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Read this before you launch, quit, or pivot. Trust me. 👉 👈
I'm about to put you on to the three trends shaping the future of brand, business, and culture.
Yup, I'm dusting off the ol' crystal ball to give you insights and trends not even Batman could beat out of me -- under one condition. When you make a gazillion bucks from this, you let me borrow the private jet. Deal? 🤝
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If we haven't met yet, I'm Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and an award-winning performance marketer. My team and I developed tools and processes to identify trends faster than anyone else. We run more like a data company than a traditional online business. 🤓
That's why I can say with confidence: these are the trends you can't afford to ignore, and No. 3 will blow your mind.
Oh, and if you're into AI and want insights and opportunities in this crowded space, considersigning up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, what to watch for, and the AI innovations that deserve your attention.
Alright, enough about me. Let's dive into the three critical signals that are reshaping how we work, compete, and connect. 🔮
1. Gen Z wants off the grid
A survey conducted by BSI found that 47% of young people age 16 to 21 would prefer to be young in a world without the internet.
This sentiment is driven by rising regret and negative feelings associated with social media use, with 68% of respondents reporting that they feel worse after using social platforms.
Essentially, Gen Z wants to escape the grid, and they'd rather live in a world without the internet, so they're currently flocking to in-person experiences. 🎯
Although this study was done in the UK, you can see similar trends here in the US, where a report from Eventbrite found that 95% of Gen Z is interested in exploring their online interests through in-person events.
That said, this is one of those times when you need to dig deeper than what the data suggests.
Kinda like when your partner says they're fine… they're not fine. 🤣
What they said isn't what they actually mean. Stay with me, let me cook. 👨🍳
In this fast-paced world, where everything is online or powered by AI, we often forget that the "A" in AI stands for artificial or that social media isn't actually social.
It's not that Gen Z doesn't want the internet, but they are craving more genuine connections and a sense of balance between online and real-world experiences. 💡
Here's why Gen Z being sick of the internet matters
For years, brands and businesses have been obsessed with making everything digital and removing the human element.
While big corporations and big tech are pushing more screens, more content, and more notifications, this survey signals digital fatigue among Gen Z. But if we are being honest, it isn't just Gen Z that has had enough. We've all had enough of being used as impression mules. 🤬
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With 91% of Gen Z professionals believing in-person events are among the best ways to build social and interpersonal skills, those who invest in real-world experiences, community, and genuine interaction will capture Gen Z's attention and trust. Ignoring this shift means risking irrelevance.
How to capitalize
Beyond a marketing tactic, the best course of action is to care about the people you serve. In doing so, get out there and engage with them, not only digitally but also in person, through events or trade shows. One day, I'll tell you about how brand pop-ups are all the rage.
Prioritize authenticity by designing experiences and campaigns that are honest and human, not just optimized for digital metrics or algorithms.
Go beyond just selling a product or service. The future belongs to brands that can create a movement around the problems they solve.
2. OpenAI is betting on devices being the future of AI
OpenAI is making a significant bet on the future of AI being driven by hardware rather than just software. If you have used the Apple ecosystem, you know how much of a game-changer it can be when everything is seamlessly integrated.
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company, filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.)
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OpenAI is aiming to do the same thing with its recent acquisition of Jony Ive's company. If you aren't familiar, Ive was responsible for the design of some of the most legendary tech products in history, like the iMac, iPod, iPad, and iPhone. 🤤
These designs didn't just make Apple incredibly valuable; they transformed entire industries, built a loyal following, and created one of the world's most influential brands.
Here's why OpenAI betting on hardware matters:
This signals that AI will move beyond chatbots and AI agents to become an operating system, possibly the operating system of our lives.
Rather than operating quietly in the background, AI will orchestrate tasks, decisions, and workflows across every part of daily life and business without needing constant prompts. 🦾
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This will change how businesses run and how people manage their time and attention, making AI part of daily life rather than just a helpful assistant.
How to capitalize:
As AI becomes more ingrained in social platforms, it's unwise to ignore it or treat it like a fad. Stay updated and use AI wherever possible.
Think "do it with me," not "do it for me."
Don't over-index and forget what makes us human. There's a sweet spot in embracing AI while still valuing our uniquely human qualities.
3. Good taste will go at a premium
AI tools have made it incredibly easy for anyone to create content. From visuals to articles to scripts, it's just a prompt away, and now the internet is flooded, and honestly, a lot of it is trash.
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Good taste comes from how an "artist" sees the world -- their unique mix of wins, losses, and lessons learned. In a sea of sameness and copycat content, good taste stands out.
The protip? The imperfections make it perfect. 🤓☝️
Here's why good taste will matter:
There will be many people who phone it in, cranking out AI-generated content. When everyone does it, originality disappears. Audiences get overwhelmed by the noise. Sure, it's funny now, but soon, the novelty wears off, and honestly, I'm already over it.
Brands and creators who take time to curate what's good and truly connect will rise above the noise.
Taste will become the competitive advantage. 🚀
How to capitalize:
Care about your work. Even if you use AI, put in the time and create with purpose.
Be an expert in your field. AI is a tool to do more, not an excuse to do less.
Be you! Dare to be original. Dare to make mistakes. There are no shortcuts to great taste.
My two cents
These trends aren't just shaping the future. They're already happening. 😉
The real advantage isn't just knowing what's coming but acting on it. That's where the magic happens.
So get closer to your customers. Talk to them, understand their evolving needs, meet them where they are, and experiment with new ways to add value using AI and technology without losing your essence. 🫶
The brands and businesses that will succeed in the coming years are those that not only see and understand the future but also act on it.
😇 Hope this helps. I'm rooting for you.
P.S. If you want more easy and helpful AI tips and tricks, sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts.
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