Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century

Lesson 1 DEFINITION OF A TREND

Trend ―as a recurrent phenomenon that takes place over time and gives rise to speculation on the future.
It can be in any area and doesn’t only reflect fashion, pop culture and entertainment, but to all dimensions.
- indicate a general direction in which our thoughts and / or actions are developing or changing over
time.
- defined as “a general development or change in a situation or in a way that people are behaving.”
(Cambridge Dictionary
- It is a pattern of gradual change in a condition, output, a process, or an average, or general
tendency of a series of data points to move in a certain direction over time, represented by a line or
curve on graph.

Examples of trends
Facebook – is the most common social network website where you can share information about
yourself and communicate with other people.

Twitter – it lets you see what is happening around the world, from breaking news and entertainment,
sports and politics to big events and everyday interests.

Here are some examples of trend:

• gadgets • teleserye • social networking sites
• social advocacies • drone technology • denim jeans
• business process outsourcing • online ticketing • cashless transactions

Lesson 2 EXPLAIN THE PROCESS ON HOW TO SPOT A TREND

Trend – It is considered as the collage of present circumstances that extend current patterns into the
future.

Trend Analysis – It is the widespread practice of collecting information and attempting to spot a pattern, or
trend, in the information. It may used to predict future events or estimate uncertain events in the
past.

Trend Spotting – It is the identification of new trends or attempting to see the future in the present
situation.

Trend Spotter – This refers to a person who notices and reports on new fashions, activities that people are
starting to do.

The one who starts a trend is called trendsetter. They are the people who notices and reports on new
fashions, activities that people are starting to do.

Projecting Trend – It refers to an act that assumes the future that will be a logical extension of the past.

FIVE (5) WAYS TO SPOT AND CAPITALIZE ON TRENDS

1. Anticipate change
2. See it coming
3. Distinguish between short-lived fads and long-term trends
4. Make sure your solutions are realistic
5. Create a competitive advantage
Lesson 3 DIFFERENTIATE A TREND FROM A FAD
Fad – is a short-term event or what some may call ―”flash in the pan”
- such as an interest or fashion that is very popular for a short period of time. (Merriam Webster’s
Dictionary)
- It is an intense and a widely-shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived.
- is something (products, fashion, style or etc.) that has little, if any, utility and is characterized by a
quick rise and popularity followed by a quick decline and popularity.
- is something that will rise rapidly and fall relatively rapid also once the perception of novelty is gone.

Here are some classic examples of fad:

• hula hoop • fidget spinner • yo-yo • hoverboards
• virtual pets • Tamagochi pets • Frisbee • “Gangnam Style” song
• Pokémon Go • mannequin challenge • Hello Kitty • bucket challenge
• Loomband • troll doll • Candy Crush App • Friendster
• iPod • pet rock • kalyeserye

Fad Trend
▪ Short-lived - Long-lived
▪ Emerge and go quickly - A style for longer years
▪ Flash in a pan - Is not consistent in manner
▪ Rising quickly in popularity - Rising slow in popularity

Both - followed by people

Categories Fads Trends

Notions of change • the new things that we currently • the way we do things
do fade when the perception of
novelty is gone
Behavior • intense • sustained behavior that turns
into lifestyle, mindset, and values
Effects • coolness • meets needs, solves
• me-too mentality problems and issues
• starts with technology
Time and Nature of Growth • appears suddenly • appears suddenly
• enormously popular • enormously popular
• suddenly disappears • does not disappear
• unexplainable growth • gets stronger over time
• sticks around
Scope and Limitations • stays within one company • can across over many
• single brand/limited brands companies
• encompasses entire areas of
technologies
Examples • Ipod, Friendster, • gadgets, • pets,
• pet rock, • troll doll • teleserye,
• kalyeserye, • social advocacies
• ice bucket challenge • social networking sites

Lesson 4 POINT OUT THE ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UP A TREND

Three fundamental elements that point out trends (According to trendwatching.com)
- Basic needs
- Drivers of change
- Innovations.
Lesson 5 DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTICS OF A TREND
Characteristic – as a distinguishing trait, quality, or property. (Merriam Webster dictionary)
- means a distinguishing feature or attribute of an item, person, phenomenon etc. that is usually
divided into three categories: physical, functional, and operational. It pinpoints what separates
something from others.

