What's coming for the consumer internet in 2021

The internet saves movie theaters. Maybe a streaming service buys one of the chains as a perk for subscribers. Or maybe the chains stay independent and rent themselves out as virtual conference centers.

Dating apps have a big moment. Many of you predict that when the COVID-19 vaccines have been widely distributed, the earth will experience a period of prolonged horniness unlike anything that has been seen in generations. Tinder, Grindr and all the rest are poised to thrive as a result.

Silicon Valley accelerates its investment in products and services for individual creators. Platforms explore new ways to let creators monetize their audiences directly, while taking a cut for themselves. Still, a gulf begins to appear between those who pay for content and those who do not. Subscription fatigue will turn out to be real. And perhaps... See more

Social networks go crazy for commerce. This one is well on its way — witness Facebook’s move this fall with the Instagram shopping tab and WhatsApp shopping carts — but look for others to try it on in 2021.