The Future is a report by Wunderman Thompson Intelligence that highlights trends and changes to watch in 2021. The world is cautiously optimistic as it reflects on the challenges of 2020 and enters a hopeful year of economic rebound and societal healing. The report predicts that the influence of technology on culture and economies will accelerate, with conferences, festivals, and brand launches turning to gaming as a chosen third space to reach existing and new audiences. Retailers are also merging entertainment and ecommerce into engaging live digital experiences. However, new cautions arise, such as data sustainability and deepfakes, which dominate conversations around how to create a safe and durable digital ecosystem. Brand purpose is going mainstream, driven by ethical consumers who continue to turn to businesses that reflect their values. Companies like Did They Help? are keeping tabs on brands' efforts or failure to do good. Businesses are also looking at the bigger picture, choosing to collaborate to tackle social and environmental challenges. The report also highlights health as an elevated issue, which extends beyond physical health to mental health and wellness. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the trends and changes to watch in 2021.
