Pop Culture Consumer Insights

Trend - As artificial intelligence (AI)-based art generators become more mainstream, galleries and curators are adapting by showcasing notable AI artworks from prompt writers. These exhibitions showcase the potential of AI art while allowing galleries to gauge customer reception of generated works.

Insight - Consumers that attend art exhibitions and galleries consistently desire new, avant-garde artworks and technologies. Incorporation AI-generated works not only showcases the capabilities of modern technology, but also shows how artists and viewers alike can express themselves through AI as prompt writers. These galleries satiate desires for new forms of art while provoking thoughtful discussion regarding art production and the meaning of artworks.

Trend - Tech companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create advanced dubbing software to help with translation and localization. AI dubbing goes beyond simple translation and text-to-speech, offering services that use the original actors' voices, dub in real-time, or maintain emotions.

Insight - Pandemic-induced lockdowns led to an influx of content and media consumption around the world. Many consumers began experimenting with international forms of content, having to enjoy this content with subtitles or poor translations, leading to a desire for improved content accessibility. AI solves this issue by providing curated dubbing services for each type of content, such as real-time dubbing for news broadcasts, or emotion-retaining, original-voice dubbing for television media.

Trend - Companies in the boating space have begun entering the metaverse through virtual reality experiences and collectible NFTs. These brands are adapting to the changing Web3 landscape either through the launch of their own metaverses, or by partnering with established metaverses.

Insight - Consumers interested in the boating industry and boating products actively search for new ways to enjoy the age-old lifestyle. This desire has placed pressure on the traditional boating industry to modernize with experiences that simultaneously appeal to boaters and tech-savvy consumers outside of the hobby. The metaverse and Web3 provide new experiences to existing consumers while offering improved accessibility for consumers who wish to engage with the hobby, as the metaverse can be accessed from anywhere.

Trend - Game developers are addressing the issue of inadequate LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. These communities often feel unrepresented by games that center around straight, cisgender characters. Development studios are addressing this blindspot by promoting LGBTQ+ characters and stories in video games.

Insight - Representation is key in the media as all consumers, from teens to adults, look for themselves in content that they consume. In gaming, members of the LGBQT+ community often feel unrepresented, turning to small-budget independent games that tell their stories. This has placed pressure on more prominent, mainstream game creators to incorporate more diverse stories, characters, and identities into video games. These titles also strive to educate gamers on LGBTQ+ issues.

Trend - The convenience of blockchain technologies led to developers incentivizing players to play their games for monetary compensation. These games award players NFTs and cryptocurrencies for performing well, providing direct and immediate real-world value for engaging with play-to-earn games.

Insight - Many gamers have a desire to transform gaming beyond a time-consuming hobby into a source of income. This was previously only possible through esports competitions or becoming an online content creator. Companies have found a way to satiate this desire for all players through the use of blockchain technologies. Gamers are more drawn to titles that implement this technology as they feel they are being more productive by generating income while indulging in their hobbies.

Trend - Companies that develop metaverse experiences have begun adopting machine-learning artificial intelligence systems in order to increase the quality of virtual worlds. Non-player characters are being augmented with AI to increase interactivity, immersion, and entertainment for players.

Insight - Non-player characters are necessary aspects of virtual worlds in the metaverse. These characters interact with the player in different ways, acting as virtual storefronts, tour guides, help networks, or parts of a video game. However, these characters often function in one-dimensional ways, leading to repetitive outcomes. Virtual world attendees have begun seeking more interactive, dynamic experiences that do not take away from the immersive experience that virtual worlds provide.

Trend - Building on the previous trend of gamified exercise applications, companies are now utilizing NFTs and cryptocurrencies to incentivize active lifestyles. Brands have chosen digital Web3 assets due to their inherent scalability, allowing applications to reward all users systematically.

Insight - Lockdowns motivated by the pandemic have led to many consumers spending more time at home and less time exercising. This led directly to many people becoming accustomed to potentially unhealthy lifestyles. As a result of this, many consumers are seeking ways to exercise while still being economically productive. These consumers turn to accessible mobile applications and gadgets that offer incentives for exercise.

Trend - Established and emerging esports entertainment companies are using blockchain technology to better engage consumers and fans. The companies utilize NFT collections to offer exclusive experiences, such as invite-only parties, NFT-holder lounges, and conferences where the organizations listen to their most dedicated fans. This aims to increase engagement while rewarding dedicated communities.

Insight - Consumers in the realm of esports are often loyal to certain teams, companies, or brands. As a result of this, fans are seeking new ways to immerse themselves in the world of esports and support their favorite entities beyond viewing tournaments and wearing branded apparel. Leveraging blockchain technology provides these very opportunities to interested consumers.

Trend - A new wave of startups are utilizing blockchain technology and smart contracts to offer filmmakers and musicians an alternative artist-centric solution for connecting with fans, acquiring funds, and distributing their projects.

Insight - Filmmakers and musicians operate within a highly centralized industry and, as a result, find themselves routinely faced with creative compromise and lowly compensation. Meanwhile, fans are seeking new ways to support these artists in more direct and personal ways. Accordingly, new blockchain-based platforms are aiming to empower creators by cutting out the middleman, enabling them to connect directly with fans and financiers so they can independently distribute their work.

Trend - Negative headlines generate clicks and views for news and content organizations, but some brands are moving away from the increasingly intense focus on negative content output with platforms that do the opposite. News aggregators and social media platforms are included in this shift.

Insight - The ubiquity of social media platforms has made negativity in the news and in content-based sites more impactful. With news and content cycles being 24 hours and also difficult to avoid because of smartphones, people are more likely to experience stress that's linked to social and political issues occurring globally (and their constant access to it). Now, more are turning to alternatives or "digital detoxing" in order to mitigate the impact of negative news cycles on their wellbeing.