Australia's population is growing rapidly and is projected to exceed 23 million by July 2013, driven by increases in birth rate, life expectancy, and migration. This growing population presents both challenges and opportunities for Australia as it places greater demands on infrastructure while also increasing diversity and economic opportunities. A larger population enriches Australia's social identity and quality of life as cities become more "global" with diverse cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Isolation vs Emancipation of our Elders: Aging, beauty and technology insight...Karl Aussia
The ‘mature urban urbane’ are taboo-busting what it means to age but while some world-leading brands are responding, the elderly are generally undervalued and poorly catered for. Commercial opportunities are being over looked and many are failing to give our elderly due care
Created by Karl Aussia | creativeunion.net
10 Chiangmai Creative City Delegates from Thailand under an invitation from US Department of State visited Silicon Valley, Stanford University, Austin Texas, U. Texas Austin, Oklahoma City, Creative Oklahoma to learn what it takes to become a creative city.
Deloitte Silicon Beach Australian Startup EcosystemDavid Adams
Leaving it in the ground
Imagine a rich seam of minerals under ground. We’ve poked around and we know its there: lots of value
=just waiting to be uncovered. Imagine too that we
also know there is a market, growing larger each month, with an insatiable demand for consuming these treasures. Now, imagine that the people who live around the seam are born with an aptitude for mining. We are a mining country and we know this story well. But, unusually for Australia, we are leaving this seam in the ground untapped.
Even if the commodities boom lasts decades, Australia is in trouble.
In Silicon Valley it took 60 years to create the structural, cultural & financial infrastructure to repeatedly create new billion dollar technology based industries. The problem is, we are wired to think in a linear way. We massively underestimate the long term impact of current technology trends & market shifts impacted by the technology.
Adrian Turner, Author of ‘Blue Sky Mining’
If startups were treated as a natural resource,
people would ask why we’re ‘leaving them in the ground’. Australia can improve at what Adrian Turner calls ‘Blue Sky Mining’ in his book of the same name.
Background
Silicon Beach represents rare research of Australia’s startups to help Australian businesses and governments target their actions to support this vital sector. In 2011, The Startup Genome Project (blog.startupcompass.co) revealed its first set of international findings. Through surveying thousands of startups it looked for patterns which emerged from data-driven analysis. The report revealed new insights which helped the global startup community answer common questions including:
• How much should I be spending at the different growth stages?
• How long does it take?
• How many customers should I have by now?
• Is it this hard for everybody or just me?
“This first Australian Ecosystem Report ‘Silicon Beach’ is a vital contribution to further the awareness of why technology entrepreneurship is important to Australia and where it has room for improvement. It provides much needed perspective as technology entrepreneurship is evolving to become a new fundamental to the Australian economy. The public interest will be increasing and more stakeholders will participate in the Australian startup ecosystem. This report will fuel the public dialogue in order to co-ordinate the necessary dynamics between entrepreneurs, investors, corporate development and policy makers. I want to thank Pollenizer for taking the lead in summoning representatives of each of these groups, Deloitte Private and Startup Genome to create this report.”
Bjoern Lasse Herrmann – Startup Genome
Authors
Phil Morle
Co-Founder – Pollenizer
M: +61 430460780 e: phil@pollenizer.com
Zach Kitschke
Editor – From Little Things
e: zach@fromlittlethings.co
Alan Jones
Editor in Chief – From Little Things
M: +61 414987069
e: alan@fromlittlethings.co
Joshua Ta
Tim Williams, Chief Executive of the Committee for Sydney, gave this presentation as a framing for a workshop in Sydney between U.S. and Australian economic development leaders.
Global Engagement in an Interconnected WorldSummarized from a p.docxwhittemorelucilla
Global Engagement in an Interconnected World
*Summarized from a paper by the same title, authored by Dr. John Lee, Associate Professor of Social Studies, N.C. State University
Introduction
A mother sits with her son at a computer. Music fills the room as stylishly dressed kids dance on a computer screen. The scene is a house in the Western African country of Senegal where an encouraging mother is watching a music video with her son and offering her opinion of her son’s favorite new musical group, Rania. The group is from South Korea and is part of a music phenomenon called Korean Pop (or K-Pop) that fuses electronic, hip hop, rock and R&B musical forms. The young man made a video of his mother’s opinion of the group and put it on YouTube. A South Korean musical group, singing music online that emerged in black American culture, is being shared by an African boy on a global commercial video sharing network. How did we get to this point and what are the implications of this interconnected and overlapping world for this young man’s future and the future of young people in the United States?
