Social Networks, Skype High On ’07 Trends List

Think you know what is going to be hot in 2007? You may not, and if you’re not in the know you may lose out.

by Kristina Knight

According to ad agency JWT, VoIP services like Skype will be huge in ’07. So will Nintendo’s Wii and other next-generation gaming consoles, and so will social networking. These three trends are expected to define 2007.

JWT’s Top 15 Trends include:
1. Skype/VoIP
2. Wii and the next-generation gaming systems
3. The business of social networking
4. Pop-up stores, restaurants and bars
5. Shrinky Dink technology (TVs are flat and hidden, iPods are down to half an ounce, speakers are smaller and less visible, and so on)
6. The rise of nanotechnology
7. Sustainable construction/green buildings
8. Hydrogen fuel cell technology
9. Veggie-bus: school buses running on biodiesel fuel
10. Trans-fat fallout
11. Reality show talent searches
12. Ohio State's freshman basketball phenom, Greg Oden
13. Fear of agri-terrorism
14. Halal foods
15. Participatory advertising (user-generated advertising and music video competitions)

"As globalization continues to make our world seem smaller, localization will come to a head in 2007," Ann Mack, director of trendspotting at JWT said in a statement. "We'll put great emphasis on sourcing everything from food to textiles. Decadent and excessive consumption will fall to the wayside as we stress quality, minimal environmental impact and support of local producers."