Microtrends in Technology

Apparently two Microtrends in the technology are Social Geeks and New Luddites. A Microtrend is defined as something that shows a strong growth trend and has reached a participation level of at least 1% of the population (3 million people in the US population). This 1% infiltration is seen as a minor tipping point that may predict a major trend or Tipping Point in the future.

Social Geeks are a group that buck the old-school interpretation of the Geek definition. Rather than being anti-social or socially challenged, this group is very confident and proficient in the use of technology as well as being socially adept. Skill and proactive usage of technology combined with social participation has moved up to the microtrend level.

This change is enhanced by the proliferation of social networking tools and rich internet applications that have exploded over the last 5-10 years. From social communities like Facebook and MySpace to professional networking like LinkedIn to dating sites such as Match, Chemistry and eHarmony, proficiency in the use of technology has grown into a fundamental literacy for the social realm.

On the other hand, New Luddites are a group that purposely chooses to avoid technology to escape information overload. Many New Luddites have used the internet but chose to stop because they found it uninteresting, not useful, or a bad way to spend time. This group does not include a much larger group of people who do not use the internet or other technologies due to unfamiliarity or intimidation.

Interestingly enough, studies also show that this group of New Luddites tends to be less trusting, more isolated and anti-social than the population as a whole. While we might relate to someone wanting to minimize their use and dependence on the internet or other relevant technology such as cell phones, we may have trouble understanding how someone would be willing to give up the convenience that normal usage gives us.

Getting in, getting/doing what you need and getting out seems to be a reasonable way to use technology that most of us need to master to remain literate in today's world.