A certain vision of the future is already here, although unevenly represented around the world. This future is cross-cultural and supported by a global economic system of multinational interests delivered through a decentralized communications network. Young people today are growing up in an interconnected world with access to information through a wide variety of mediums and devices that support the exchange of ideas and opinions. Given that these systems for communication are in constant flux and are being rapidly developed, children must prepare for a future that will look different than the world of their parents.
Trends in Youth Global Engagement
There are six trends that will shape the global engagement of Generation Z over the next decade. Each of them is outlined below.
Trend #1 – The Emergence of an Online Global Identity
Online social networks connect people and create avenues for extending our identity. Identity is connected to our physical being, but increasingly young people are crafting online identities using social networks. Manuel Castells describes this phenomenon in his recent trilogy The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. Castells argues that the organization of global economics, political and social institutions prompts individuals to create meaning in their lives through collective action. This explains why networks such as Facebook have become so popular (500 million active users), so fast (Facebook went online in 2004). The attraction of Facebook is the human interaction and collective action that it facilitates. The technology is much less important than the human activities that the technologies enable. In fact, actual interfaces such as Facebook come and go rather quickly (e.g. AOL and MySpace, both with explosive growth and quick declines). These global networks allow people to be free of their “other” identities - ...
As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the trends shaping the future. For those wanting to equip themselves for the year ahead, our Trends of 2024 infographic has 8 research-backed trends that will impact businesses and organisations in 2024.
Isolation vs Emancipation of our Elders: Aging, beauty and technology insight...Karl Aussia
The ‘mature urban urbane’ are taboo-busting what it means to age but while some world-leading brands are responding, the elderly are generally undervalued and poorly catered for. Commercial opportunities are being over looked and many are failing to give our elderly due care
Created by Karl Aussia | creativeunion.net
10 Chiangmai Creative City Delegates from Thailand under an invitation from US Department of State visited Silicon Valley, Stanford University, Austin Texas, U. Texas Austin, Oklahoma City, Creative Oklahoma to learn what it takes to become a creative city.
Deloitte Silicon Beach Australian Startup EcosystemDavid Adams
Leaving it in the ground
Imagine a rich seam of minerals under ground. We’ve poked around and we know its there: lots of value
=just waiting to be uncovered. Imagine too that we
also know there is a market, growing larger each month, with an insatiable demand for consuming these treasures. Now, imagine that the people who live around the seam are born with an aptitude for mining. We are a mining country and we know this story well. But, unusually for Australia, we are leaving this seam in the ground untapped.
Even if the commodities boom lasts decades, Australia is in trouble.
In Silicon Valley it took 60 years to create the structural, cultural & financial infrastructure to repeatedly create new billion dollar technology based industries. The problem is, we are wired to think in a linear way. We massively underestimate the long term impact of current technology trends & market shifts impacted by the technology.
Adrian Turner, Author of ‘Blue Sky Mining’
If startups were treated as a natural resource,
people would ask why we’re ‘leaving them in the ground’. Australia can improve at what Adrian Turner calls ‘Blue Sky Mining’ in his book of the same name.
Background
Silicon Beach represents rare research of Australia’s startups to help Australian businesses and governments target their actions to support this vital sector. In 2011, The Startup Genome Project (blog.startupcompass.co) revealed its first set of international findings. Through surveying thousands of startups it looked for patterns which emerged from data-driven analysis. The report revealed new insights which helped the global startup community answer common questions including:
• How much should I be spending at the different growth stages?
• How long does it take?
• How many customers should I have by now?
• Is it this hard for everybody or just me?
“This first Australian Ecosystem Report ‘Silicon Beach’ is a vital contribution to further the awareness of why technology entrepreneurship is important to Australia and where it has room for improvement. It provides much needed perspective as technology entrepreneurship is evolving to become a new fundamental to the Australian economy. The public interest will be increasing and more stakeholders will participate in the Australian startup ecosystem. This report will fuel the public dialogue in order to co-ordinate the necessary dynamics between entrepreneurs, investors, corporate development and policy makers. I want to thank Pollenizer for taking the lead in summoning representatives of each of these groups, Deloitte Private and Startup Genome to create this report.”
Bjoern Lasse Herrmann – Startup Genome
Authors
Phil Morle
Co-Founder – Pollenizer
M: +61 430460780 e: phil@pollenizer.com
Zach Kitschke
Editor – From Little Things
e: zach@fromlittlethings.co
Alan Jones
Editor in Chief – From Little Things
M: +61 414987069
e: alan@fromlittlethings.co
Joshua Ta
Tim Williams, Chief Executive of the Committee for Sydney, gave this presentation as a framing for a workshop in Sydney between U.S. and Australian economic development leaders.
