Consumer Predictions for 2022

Expanding on this idea of the online persona, we increasingly have the tools and infrastructure to utilize the exhaust of (now increasingly public) data created by online participation. When our identity is tied to a wallet or blockchain proof of transaction, others can verify our past online activities and presence. This means that consumer compan... See more

As we spend an increasing amount of time out of the office, on our computers, and moving around the country seeking comfortable and affordable places to live, our IRL communities are becoming increasingly fragmented. Instead, we are seeking richer and more meaningful engagement and social connection through our online communities.

Another iteration of companies exists in the web3 world: DAOs. As Lisa Xu writes, DAOs combine both “community-led businesses” as well as “communities as businesses,” as DAOs create an infrastructure for communities to manage internal processes, formalize tasks and ownership, and create products and experiences for both community and non-community ... See more

Consequently, products for those invested in the future of the metaverse will become increasingly popular (VR hoverboards, digital sneakers, and more) as non-gaming platforms adopt the infrastructure of games, from identity to narrative to game-based mechanisms for achieving social status.

Creators are increasingly discovering ways to monetize their followings and talents, from merch (Fourthwall) to brand marketing (Pearpop)* to distinct product lines (Skims) to communities (Patreon, Fanhouse). Another toolkit for creator monetization, NFTs, will continue to improve, as will the infrastructure for creators to use web3 products to mon... See more