6 Digital and Technological Trends to Watch in 2022
This is the year in which premature hopes for collective immunity, an end to pandemic lockdowns and a return to normalcy were dashed – at least for now. But aside from the big social media resignation, in which exhausted Gen Z workers quit their jobs on TikTok and Instagram, the rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the introduction of the metaverse, the spaces in the world were as rich and productive in business and technology as ever.
While it is difficult to make precise predictions in the unpredictable environment we have known for the past two years, the coming year holds many surprises. Here are six digital trends that will influence life in 2022.
1. Social networks: more confidentiality, quality and algorithms
The platforms will focus on the privacy and quality of the content in the feeds. Despite recent public criticism, Facebook is likely to increase membership as well as revenue.
By keeping an eye on privacy and quality of content, all major social media platforms will likely have updated their privacy policies and fine-tuned algorithms by the end of 2022. Due to the demand for strong content and engaging, a new tribe of creative influencers will grow rapidly. and have a significant impact on brand image and engagement.
With the growing popularity of shorthand video content, Instagram and TikTok are expected to see an increase in ad spend in 2022 and Instagram will continue to grow beyond its 50% ad revenue share. Underutilized components of social media marketing, such as customer service and relationship management, will soon thrive on these platforms.
2. Enter the metaverse: from 2D Web to 3D Web
Mark Zuckerberg announced a rebranding to “Meta” in October 2021, indicating Facebook’s desire to shape the transformation of the Metaverse. The term refers to the possibilities of virtual and augmented reality. Some call it a shared virtual space accessible through VR headsets, AR glasses or smartphone apps.
Users can interact, socialize, explore and create content in the virtual environment and monetize their virtual transactions using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The metaverse (or 3web) is intrinsically linked to NFTs and cryptocurrencies, which market interactions by creating or selling digital artifacts. In 2022, 3web should be a big commercial stake and is supported by big brands including Nike, Adidas, Gucci, Prada, Puma, Microsoft and others.
3. Accelerating the growth of crypto and NFT
The use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) increased in 2021 and will continue in 2022. A new mechanism for exchanging value in the global online economy, NFTs have changed the value and function of all assets and works digital art.
From a temporary fad to a new economy, NFTs have created what the Harvard Business Review calls “digital acts”. In the digital realm, NFTs are unique assets that can be bought and sold like any other. Tokenization is the process of converting an important piece of data, such as an account number, into a random string of characters known as a token which, if compromised, has no significant value. These digital tokens can be used to purchase physical items such as actual paintings or virtual assets such as digital art, in-app purchases, and even virtual properties.
The Frankfurt School Blockchain Center predicts a US $1.5 trillion market for tokenized assets in Europe over the next three years. Real estate, debt, bonds, stocks, copyrights, real art, virtual art, and collectibles are all examples of assets that can be tokenized.
Without a doubt, this is a big step towards realizing one of cryptocurrency’s main promises of financial inclusiveness. Investing in alternative or traditional assets is sometimes out of reach or too expensive. Crowdfunding and Fintech – the financial technology used to deliver automated and enhanced financial services – will allow investors of all sizes to engage in a wide range of assets.
4. Growth of AI in catering and HR services
AI just might change the way we conceptualize, create, and enjoy food, or seek employment. Michael Spranger, COO of Sony’s Artificial Intelligence team, explains that workforce shortages have led many organizations to use AI to broaden the way they assess and assess candidates. He also notes that some of the most exciting applications of AI in gastronomy will boost the imagination and creativity of chefs and culinary experts beyond what is possible today. And robots like Flippy are already returning burgers to McDonalds and other restaurants.
5. Increased connectivity = more digital transformation
5G and the new Wi-Fi 6 standard will enable faster connection, which is crucial if the world is to embrace these new digital trends. Jerry Paradise, vice president of product management for Chinese technology company Lenovo, said 5G and Wi-Fi 6 aren’t just about speed: “Future applications will include smart cities, the Internet. objects and vehicle communications would ideally improve traffic flow and safety.
According to Lenovo, working from home will become increasingly “hybrid” as consumers and organizations continue to think beyond the office. A vast majority of IT managers expect to work outside the office in the future, with smaller, smarter devices, along with wireless and noise-canceling headphones. Hybrid employees can participate in video meetings and make phone calls not only from their home, but anywhere.
6. New workplace, new skills
As the workplace is set to change, skills will be the next steps. According to the World Economic Forum, in 2022, new professions will represent 27% of the workforce in large companies, while technologically outdated positions will increase from 31% to 21%.
The shift in the division of labor between humans, computers and algorithms has the potential to suppress 75 million current job openings while generating 133 million new ones. Data analysts, software and application developers, e-commerce specialists and social media specialists will be in high demand.
Many “human” professions, such as customer service, organizational development and innovation management, should develop. So far from “taking our jobs”, AI will create jobs and secure jobs in a range of different fields.