Global Engagement in an Interconnected WorldSummarized from a p.docxwhittemorelucilla
Global Engagement in an Interconnected World
*Summarized from a paper by the same title, authored by Dr. John Lee, Associate Professor of Social Studies, N.C. State University
Introduction
A mother sits with her son at a computer. Music fills the room as stylishly dressed kids dance on a computer screen. The scene is a house in the Western African country of Senegal where an encouraging mother is watching a music video with her son and offering her opinion of her son’s favorite new musical group, Rania. The group is from South Korea and is part of a music phenomenon called Korean Pop (or K-Pop) that fuses electronic, hip hop, rock and R&B musical forms. The young man made a video of his mother’s opinion of the group and put it on YouTube. A South Korean musical group, singing music online that emerged in black American culture, is being shared by an African boy on a global commercial video sharing network. How did we get to this point and what are the implications of this interconnected and overlapping world for this young man’s future and the future of young people in the United States?
A certain vision of the future is already here, although unevenly represented around the world. This future is cross-cultural and supported by a global economic system of multinational interests delivered through a decentralized communications network. Young people today are growing up in an interconnected world with access to information through a wide variety of mediums and devices that support the exchange of ideas and opinions. Given that these systems for communication are in constant flux and are being rapidly developed, children must prepare for a future that will look different than the world of their parents.
Trends in Youth Global Engagement
There are six trends that will shape the global engagement of Generation Z over the next decade. Each of them is outlined below.
Trend #1 – The Emergence of an Online Global Identity
Online social networks connect people and create avenues for extending our identity. Identity is connected to our physical being, but increasingly young people are crafting online identities using social networks. Manuel Castells describes this phenomenon in his recent trilogy The Information Age: Economy, Society and Culture. Castells argues that the organization of global economics, political and social institutions prompts individuals to create meaning in their lives through collective action. This explains why networks such as Facebook have become so popular (500 million active users), so fast (Facebook went online in 2004). The attraction of Facebook is the human interaction and collective action that it facilitates. The technology is much less important than the human activities that the technologies enable. In fact, actual interfaces such as Facebook come and go rather quickly (e.g. AOL and MySpace, both with explosive growth and quick declines). These global networks allow people to be free of their “other” identities - ...
As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate the trends shaping the future. For those wanting to equip themselves for the year ahead, our Trends of 2024 infographic has 8 research-backed trends that will impact businesses and organisations in 2024.
Generational insights to maximise engagement_Presentation slides.pdfMark McCrindle
Australia has long been blessed with stable
governments, high-functioning democracy and the rule
of law. However, what actively enables the flourishing
of our society, as reflected in this Future Donor report,
is not just government and its agencies, or even our
local communities but the for purpose sector. While
the retail sector facilitates vitally needed communities
of interaction, and our diverse local suburbs for many
are communities of belonging, it is the charities and
non-profits that build communities of purpose. These
for-purpose organisations are defined by three factors
which distinguish them from business, retail or local
communities: they are problem focussed, outward
orientated and action driven. This is why Australians,
even in this era of declining trust in institutions,
continue to hold charities in high regard.
As this report reveals, the proportion of Australians
who highly trust charities and not for profits is 50%
higher than the best performing government category
(local councils) and twice that of large corporations.
Charities should be further encouraged by the findings
that even amidst rising costs of living, most Australians
have financially supported this sector in the past year,
and of those who have given financially, more than
half (55%) have the same if not more ability to give, and
almost two thirds (64%) have the same if not increased
willingness to give.
This report looks to the future by analysing the
emerging generations and it reveals motivated young
donors who will respond to global issues not just local
ones, with a focus on solving root causes rather than
just meeting immediate needs, who want to be active
advocates not just passive givers and who can be
engaged digitally, and through that means, engage
others.
It is our hope that this report further equips the
for-purpose sector to shape thriving communities,
effectively engage and involve the next generation,
and positively impact the future.
Coined in the 1980’s, the VUCA acronym has been an
apt summary of recent decades (Volatility, Uncertainty,
Complexity and Ambiguity). In 2018 at the World Economic
Forum, the Prime Minister of Canada highlighted the
increasing acceleration of the trends with his statement: “The
pace of change has never been this fast, yet it will never be
this slow again”. Yet all of this was before the global COVID-19
pandemic further disrupted and transformed our times.
