Seeking confidentiality, consumers turn to private methods of online engagement
Implications - With online engagement offering a conveniently instantaneous mode of communication, public scrutiny and mass involvement can make personal interaction problematic. Seeking methods of socialization in a more exclusive manner, tech-savvy consumers are turning to ultra-private mobile features that help limit users and disguise messages in the blink of an eye. This reflects a shift towards more intimate, yet equally social methods of peer-to-peer engagement.
Trend Themes
1. Increased Privacy in Online Communication - Consumers are seeking more intimate and exclusive methods of peer-to-peer engagement, leading to the development of ultra-private mobile features that limit users and disguise messages.
2. Disappearing/encrypted Messaging - Messaging services that self-destruct or have end-to-end encryption features are gaining popularity, catering to the demand for secure and private online communication.
3. Anonymous Social Apps - Apps that allow for anonymous communication or socialization, such as Cloaq and Truth, are growing in popularity as consumers prioritize online anonymity.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - The development and implementation of secure messaging technology is an area that presents opportunities for innovation and growth.
2. Mobile - The popularity of privacy-focused mobile features like disappearing messages and encrypted calls presents growth opportunities for companies in the mobile industry.
3. Social Media - The rise of anonymous social apps reflects a trend towards more exclusive, intimate online communication, which presents a growth opportunity for innovators in the social media industry.