Five (5) characteristics of a trend in the area of fashion design namely;

1. Innovation
Even if you are trying to imitate a popular style, be sure to always bring something new when designing.
Because no matter how consistent or repurposed a popular fashion or trend might be, always
remember that something will replace it. But, the moment you add something personalized (own touch)
to it, it might distract the present trend and will be the next trend. Change is constant, remember?

2. Brand consistency
Brand positioning means you are going to place your product or service in your customers’ mind.
Attaining this requires brand consistency and loyalty to all your creative designs in order for your
customers to remember what separates you from your competitors.

3. Outwear-ability
Outwear is very popular in every cool season. Ability to wear is well appreciated by the customers
especially in clothing. Creating simple but elegant design makes you presentable.

4. Versatility
Design versatile fashions for every season continuously done with outwear ability. They spend less on
the things they acquire. Making your audience happy means a challenge on your fashion design ability.

5. Simplicity
Creating simple yet innovative fashion design is like setting yourself up for professional progress. One
thing is that versatility usually calls simplicity. It is easy to remember if it is simple. Empowering your
audience and building does not necessarily expensive. Make it simple.

Characteristics Microtrends Macrotrends Megatrends Gigatrends

Descriptions These are “little These are These are These are “trends
and Features things that happen aggregated macrotrends that that are so general
all around us all the microtrends or have grown up and that they affect
time, the tiny shifts more sweeping moved out. They are most areas of
that occur in changes that are big, bold and affect human life─ or, at
everything from affecting society.” the lives of great least, more than
clothes we wear and They provide swathes of the human one aspect of life
the snacks we eat to major changes race.” They can last or more than one
the way we work, that are for decades and are industry.” They are
play, and love.” perceptible in the “so pervasive as to be usually identified
These trends societal level for generally known.” to define an era
happen right now a longer period They have become
and are outright the prevailing
observable. condition that has
become too normal.
Example/s Smartphone Varying Smartphones which Internet or the
Apps/Games which Smartphone are dependent on the World Wide Web
are dependent on brands (iPhones internet. which may be
the capabilities of a vs. android Smartphones are considered as the
smartphone (these phones) Battle for widely used by almost soul of almost all
apps/games popularity of all people in the technology.
oftentimes lose their these world.
popularity overtime). smartphones
Lesson 6 IDENTIFY PARTS OF A WHOLE
Part – is one of the often indefinite or unequal subdivisions into which something is or is regarded as
divided and which together constitute the whole. (Merriam Webster’s dictionary)

Whole – is something constituting a complex unity: a coherent system or organization of parts or working
together as whole.

Conversely fads are normally micro-trends that exist under the umbrella of an actual trend. These are parts
of the evolution of creating a whole trend. However, trends are a bit slower paced but represent something
that is occurring on a much wider scale than a fad.

Lesson 7 IDENTIFY EMERGING PATTERNS

Emergence – is defined in simple ways but is consistent on its context. It means just beginning to exist,
starting to exist and growing and developing, especially in business.
- means ―”just beginning to exist”, “starting to exist and or growing” and “developing”.

Pattern – is a particular way in which something is done or organized, or in which something happens; it is
a regular arrangement of lines, shapes, or colors; it is also a design or set of shapes that show how to
make something (Cambridge Dictionary).

Pattern –is a consistent and recurring characteristic or trait that helps in the identification of a phenomenon
or problem and serves as an indicator or model for predicting its future behavior. (business dictionary)

Trend analysis is the sum-up of the two as it examines those phenomenon and speculation on how
something becomes a trend.

Lessons 8 DISCOVER AND DIFFERENTIATE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CAUSES AND

CONSEQUENCES

Lesson 9 PRESENT THE DERIVED IDEAS THROUGH A 100-WORD ESSAY OR OTHER GRAPHIC
REPRESENTATION

Cause – is a reason for an action or condition, and or something that brings about an effect or a result.
(Merriam Webster dictionary)

Consequence – is something that is produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of condition.
It is a result or conclusion.

Five types of adopters (Diffusion of Innovation developed by Everett Rogers 1962)

INNOVATORS They adopt something simply because it is new. They love exploring for the sake of
pleasure or exploring and are willing to take risks, even if those risks result in failure. They are adventurer.

