Connecting the dots report: what you need to know about consumers in 2023

London, 8 November 2022 – Environmental apathy, customisable avatars, and a new way of using the internet are the major consumer trends to watch in 2023, according to a new report by GWI. The annual Connecting the Dots report, launched today, reveals the shift in consumer behaviors online and what we can expect to see next year as a result.

The flagship report represents more than 950,000 consumers and offers thousands of data points into the behaviors and perceptions of internet users around the world. The findings reveal how consumers are changing the way they spend, think and feel in line with global events. The five key trends that brands should be aware of are:

• Buy now, save the planet later - an expensive world is forcing people to reprioritize sustainability
• You, me and my avatar in Web3 – developing online identities and paving the way for inclusive, customizable self-expression
• Live a little - where consumer treat budgets are heading in 2023
• As seen on social media - a new phase of ecommerce, driven by changes in the way we search for products
• The world wide ebb – consumer time online has hit a ceiling

Jason Mander, Chief Research Officer at GWI, added: “Understanding consumers is more important than ever. We seem to be surrounded by crises right now, each of which have their own measurement of severity ie. GDP or global temperature. With our latest consumer trends report, we’re offering the view of how consumers feel, what the deeper impact is, and what changing consumer behavior we’re seeing as a result of world events. 

“This report can help anyone, anywhere understand the current consumer mindset and uncovers the trends that are set to dominate the year ahead.”

The major consumer trends to watch out for in 2023:

Buy now, save the planet later - sustainability appears to be at stake. It’s likely we’ll see the finger pointed at the economy for any setbacks in sustainability next year, but the issues run deeper. Data from GWI reveals that in over 90% of countries surveyed, interest in news, politics, social issues and current affairs has declined since 2020. Consumers are struggling to find the headspace to both make ends meet and to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

You, me and my avatar in Web3 - user-generated content and customization will be a top priority for brands. This is very important for the 75% of LGBTQ+ people surveyed who want to be able to change the physical appearance of their characters. With 47% of consumers being interested in creating an avatar, with customizing appearance and identity a top priority, it’s likely we’ll see brands stepping up efforts to improve diversity and build inclusive settings for their new ‘digital identities’.

Live a little - consumers still plan to make room for little luxuries next year. Clothing is the only category to appear in the top three choices across all generations and genders globally. And with quality the main purchase driver, it’s unlikely we’ll see consumers downgrading their wardrobes just yet. Using GWI USA, we can see “luxury for less” retailers are among the fastest-growing ones, with purchases from retailers like Marshalls and T.J.Maxx up 13% and 12% since mid 2021.

As seen on social media - we’re entering a new phase of ecommerce, with social media at the helm. While finding information is still the main reason why people go online, more consumers are now getting their information on social media, with the number of people doing searches for brand or product information this way rising by 43% since 2015. 

Time online has hit a ceiling - has the internet reached a tipping point? Data from GWI shows that average daily time spent online has dropped more in 2022 than any previous year, with the number of consumers saying they use social media less than they used to also up 17% since Q2 2020. The data also reveals that the number of consumers citing social media as a source of anxiety has grown 11% since Q2 2020. As time spent online drops following the pandemic, it will be up to brands to foster a more positive and welcoming environment in 2023 if numbers are to rise again.

GWI’s latest Connect the Dots report can be accessed here.