In such times, analysis of the trends and regular scans of
the horizon is essential to thrive amidst the transformations.
The primary characteristic of a leader, which enables the
important strengths of vision and decisiveness, is foresight.
The reason they can lead is that, having understood the
trends, they are able to see things not just as they are, but as
they will be.
At McCrindle we exist to empower human flourishing by
equipping leaders with research-based insight. Indeed
the leader with the honed characteristic of foresight, and
equipped with evidence-based insight is able to do more than
just see the future, they take up the great responsibility to
shape it.
We trust this report will help you understand the times,
prepare you for the emerging megatrends, and equip you to
lead and grow your team, community and organisation with
both humility and confidence.
Australian communities infographic mccrindle_2020Mark McCrindle
The not-for profit sector and the charities,
social enterprises and community organisations
across this nation provide much of the social
infrastructure that builds the capacity of
communities Australia wide. Their value to this
nation is demonstrated by the almost $143
billion given in the last year, most of it by the
community rather than government. The
esteem of this sector is demonstrated by the
size of the charity workforce, which employs
one in every ten Australian workers.
While the sector is viewed in a positive light
and five in six Australians give to charities,
these are uncertain times and Australia is
changing rapidly. Demographic shifts, social
changes and constant technological
advancement are transforming Australian
communities. How and where Australians live,
and how they allocate their time and money is
shifting
2. TREND 1: Big Australia
In July 2013, Australia’s population will exceed 23 million. dotted with popular new enterprises, including creative food
Having doubled since 1966, this rise is fuelled by an increase kiosks usually associated with New York or Los Angeles.
FAST FACTS
in birth rate, life expectancy and migration. These factors have
allowed Australia to grow at a rate of 1.6% per year, above With Australia’s increasing population also comes
the world average of 1.1%. Not only is Australia the fastest greater influence in the global arena. As our
AUSTRALIA
growing OECD nation, but its population is increasing faster economy maintains stability, Australia is a
than Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. key place to invest and foster
businesses.
This presents challenges and opportunities for Australians.
A larger population can place greater strain on our
AT 23 MILLION
infrastructure, increase our environmental impact, and create
Australia’s biggest city: Cities between 4 - 5m
a new level of social complexity. These potential problems can
Sydney 4.7m Singapore: 5.1m
make the prospect of a ‘Big Australia’ daunting for many.
European biggest city: St Petersburg: 4.8m
The diversity that comes with population growth presents London 19m Alexandria (Egypt): 4.7m
many benefits for Australians. We are spoilt for choice in USA’s biggest city: Milan: 4.6m
where we shop, in what we eat, in who we interact with.
New York 22m Barcelona: 4.5m
Our social identity is enriched and enlivened, and in turn our
Asia biggest city: Berlin: 4.4m
quality of life improves.
Tokyo 37.7m Seattle: 4.1m
The vibrant urban cultures of Australia’s big cities, such as China’s biggest city Cape Town: 4.1m
Sydney and Melbourne illustrate the positive effects that a Guangzhou 25.6m
large, diverse population can bring. These “global” cities
boast a wide range of cafes, restaurants, performance venues Australia’s annual population growth rate: 1.6%
and cultural attractions. The cities’ streets are becoming China’s annual population growth rate: 0.5%
4. TREND 2: TWEEN TOWN
Tweens are those aged 8 to 12, “in-between” childhood Tweens are greatly influenced by celebrities.
and adolescence. They are the children of Generation X. The Olsen twins were pioneers in catering
Tweens have emerged as their own demographic, and for tweens.
are now seen as brand influencers, a consumer segment,
and a target market. Since then, personalities including Taylor Swift
and Justin Bieber have developed
In the past, tween girls have been the predominant focus sophisticated methods of connecting with
for media and marketers. However, we are now seeing tweens, hosting their own e-stores that
an array of products targeting tween boys. Focusing on sell fashion and cosmetic items to
this demographic is surprisingly lucrative. Despite their this age group.
lack of income, Australian tweens are a one billion dollar
consumer force: the average 8 year-old receives $10.68 The relatively new world of
in pocket money a week, increasing to $21.36 for the ‘tweendom’ is evidence of
average 12 year-old. the up-ageing of today’s
emerging generations.
Social media has been integral to the development These young people have
of tween identity. Many tweens are actively engaging access to more technology,
on sites, uploading their own YouTube videos and information, and external influences
connecting with friends on Facebook. Many websites are than any generation before them.
targeted specifically at this demographic. Tweens can
create virtual pets, play dress-ups, and interact with other
people their age online.
