TRENDS, NETWORKS AND CRITICAL THINKING IN 21ST CENTURY

UNIT I: UNDERSTANDING ELEMENTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF TRENDS

Fads Vs Trends
1) Fads
The easiest way to categorize a fad is one word: short-lived. Fads come fast and fade away. A fad is any
form of behavior that is intensely followed by a population for a short period of time. The behavior will rise
relatively quickly and fall relatively quickly once the perception of novelty is gone.
2) Trends
Trends have a much longer lifespan than fads. Trends solve problems and get stronger over time Trends
have identifiable and explainable rises that are driven by audience needs. They help solve a problem for
people.

Difference between Fads & Trends

Fad: Trend:
Appear suddenly Appears suddenly
Enormously popular Enormously popular
Disappear suddenly Doesn’t disappear

Trend analysis - is the process of trying to look at current trends in order to predict future ones and is
considered a form of comparative analysis.

Trendspotting - it is wider than cool hunting and refers more generally to the study of trends and the way
they develop and affect society.

Cool Hunters - they find the next big thing and cool in the present while looking for something
conventional.

Trendspotter - they use an established idea but are looking for something that will be effective in a long-
term period.
Trend Analysis - it is the extended analysis that becomes possible if trendspotting pays attention to the wider area of
human behavior.

Elements Trend
1. Duration of time
The lifespan of products or ideas that become trends do not disappear quickly. Trends have long
staying power and enjoy a long period of popularity.
2. Acceptability
Trends are popularly accepted by many industries and people.
3. Cultural Basis
A trend is rooted on the people's cultural traditions, beliefs, and values. A trend persists and
continues because people have seen it as part of a society's culture.
4. Transitory Increase or decrease
A trend shows a transitory increase or decrease of a particular idea, event or phenomenon.

5 Types of Trend
1. Microtrend
These are the little things that happen all around us. Trends that are so common we get used to it.

Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking In 21st Century

Ex. of Microtrend
 Sustainable Fashion
growing interest in thrift shopping and upcycling clothing, where individuals seek unique, second-
hand items or repurpose old garments instead of buying new ones.
 Plant-Based Snacks
the rise of snacks made from alternative ingredients, such as seaweed chips, catering to health-
conscious consumers looking for plant-based options.
 Home Fitness Equipment
the popularity of compact and multifunctional home gym equipments, like adjustable dumbbells,
resistance bands as more people opt for at-home-workouts.
 Digital Detox
a movement encouraging people to take breaks from screens and social media, leading to
popularities like hiking, or engaging in offline hobbies.
 Nostalgic Gaming
the resurgence of retro video games and consoles, appealing to millennials and Gen Z who are
interested in the gaming experiences of previous decades.
 Mindfulness and Mental Health
increase interest in practices like meditation, yoga, and mental health awareness.

2. Macrotrend
These are the trends that can endure for surprisingly a long time. It's also the trends that affect the
society.

Ex. of Microtrend
 Technological Advancements
innovations such as AI, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) can transform industries, create
new business models, and change how consumers interact with products and services.
 Health and Wellness
a rising focus on health, wellness, and preventive care is influencing industries such as food, fitness,
and healthcare.
 Urbanization
the movement of populations from rural to urban areas can impact infrastructure, housing, and
transportation needs.

3. Megatrend
These are the trends that can stay healthy for decades or lasts for 10 years.

Ex. of Megatrend
 Globalization
increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and populations, driven by trade, migration,
and communication technologies.
 Health and Well-being
Increasing focus on health, wellness, and preventive care, influenced by factors such as lifestyle
diseases, and advancement in medical technology.
 Workforce Evolution
the nature of work is changing, with trends like remote work, gig economy, and automation
reshaping employment landscapes.

4. Gigatrend
It is a megatrend that goes on for half a century or more. These are the trends that are so general,
they affect most areas of human life.

Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking In 21st Century

Ex. of Gigatrend
 Aging Population
many countries are experiencing an increase in the proportion of elderly individuals, leading to
changes in healthcare, workforce dynamics, and consumer behavior.
 Remote Work
The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed traditional
employment models.

5. Nanotrend
These are the trends that are yet to be expected. It can be an alternative trends that exists in trends.
Ex. of Nanotrend
 Sustainable Micro-Brands
` consumers are increasingly interested in supporting local and eco-friendly businesses.
 Personalized Nutrition
advances in technology and health awareness have led to a rise in diet based on individual genetic makeup,
lifestyle, and health goals.
 Digital Minimalism
where individuals seek to reduce their screen time and simplify their digital lives.
 Micro-Influencers
Brands are shifting their marketing strategies to collaborate with content creator who have smaller but highly
engaged audiences.
 DIY and Crafting
fueled by social media platforms, has led to a growing interest in handmade goods and personalized items.

Cause and Consequences of Trend

Causes Consequences
 Able to talk to our  Children get addicted to online
friends and relatives games
who are living far from  Creating rivalry between best
us friends and couples
 Learn new things and  Aviation technology gives health
A. Technology online courses problems for their workers and
 The aviation technology creating serious environmental
helps us to reach distant threats
places
 Social Networking helps
us find our childhood
friends, relatives, etc.
 (Mobile Learning)  Integration and connectivity
Demand for efficient and  Modular hence it is flexible
B. Education quality learning  Has clear outcome
 Cost= As it require power tools
and connectivity
 A place to connect with  Helps hone networking skills
your friends  Encourages freedom of self-
 Opportunity for express
businesses  Cyberbullying
C. Social Media  Waste of time
 Connect with friends and family
 Reducing communication
barriers
 Friends and relation
 Fashion changes occur  Fashionable discrimination
because of a mix of  Exaggerated/negative self-image
historical, psychological  Particular teenagers
and sociological reasons - Anorexia bulimia
D. Fashion  Some of the more specific
fashion: musicians, movie
- Desire for being appreciated
stars, politician and royalty,
movie shoes, books

E. Medicine  Rise in the number of

Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking In 21st Century
 people aged 65+that are  Hospitals at home
quite literally clogging up  Monitor heart rate, alleviate
hospitals stress, increase office
 A popularity huge for productivity
fitness gadgets

9 Characteristics of 21st Century Learning

1. Learner-centered
 Supports wide range of “academic” success.

2. Media-driven
 Project, problem or inquiry-based.

3. Personalized
 Learning is personalized by platform, interest, assessment results, self-selected pace

4. Transfer-by-Design
 Learners constantly adapt- revise and synthesize information, using “old learning” in new,
unfamiliar, meaningful ways.

5. Visibly Relevant
 21st century leaning requires learners to be aware of their needs both academically and
socially.

6. Data-Rich
 Persistent and “highly-consumable” data and planned data sources that allow for easy
revision of curriculum, instruction and resources.

7. Adaptable
 Responds naturally and meaningfully to data and emerging best practices.

8. Interdependent

 Increased in transparency between schools and local communities.

9. Diverse
 in terms of media, instructional/assessment strategies, audience, collaborative approaches,
technology use, data sources, etc.

Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking In 21st Century