What will become of Social Media Shopping in the Coming Years?

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Intro

I recently had a professor ask what I think retail shopping will look like in 2030. At first, it seemed like such a difficult question to answer. I didn't want to give an out-of-the-box, flying cars sort of response, but I also wanted to give an answer with at least a little optimism that there will be some interesting innovations. As I pondered the question and heard out my peers, a few interesting thoughts popped up in my mind. My personal favorite being what we will talk about today... social media media apps and mobile shopping.

My Thoughts

To keep this short and sweet, I think social media platforms will inevitably create separate apps specifically to sell/promote products on. Here's why. Consumers are increasingly becoming more impatient with the constant bombardment of ads and influencers forcing overconsumption upon them. Media Platforms are going to need to get creative in finding ways to both create revenue while keeping their daily consumers happy and fully engaged.

For example, on TikTok, you may like one video with a creator who has a product linked; all of a sudden, it seems as if every other video is of someone trying to sell that product. In many cases the product isn't one the consumer is needign or wanting. Seldom will the constant reintroduction lead to a sale, rather it simply leads to frustration and even the clicking of the "not interested" or "block" button.

When TikTok initially came out with TikTok Shop, it was a page you had to search the depths of the app to find. It then transformed into its own page you can click on the home screen to navigate. I think the next step is to create a completely separate app. The app will still have to retain the same formatting and functions of the original app, so for TikTok, it will be an app in which influencers are able to still post 15-second to 10-minute videos, while still being able to link a product. The key difference being the consumer. If the consumer wants to search for a product, they will go to the TikTok Shop app; if they just want to scroll all day and watch funny videos, they'll go to the original TikTok app. The apps will be separate yet have the same mechanics.

Personally, as a consumer, I have been dealing with this issue of being attacked with product ads. I love Pinterest. I eat, breathe, and sleep it! It has become an essential part of my daily routine. Recently, however, I have become more and more put off by the app. I usually use the app to search for outfit or crochet inspiration, or random things, as do most users, but recently I can't look for anything without nearly every pin being an ad of some sort. Say I simply search "black maxi skirt inspo," instead of just cute outfit photos showing up, all I see is a sea of product names and prices. Now, usually, the only time I will use the app is if I can search things up with a really vague description, for example, "whimsical outfit inspo."

So as someone who is simply on these apps to look for cute outfits to wear to work, or to watch funny videos, or thirst trap edits of the newest male celebrity of the month, you can't even do so without being chased down by corporations trying to sell you something. I believe social media companies are going to NEED to create separate platforms, as consumers are increasingly growing weary of seeing ads. Creating seperate platforms will also allow for better personalization! Currated product recomendations, an app that knows your style better than you do. A win win for companies and the consumer!

In closing the constant trolling of product ads is taking the fun and uniqueness out of the platforms. It's either innovate or begin to lose users.

XOXO,

Your Fashion Forward Friend