How to be a Connected Human: Top 5 Insights from Shingy (The Digital Prophet)

As David Shing, also known as Shingy, highlighted in his presentation on the POSSIBLE stage, we are witnessing a shift from consumers consuming content to becoming creators, critics, and curators of experiences. This shift is particularly evident in Generation Alpha, the most technologically literate demographic cohort, born from 2010 onwards. Shingy’s insights suggest that marketers need to rethink their strategies to engage this new generation of consumers. 

As Shingy aptly put it, “… the reality is you’re dealing with a Slash-Gen; a generation who thinks … they are the polymath.” This generation is not just consuming content, they are actively participating in its creation and curation; and in this transformative era, marketers need to be open to change and constantly adapt their strategies to stay relevant.

He also pointed out that people prefer recommendations from friends over brands, indicating the importance of word-of-mouth marketing and peer recommendations in shaping consumer behavior. In the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, professionals need to understand and adapt to these changes to effectively engage with the connected human of today and tomorrow.  

Wrapping up his presentation on the Inspiration Stage, Shingy emphasized that, “the number one buzzword of this particular get-together-of-humans (referring to POSSIBLE) should be transformation.” 

Here are 5 key insights from POSSIBLE’s favorite digital prophet. If you want to be a more connected human in marketing and advertising, read on! 

Shingy emphasizes the importance of understanding the connected human in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This suggests that marketers need to consider how digital connectivity is changing human behavior and expectations. 

Shingy mentions Generation Alpha, the demographic cohort succeeding Generation Z. Born from 2010 onwards, they are considered the most technologically literate. Marketers need to understand this generation’s behaviors and preferences as they will be the future consumers. 

Shingy highlights the shift from consumers consuming content to becoming creators, critics, and curators of experiences. This suggests that marketers should consider strategies that involve user-generated content and encourage active participation from consumers. 

Shingy points out that people prefer recommendations from friends over brands. This suggests that marketers should leverage strategies that encourage word-of-mouth marketing and peer recommendations. 

Shingy emphasizes the importance of transformation in the current marketing landscape. This suggests that marketers need to be open to change and constantly adapt their strategies to stay relevant.