5. TREND 2: TWEEN TOWN
FAST FACTS
Numbers of 8-12 year olds: 1,387,130 (larger than the city of Adelaide [1.2m])
Number of 6-12 year olds: 1,949,443 (more people than the state of
South Australia [1.67m])
Today’s tweens – Gen Z, are the children of Gen X.
They are the first generation who are wholly born and raised in the 21st Century.
They are the most global connected, tech savvy, materially endowed, and formally
educated generation ever.
Pocket Money $10.68 - $21.36 per week which equates to a total of $1.08 billion
for Australian tweens per year.
6. TREND 3: Student-preneur
Gone are the days of Australian students earning entrepreneurial generation. They are responsive preneurs’ may also use their university connections
their money from paper runs. As one of the top to global trends and innovative ways to increase to further market and distribute their products or
countries for years spent in education, Australia’s profits. ‘Student-preneurs’ are more likely than services.
students are looking for creative ways to use their other demographics to use the internet as a way to
skills and make a profit where study prevents them develop, market, and sell their businesses. ‘Student- As Australia’s students spend longer in tertiary
from full-time employment. preneurship’ begins the journey of what will be an education, this emerging trend is one way in
ongoing reality for many of today’s students that which younger generations are employing their
This generation is not interested in jobs that do not they will be self-employed at some point. technological savvy to great effect, as a means
serve their future career paths. Many work part-time to financially support themselves and express
in the retail, service and technology sectors. As Universities themselves have a significant role themselves creatively.
Gen Ys and Zs, today’s students are technological to play in aiding ‘student-preneurs’. Students
natives. Always connected via social networking intentionally use the knowledge and skills gained
and other online media, this generation of students from their degrees in their business ventures.
now has the means to start up businesses from their Universities are responding to this, developing small
bedrooms. business courses and entrepreneurial education
programs. Recently, some universities have held
Contrary to Australia’s traditionally risk-averse entrepreneurship competitions with cash prizes to
culture, our university students are part of a heavily help business plans get off the ground. ‘Student-
7. TREND 3: Student-preneur
FAST FACTS
2,132,412 – trading business Australia of which 1,305,024 don’t
have any employees. That’s 61% of all businesses.
Almost 1 in 3 (29%) Australian businesses have revenue of less
than 50K per year.
54% of businesses that began 4 years ago are no longer operating,
but this does not mean they all failed: for student-preneurs, these
businesses were only designed to last through their university years,
and offer some earnings, and some experience.
8. TREND 4: Smart Shopper
Australians are shopping ‘smarter’ than ever before. Strategies to save money
or secure a bargain are a common part of today’s consumer culture. Puchasing
non-mainstream brands and getting discounts for goods and services is no longer
“cheap” shopping, but “smart” shopping.
Discount sites such as GroupOn and Spreets have experienced a spike in popularity,
owing in part to an unstable global market following the economic down-turn.
Consumers are turning to store brands or ‘private label’ brands, which now fill the
shelves of our supermarkets. Bulk buying is also on the rise, and supermarkets have
responded to this trend with basic goods now available in larger units, and wholesale
warehouses like Costco having gained popularity.
Smartphones are becoming an indispensible tool for the smart shopper. Traditional
stores must now not only contend with the growth of online shopping, but with
consumers comparing prices, checking reviews and consulting with friends and
family on-line, all while browsing a store’s aisles. Australians are actively using their
smartphones and tablets in these “showrooming” activities to save money.
Generation Y exemplifies this trend: 46% have used their device in-store to enter
model numbers or compare prices, 31% have used a scanner or barcode app to
compare prices with other stores; and 48% have taken a photo of a product to
compare with online stores. Just over 2 in 5 have accessed consumer blogs or online
discussions while shopping, and 3 in 5 have taken a photo of a product to get a
second opinion from friends or family.
Smart shopping is a trend that shows no signs of slowing any time soon!
10. TREND 5: LOCALISATION
Many Australians are now returning to the local shopping owners who are able to provide personal advice
strip, and investing into their local businesses. and source goods to meet their customers’ needs.
