The Anti-Addiction Movement

Unfortunately social media isn't so social anymore, and I think it's a problem.

Average daily screen time in the US for users aged 15-18yo is 7.5 hours per day.

This is a problem. And many people can see that it is.

Anti addiction movements are already happening.

If you've spent any time scrolling on Instagram, you will find these 'virtual break' videos made by creators to give you the opportunity to get off and, as the name suggests, have a break.

The few times I've encountered them has reminded me that I myself needed to stop scrolling!

What does this all mean for your streetwear brand?

I really believe the next 5 years are going to change the way we look at social media. And to be honest, I think 5 years is generous.

We will get to a point where Instagram isn't used like it once was. The state of addiction will get really bad - worse than it is now - then we'll say enough is enough and it'll change.

New non-addictive app alternatives are already popping up, screen time solutions are here, and there is an increasing need to go back to basics - back to good ol' face to face connection.

My point is this:

The time to create a community in the real world is now.

Now are the formative years of the ant-social media movements, which means that those who don't prepare (and the many who have founded their entire streetwear brands on social media) will meet their demise.

In the same way they rose to stardom with Instagram, they will fall. A captain goes down with his ship!

Unless they move, that is.

See if this helps:

Plan a activity-based experience to move people off of Instagram and into the real world.

It could be recurring like Pyra's hike club.

Or it could be a one off like how Push Pull hired out a cinema for a community movie night.

As long as it's on brand with your ideology and off the Gram, it'll work!

Plus, face-to-face connection within your streetwear community will IMMEDIATELY separate you from all competition.

You will become the obvious and only choice.

Truly,

Elijah

P.S. The other day I sent an email about using a ChatGPT to generate ideas for how your brand could exist move community into the real world. You can click here if you missed it.

P.P.S. Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention