specifically for social networking signify a true social media addiction. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Mar 10, 2012, updated Mar 27, 2012 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/social-tech ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: May 26, 2010 to Mar 10, 2011 - Published: Mar 10, 2012 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Social Tech trend ### Device-specific social media interfaces Consumers are demanding devices specifically tailored for social media communication, rather than traditional telecommunication devices. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Social Tech trend means for industry ### 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 for Social Tech Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 60%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 60% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Social Tech trend 6 featured examples from May 26, 2010 to Mar 10, 2011. - [Touchscreen Tech Bracelets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextep-computer-concept): The Nextep Computer Concept by Hiromi Kiriki (Category: Tech) Implication: The flexible OLED screens trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the electronics industry by creating flexible and wearable devices with touchscreen capabilities. - [Social Media Shortcuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flashpoint-iboard): The Flashpoint iBoard Apple Bluetooth Keyboard is Certainly Convenient (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The growing market for consumer electronics, including mobile devices, accessories, and wearables, presents significant opportunities for innovation and growth. - [Social Networking Typing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/s-n-a-k-keyboard): The Facebook S.N.A.K. Keyboard is Enhanced with Hotkeys (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of specialized keyboards and typing tools creates opportunities for innovation in computer peripheral industry. - [Instant Messaging Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emoticon-keyboard): The Emoticon Keyboard Bacjca Lets You Send a Smile in Seconds (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies within the technology industry can benefit from developing more intuitive and personalized keyboards to enhance user experience. - [Cute Electronic Bunnies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karotz-smart-rabbit): Make the Karotz Smart Rabbit Your Robotic Pet (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new market opportunities for consumer electronics by creating innovative products like the Karotz Smart Rabbit. - [Social Networking Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-networking-phones): The HTC Chacha and Salsa Fulfill all your Networking Needs (Category: Tech) Implication: The production of smartphones specifically designed for social networking creates a niche market within the smartphone industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) - [Portable Power](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/portable-power1) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [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)