Australia has also seen a growing number of farmers’
This resurgence is partly due to re-investment by owners, and street markets, where consumers are able to
local councils and government policies to counteract connect directly with producers.
the effects of urban sprawl of our major cities. The
convenience, expression of local culture, personal In this era of resurgent communities, there has been a
connections and open-air environment provided by local change to shopping habits, and growth in the more regular
shops hold lasting appeal. “top-up” shop compared to the once-a-week “trolley-fill”
shop. The local stores are the preferred option for the
These are qualities that the expanding online retail sector, quick and frequent top-up shop.
large chains and shopping centres are unable to duplicate.
Local shops are also responding to Australia’s ‘smart The local shopping strip offers products and services
shopping’ trend, providing vouchers and discounts via that invest directly back into the local community, and
online sites like GroupOn. contributes to a sense of identity and belonging for its
residents.
Shopping locally is a social experience. Shopping strips
not only offer local cafes, take-away food, fresh groceries,
and bakeries, but also hairdressers, tax accountants,
doctors, pharmacy and clothing stores. Such diversity
and specialisation provides a vibrant community space for
local residents, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Many Australians see the value of investing into the local
community, and appreciate the relationships that are built
with other community members, as well as business
12. TREND 6: XYZ SCHOOLS
Today’s students are constantly connected through Retaining new teachers is a challenge when they have
ever-advancing technology and social media. The a multi-career outlook.The average Gen Yer works
education sector is responding to this by tailoring for only 3 years per employer. New methods of
curriculums and classroom strategies to address the engagement need to be developed to ensure
challenges and opportunities presented by this shift. that this emerging generation of educators
gain career experience and growing
The emphasis on project-based assessments and in their skills.
increased ‘real-world’ connections are evidence of
Australia carrying its education systems into the 21st Education for Gen Z is about social
century. Collaboration is highly encouraged, and connection, collaboration, ease of
schools have prioritised communication skills as a major access and real-world applications.
focus area. Schools are experimenting with
school times, and relying more
Today’s school communities are comprised of Gen X on interactive social media
parents, Gen Y teachers and Gen Z students. Gen X technology and flexible
parents were shaped at the start of the computer era, learning spaces.
and while generally not highly technologically savvy,
they are keen to see their children absorb the ever- Australia’s schools are
increasing world of technology while also seeing them demonstrating a trend towards
grow in literacy, numeracy and social skills. replicating elements of our ever-
connected social lifestyles in
The challenge for schools is to attract and retain curriculums and teaching
Generation Y teachers and staff members. In a sector methods, so that education is
with an ageing workforce, and with record numbers of congruent with 21st century life,
school age students in our population, the demand for rather than a step back in time.
these emerging teachers is higher than ever.
14. TREND 7: Real World Relational
Social relationships are timeless and integral to the formation of community. demonstrated. Emerging generations have been socially networking since
They have a bearing on our behaviours, attitudes and emotions. New social their pre-teens, from instant messaging, to Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter.
media has expanded and altered the way we relate, and has made the world Smartphones have added further flexibility, so that these generations are
seem much smaller. Connecting with others online is quick and simple, but constantly connecting with current trends and issues.
comes with its drawbacks. Online interaction can deprive us of ‘real-world’
connections and foster increased interactions yet reduced friendships. New platforms are being used to galvanise people into action or interaction,
whether it be to unite for a political cause or to form a flash mob, or to create
In contrast to traditional identity markers of culture, gender and place, an interest group. Online social media allows for greater breadth of connection,
our online social identities are defined by our lifestyle choices and media used as a tool to assist our deeper ‘real-world’ interactions.
consumption. We are able to interact with people irrespective of location.
In turn, our interaction with others online is tempered by scepticism, as it is
relatively simple for anyone to create a false or misleading identity.
Australians are now responding to our reliance on our online social world,
seeking more real-world interactions. Online technology is used as a tool to
facilitate these relationships. In the business world, we’re seeing face-to-face
meetings instead of just webinars or video-conferencing.
New technologies are responding to our desire for real-world connection
by ‘augmenting reality’. The barriers between the online and the real-world
are breaking down. Shops are encouraging consumers to interact via social
media on their smartphones while in-store. Interaction by users can ‘enhance’
advertisements and encourage participation. These new technologies connect
the limitless online realm with our tangible, every-day lives.
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and the like are enabling a new kind of activism,
where information can be spread to an entire movement of people by
simply posting a status or uploading a video, as the ‘Occupy’ movements
16. ABOUT MCCRINDLE RESEARCH
McCrindle Research is one of the Asia Pacific region’s most renowned research agencies,
commissioned by government and commercial organisations to conduct demographic, market, social and generational research
to help them observe the changing times, understand the emerging trends, and strategically respond to the shifts.
info@mccrindle.com.au