The Future of Kid-to-Kid Communication - Social Technologies Releases New Report

Now that children have many ways to communicate, their communications happen more often, go faster, and reach farther. This trend will reshape their lives--and the products and services they buy.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 3, 2007 -- As students head back to school this fall, they will be communicating differently, according to a recent report by the futurist consulting firm Social Technologies.

"Until recently, communication between children was largely confined to face-to-face exchanges, phone calls, and the rare card or letter," says Social Technologies analyst Josh Calder, author of the report, Kid-to-Kid Communication: More, Farther, Faster. "Due to falling infotech costs, child-friendly technology, and the spread of networked and online games, children are turning to electronic communications at an earlier age."

This trend will accelerate, he believes.

"An idea can cross a continent, rather than just a playground, in a day," explains Calder, noting that there is a downside. "This will increasingly spread not only information but also misinformation of all kinds. And, for better or for worse, more forms of media are directly under the control of children, with little adult intervention."

Ultimately, Calder forecasts that the trend will create increasingly global generations of kids.
"Although still mostly immersed in their own national cultures, more children are likely to have at least occasional contact with kids in other countries," he says. "Online games and websites are a primary venue for this kind of interaction. More international interaction will be based on shared interests, including gaming, bands, sports, fashion, and movie stars."

Business implications
Calder suggests the kid-to-kid communications trend could impact business in a variety of ways.

"Inexpensive, real-time, global communications will spread children's ideas at unprecedented speeds," Calder comments. "This could impact the pace at which products become known and popular, potentially speeding up product cycles."

And, he says, as kids adopt new communications devices and channels, viral advertising will strengthen as an option for youth marketing, at younger and younger ages.

"Children's ability to disseminate, on their own, their take on products and services is rising. This power will only grow."

Learn more
To set up an interview with futurist Josh Calder to discuss the kid-to-kid communication trend, send an email to Hope Gibbs (hope.gibbs @ socialtechnologies.com).

About ) Josh Calder
Josh Calder, a professional futurist since 1995, is the leader of Social Technologies' Global Lifestyles project, a multiclient forecasting and analysis service that identifies, interprets, and forecasts changes in consumer lives around the world. Josh specializes in tracking social, economic, and political change for S)T corporate and government clients. He regularly speaks to print and online media, radio, and television about future developments.

About ) Social Technologies
Social Technologies is a global research and consulting firm specializing in the integration of foresight, strategy, and innovation. With offices in Washington, DC, London, and Shanghai, Social Technologies serves the world's leading companies, government agencies, and nonprofits. A holistic, long-term perspective combined with actionable business solutions helps clients mitigate risk, make the most of opportunities, and enrich decision-making. For more information visit www.socialtechnologies.com, the blog: http://changewaves.socialtechnologies.com, and our newsletter: www.socialtechnologies.com/changewaves.

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