EARLY ADOPTERS They are often opinion leaders. Similar to innovators, they adopt quickly. But, they are
more concerned about the coolness factor and maintaining their reputations as being ahead of the curve on
new ideas.

EARLY MAJORITY They belong to the mass that critically ensures adoption. They look for productivity and
practical benefits more than coolness or reputation.

LATE MAJORITY The same to early majority, they critically ensure the adaptation process. They are
somewhat similar to early majority but also expect a lot of help and support before they are willing to
commit.
LAGGARDS As the term implies, slow to adaptation. They are most resistant to change and do so only
when forced to adopt because everyone else has. In other word, they have no choice if urgency requires
them to do so.

Positive Effects of Mobile Phone Use in Our Society and Environment

Communication
Nowadays mobile phones have the ability to connect people from all over the world, no matter
where they may be in a variety of ways of communication with the power of internet connection.
Through social media apps they are easy to carry and accessible, communication has never been
easier. It is considered as the very basic root of human colonization, communication.

Entertainment
Mobile phones act as gaming platforms for people looking for some relaxation or just to pass time.
From the latest Hollywood blockbusters to the news highlights of your country, your mobile holds all
these. With one touch on your screen and get access to whatever you wish to see, it’s possible and
time saving.

Daily Utilities
With the advancements of technologies, everything seems easy. Aside from entertainment and
communication, mobile phones now have apps that help us to perform the same everyday tasks
without facing any difficulty. From paying bills, booking cabs and hotels, to online maps for
navigation purposes, capturing our memorable moments by built-in cameras. It provides
convenience.

Organization
Mobile phones will be your partner on how to managed things. Modern man is too caught up to
keep track of everything, mobile phones help us to remain organized through storing important
documents and notes, memos, etc. send emails. Calendars and stopwatches are basic tools found
in all mobile phones.

Negative Effects of Mobile Phones on Our Lives

Addiction
Nomophobia is a proposed name for the phobia of being out of cell phone contact. 50% of teens
admit to being addicted to their phones. Yes, mobile phone addiction is a thing. Studies show that
people addicted to mobile phones often are linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental
disorders.

Waste of time
The average person checks his phone once every 12 minutes, leading to 80 times a day. Most of
the time people just check their phones for no good reason. Even when not using their phones, you
might often see people fidgeting with their phones.

Cause of Depression
As discussed before, mobile phones may lead to depression, especially among teens. With the rage
of social media, teenagers are becoming obsessed with ―likes‖ on their personal posts and
accounts. Moreover, reduced daily life interactions lead to loneliness and anxiety.

Distraction
You often might make up your mind to just ―check‖ up on updates and instead find yourself surfing
the internet for hours on end without realizing it. Thus, people cannot exclude the fact that mobile
phones are a huge distraction.

Ethics of care – is an ethical theory that emphasizes the moral dimension of relationships and interactions.
This moral perspective encourages individuals to be a good example to others. It also shows your moral as
a person.
UNIT II. UNDERSTANDING LOCAL NETWORKS
Lesson 1 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS AND INTUITIVE THINKING

Define strategic analysis and intuitive thinking

What is Strategic Analysis?
Strategic Analysis – is the process of examining the organization’s surroundings and resources to better
formulate a
strategy to meet the desired objectives and improved the organization’s performance.
- as the individual’s capacity for thinking conceptually, imaginatively, systematically, an
opportunistically with regard to the attainment of success in the future. The process requires you to
follow a pattern to creatively address a situation and understand the environment in which an
organization is operating
- refers to a system or method that requires deliberate, abstract, and effortful thinking that breaks
down a complex problem into parts. Deliberate thinking employs a detailed examination of a
problem to come up with a solution. This involves looking at the context of the problem. The amount
of time and resources are the primary factors in strategic analysis.
- The most common strategic analysis model used in decision-making follows five steps as illustrated
in the diagram below. (Arzadon, 2018)
o 1. Identify the problem
o 2. Analyze the problem
o 3. Generate a solution
o 4. Implement the solution
o 5. Reflect on the outcomes

