2014 Trend Prediction #1 - The "Unselfie" Trend Continues

As the world of PR evolves, it’s clear that being a strong publicist is not enough to succeed in our jobs – we also need to be social media savants. Personally and professionally, I take great joy in posting, learning and exploring social media. For example, I’m currently testing out Cinch which pairs users with experts on certain topics for a one-on-one conversation. Once logged in, users can enter a question into the search bar and then Cinch scours its user base to find experts best suited to answer your question.

Beyond searching for new social media channels to test, I’m a major culprit of posting #selfies on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Guilty as charged! However, according to research - I’m not the only one! In fact, did you know the term “selfie” was Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year for 2013?

My prediction for 2014? The year of the “UNselfie.” There’s been a lot of buzz about this new term, especially among Millennials who are turning average social media photo opp’s into an altruistic art form. The trend started thanks to Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday), a movement to create a national day of giving to kick off the giving season added to the calendar on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (today - December 3, 2013). Users are asked to post pictures on social media highlighting an image of a cause that they support. It’s a fun, easy and social way to give back.

Last year, according to Blackbaud, Giving Tuesday counted over $10 million in online donations; 2,500 organizations took part in all 50 states. The largest aggregate collection was by the Associated Federation of Baltimore, which took in $1 million. On the day, giving went up around 50 percent from the prior year.

While #GivingTuesday and #UNSelfie are asking users to dedicate one day a year to do it, I expect for people to start posting #UNSelfie’s on an ongoing basis. In fact, I’m already planning to do an Instagram post about our non-profit client, IMD Guest House (www.IMDGuestHouse.org). They are in desperate need of pillows to replenish their guest rooms. A simple act of kindness and small investment that will go a long way.

Ultimately, while #Unselfie will be a huge trend in 2014, #selfies will undoubtedly still be present on our newsfeeds (I’m looking at you Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian).

Jennifer Lake Vice President