2025 Trends And The Problem With Trend Reports - Lee Ci En and Amy Daroukakis
Feb 3, 2025
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Lee Ci En, a Media Strategist at Publicis Groupe in Singapore, is known for her trend expertise and impactful documentaries. Joining her is Amy Daroukakis, Founder of Culture Concierge and trend report contributor. Together, they discuss seven crucial trends to watch and critique the trend report industry's shortcomings. They reveal how diverse voices can enrich trend analysis and the need for deeper cultural understanding. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of social media and the significance of non-traditional relationships in today's world.
The trend folder initiative highlights the importance of diverse cultural insights in shaping a more inclusive understanding of global trends.
A shift towards deeper interpersonal connections reflects a societal movement away from superficial online interactions, emphasizing emotional support in relationships.
Deep dives
The Annual Trend Folder and Its Impact
The annual trend folder, initiated in 2021, serves as a vital resource for strategists globally, providing democratized insights that are often inaccessible due to subscription barriers. Founders Lee and Amy emphasize its evolution into a collaborative effort, where contributors share unique cultural perspectives that enrich the overall narrative of trends. This initiative stems from a recognition of the limitations of traditional trend reports, which frequently lack a genuine sense of cultural grounding. As the trend folder gains traction, it actively shifts the focus toward underexplored voices and narratives from diverse regions, ensuring a more holistic understanding of global trends.
Exploring New Forms of Intimacy
Recent conversations highlight a growing trend where individuals are reconsidering traditional notions of intimacy, often moving away from conventional dating apps toward more meaningful, in-person connections. This trend reflects a societal shift where people are seeking deeper relationships over fleeting online interactions, with practices like ticketed matchmaking events gaining popularity. There’s an increasing awareness of the importance of platonic relationships, as many are exploring life partnerships that prioritize emotional support rather than romantic engagement. This evolution is particularly relevant in light of rising rates of loneliness and disconnection among individuals.
The Response to Tech Oligarchy
There is a notable societal counter-response against the pervasive influence of tech oligarchs, with many individuals becoming more critical of technology's role in daily life. While skepticism toward these platforms is growing, the tech industry continues to amass unprecedented wealth and influence, raising questions about true agency among users. This duality is evident in how creators are leveraging tech platforms for storytelling while simultaneously navigating a landscape where their content is often shaped by larger financial entities. The increased calls for accountability and ethical considerations within the tech sphere suggest a potential shift in how digital narratives are constructed and consumed.
Cultural Shifts Amidst Global Chaos
Amid rising global tensions and chaotic political landscapes, cultural trends such as anti-consumerism and a desire for more authentic experiences are emerging. Discussions reveal a collective yearning for meaningful connections and a questioning of established societal norms, particularly among younger generations. This is reflected in movements away from materialism, as individuals grapple with personal and societal pressures. Furthermore, the evolving media landscape, especially with the rise of platforms like TikTok, signifies a shift in how narratives are formed and shared, pushing creators to seek deeper engagement rather than mere consumption.