STEPS EXPLANATION
1. Identify Involves defining the problem and the factors or conditions involved in
the situation
2. Analyze Examining the variables that will change state situations, including the
potential challenges and its causes
3. Generate Setting practical, reasonable, and creative criteria and strategies to
solve the problem
4. Implement Execution of the plan
5. Assess and reflect Draw lessons that will guide future decisions
on the outcome

Strategic analysis is relevant in addressing your personal issues as a student. It means that you can also
analyze your own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in order to make creative strategies or
solutions in facing life challenges.
In practice, a personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threat/s) will help you
understand your personal issues and goals as well as construct effective ways in dealing with both.
This is illustrated through the personal SWOT analysis, which presents that of a student who wishes
to finish high school with good grades.

Strengths Weaknesses
1. What values, skills, and abilities do you 1. What limits or hinders you in getting good
possess? grades?
2. How can you use these to get good grades? 2. How can your limitations deter from achieving
3. What learning strategies do you need to develop your goal?
in order to achieve your goal?
Personal SWOT
Analysis Diagram

Opportunities Threat/s
1. What social and cultural factors can help you What obstacles might limit and stop you from
attain and sustain your goal? pursuing your goal?
2. Who can help you in pursuing your goal?
What is Intuitive Thinking?
Intuitive thinking
- is “quick and ready insight” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary). It is another approach to
decision-making. This is the ability to understand something instinctively without the need for
conscious reasoning. - -
- Sometimes, it is referred to as gut feeling, sixth sense, inner sense, instinct, inner voice, spiritual
guide, etc. - Intuitive thinking is affected by how one feels and define a thing or event.
- Intuitive decision-making is far more than using common sense because it involves additional
sensors to perceive and get aware of the information from outside.

In dealing with everyday life issues and situations, we are called to make immediate decisions
based on our ‘gut’ feelings and prior knowledge and experiences. This type of decision-making is evident in
various situations: a doctor assessing an emergency case; a teacher determining the reason for a child’s
inattentiveness in class; a buyer examining which vegetable to buy; and a fire-fighter trying to rescue a fire
victim. In these cases, one would not hesitate or delay making decisions because these situations need
immediate action.
The question is now whether rational reasoning or intuitive decision-making is generally better. The
question is rather how both approaches can be best combined for best results and to avoid mistakes and
prejudices.
The Venn Diagram below shows some similarities and differences between strategic analysis and
intuitive thinking.

STRATEGIC ANALYSIS INTUITIVE THINKING

• starts from an idea or concept and • focuses on the idea or concept and its
moves on to what can be associated with logical attributes
it mind • heart centered
• brain-centered needed • hunch, instinct, gut feeling
• hard facts, data, instructions • spontaneous, quick, finished at one time
• needs time to finish in one or more • unplanned
sittings or sessions
• well-planned

Using Intuitive Thinking in Social Networks

Each person is engaged in a variety of networks associated with his or her multiple roles and
interests in the community. According to Arzadon et.al. (2017), these networks can be, among others,
political, economic, and sociocultural.
Your political networks are composed of relations with government officials, student government,
and community leaders, among others.
The economic networks you belong to cover the manufacturers, agents, and sellers of the goods
you consume such as those in stores, groceries, markets, and malls as well as money lenders.
Your sociocultural or social networks are those belonging to your dance troupe, choir, reading
club, band, arts club, or theater company. Kinship ties, neighborhood associations, friendship clubs, and
veterans’ associations also belong to the social network wherein people constantly engage in close
communication and interaction through visits, phone calls, text messages, and activities of common
interest.
Social networks appear as clusters and support groups of people who share similar interests,
backgrounds, and real-life connections. They are avenues for meeting new friends, reuniting with old and
lost friends, exchanging gifts and favors, and developing cooperation. The community is home to this web
of interrelations and interconnections of people and institutions. Community refers to a particular
geographic location with people living under the same set of laws and recognizing common leaders.
Studies of community linkages deal usually with who was seen interacting with whom.
Another concept in the study of social ties is the center of influence. This is the person to whom
people gravitate around. This person who can give favors, can command and make things happen.
Examples of center of influence are the mayor, judge, barangay captain, school principal, and university
president, among others. His or her influence transcends the boundaries of social networks and thus
reaches other kinds of networks. A center of influence has many people and institutions