As our need for online connections and information continues to increase, it is interesting to predict what the New Year will bring in terms of digital trends. We live in a highly digitalized world, and while this is not expected to die out any time soon, several changes are expected in the virtual world for 2014.
Following, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the top 5 digital trends for 2014. Curious to see what 2014 will bring to the table? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 5: Social media literacy will become a required skill
As more and more companies take their business online, they will start requiring employees to develop social media literacy skills. This will encompass the ability to create valuable content, select relevant information and discard irrelevant one, and connect people.
No. 4: Online Multitasking or the second screen revolution
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It seems like these days, anytime you look around, someone is starring at one screen or another. But, more often than not, we tend to stare at more than just one screen. We’re texting our friends on the phone, answering our e-mails on our laptops, and watching the latest news on the TV. This trend of always keeping connected to the digital world, often times through multiple devices, will continue well into 2014. And if the Google Glasses become more of a reality, who knows how online multitasking will evolve even further. Soon enough, we might not be talking about a second screen revolution, but rather about a third or even a fourth screen.
No. 3: The online video frenzy won’t die out
It is somewhat amazing that TV manufacturers have stayed in business for so long, considering that a vast majority of consumers nowadays will almost exclusively watch the news, movies, or sports games directly on their tablet or smartphone. And let’s not forget about the countless videos shared, created, or commented on that have got much of the Internet world engaged this year. Well, this video trend will most likely continue in full throttle in 2014 as well. So, next time you want to take a little break and watch that funny cat compilation on YouTube, don’t feel ashamed. Apparently, we’re all doing it.
No. 2: Decrease in SPAM activity and content aggregation
While SPAM has been around basically since the advent of the World Wide Web, consumers are no longer as tolerant towards it. In 2014, it is expected that SPAM activity, including unwanted special offers or annoying newsletters, will significantly decrease. On the other hand, the need users have to stay informed will continue. Instead of being bombarded will information of all sorts and kinds, users will migrate towards tools that help them aggregate content, such as List.ly or Pinterest.
No. 1: Identity based digital world
While one may think that the main reason why people use social networking websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest is to connect with others, the truth is entirely different. Granted, we all use such networks to keep in touch with friends and family, but according to researchers, the main reason we go online is to showcase our own identity. In 2014, and well beyond it for that matter, online activities, either personal or business, will revolve around individual identities. Companies that have started acknowledging the user’s need to express his personality are already successful. Take Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s example with its personalized recommendations or, better yet, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB)’s idea to implement the timeline concept.
