Trendy Teens

By: Jeff Yalden, World Renowned Teen Motivational Speaker for School Assemblies and Youth Motivational Conferences.  Visit www.JeffYalden.com for more information about Jeff Yalden.

As consumers we need to look at our behaviors with a magnifying glass in order to understand our contribution to consumer trends. What we purchase or how we interface impacts not just manufacturers of goods and services, but how deals, new items, special promotions, etc. are shared. Are we the savvy consumers we think that we are, or are we just sheep following the herd? I enjoy trend watching from the backseat. I like to know what most people, in particular teens, prefer to buy, borrow, use, trade or sell. I carefully examined some of the trends among teens that will take us into the year 2012, and according to Media Post’s research on the subject the following can be said.

Let’s make a Deal

Today’s teens, referred to as the new “The Lost Generation,” are experiencing an unemployment rate double that of their parents (nearly 20%; NPR, 2011). The trend of cash poor teens continues. In order for this share of the market to look for deals, teens are utilizing mobile device applications that offer savings, price comparison, promotions, etc. The top shopping apps mentioned among teens included Amazon mobile for scanning, Foursquare for check-in discounts, Old Navy’s Snap Appy, Seventeen, Red Laser and ShopKick. (In no way do I endorse these apps… just sharing information)

Gamification

Gamification continues to grow among teens. Gamification, defined as applying game design thinking to non-game applications, making them more fun and engaging. “Gamification has been identified as one of the most important trends in the field of technology. Gamification can potentially be applied to any industry and almost anything to create fun and engaging experiences, converting users into players.” (Gamification.org)

Interactive social media

“Social media turns watching content into a shared experience among teens, and research reported an improved ad recall when ads were published across multiple platforms (Up 150%, compared to just TV; Mashable, 2011).” Social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter can turn watching content into a shared experience among teens, look for brands to create an integrated approach to content. When tuning-in to their favorite TV shows 53% are posting comments about the show to their Facebook pages, 45% are texting their friends show-related updates, 39% will visit the show’s Facebook page during the show, and 18% will Tweet directly at the show (Nationwide Poll, 2011).

Google+

Teens look to use Google+ more often in order to have more private conversations among certain groups of friends that they have pre-selected. Teens have had a lot of fun defining these groups or circles: “cool kids, weird people, fat people, hot girls (and guys) and Moustache Mafia,” are among the more interesting circles. Teens also create circles for homework and to set up group study sessions. Hangouts are another way in which teens can connect with their classmates online to socialize.

Spotify And TurnTable

Facebook continues to provide teens the ability to follow what their friends are listening to. Spotify and Turntable have expanded teenager’s musical tastes. In a recent poll among teens, it was reported that 70% of teens are “highly likely” to listen-in to music tracks that they notice their friends are listening to in the activity feed on Facebook.

In my profession knowing how to reach my audience outside of a scheduled appearance is critical. Social media, in addition to knowing what consumer trends among teens are, helps me reach out to you more effectively. If you have other ideas on ways for me to share information please feel free to comment.

** Contact Jeff today for school assemblies, middle school assemblies, high school assemblies, or leadership conferences.  Visit www.JeffYalden.com today for more information.