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Intro to Marketing in the Crisis of Authenticity

Instructor: Gil Haddi
Marketing in the Crisis of Authenticity
Download the Marketing in the Crisis of Authenticity Trend Report
We’ve all heard that today’s consumers value authenticity, but their trust in brand messaging has eroded over time as it becomes more difficult to sift through false advertising. Modes of communication that consumers have previously relied on, including peer reviews and unbiased influencers no longer seem to be sources of truth and integrity.

In this module, Trend Hunter’s SVP of Client Success, Gil Haddi, introduces the 3 biggest marketing tactics any brand can leverage in order to build trust in the eyes of the unsure consumer. Through the modules of Co-Branded Influence, Instant Gratification and AI Engagement, you will uncover ways to adjust brand messaging to adapt to the crisis of authenticity – and it’s a lot simpler than you may think.
Related Trend Report: Marketing in the Crisis of Authenticity
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Frugal Flex
Dupe culture enables luxury style access while spending smart
Trend - Retailers and brands are embracing dupe culture as consumers seek affordable alternatives to luxury across beauty and fashion; driving demand for products that mirror high-end aesthetics, formulations, and design—from makeup to apparel—at more accessible price points.
Workshop Question - How could your brand support consumers in balancing aspiration with value-driven, intentional spending?
8.3
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Megatrends
Experiential Poster
Physical, touchable media is being reintroduced to deepen sensory engagement
Trend - Brands are incorporating tactile elements into billboards and posters to create immersive, multi-sensory experiences. From textured surfaces to interactive materials, these physical formats invite touch and smell, transforming passive ad spaces into memorable, hands-on brand encounters.
Workshop Question - How can your brand use physical interaction to create more memorable consumer touchpoints?
9.2
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Megatrends
K-Pop Noodles
Brands are using K-Pop idols to market their noodle products to Gen Z shoppers
Trend - Asian noodle companies are increasingly leveraging the influence of Korean pop celebrities to market their products. From celebrity-branded packaging to musical campaigns, these partnerships aim to increase sales while also naturally tapping into what consumers know as an idol's guilty pleasure.
Workshop Question - How can your company respond to a cultural phenomenon in a way that is authentic to its branding?
8.2
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Human-Powered
Brands launch services that are 100% powered by people
Trend - From Write.ad’s 24-hour human-written ad copy to Literal Humans’ editorial-style storytelling and Del Real Foods’ “Abuela Intelligence” campaign, a wave of brands are leaning on people, not algorithms, to deliver creativity, wisdom, and authentic connection.
Workshop Question - How could your brand inject more human voice and lived perspective into the experiences you create?
5.1
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Megatrends
Sparkling Cannabis
THC Brands are launching low-dose sparkling waters for comfortable buzzes
Trend - Cannabis brands are rolling out low-dose THC-infused sparkling waters designed to offer a subtle cannabis experience in a refreshing beverage format. These drinks combine crisp, sparkling water with carefully measured amounts of THC, offering low-dose alternatives to traditional products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand innovate to offer a mindful consumption experience that aligns with modern consumers' preferences for low-dose and wellness-focused products?
6.5
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Megatrends
Boldened Snack
Packaged snack brands are refreshing packaging portfolios to improve recognition
Trend - CPG snack brands are refreshing their packaging designs to draw more attention to their products while emphasizing standout features. These features include better-for-you ingredients and reduced environmental impact, with intent to capture younger audiences with such practices.
Workshop Question - How might we innovate our brand's approach to packaging and product design to effectively resonate with environmentally conscious and health-focused younger consumers?
6.2
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Megatrends
Nostalgic Nourishment
Brands release nostalgic copycat snack products with healthier ingredients
Trend - Brands are catering to nostalgia-driven consumers by introducing functional, health-conscious versions of classic childhood snacks. These snacks allow consumers to enjoy their favorite treats from youth, but in a way that aligns better with modern dietary preferences and a focus on health.
Workshop Question - How can your brand tap into consumers' emotional connection with products from their childhoods?
4.7
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Megatrends
Personalized Mail
AI tools for personal and professional email writing enhance clarity
Trend - Generative AI is being used to create email-writing tools for both personal and professional use. While previous AI email generators focused on cold reachouts en masse, these tools are designed for smaller-scale use with a more personalized touch, as the tools learn the writers' styles.
Workshop Question - How can we leverage AI to enhance personalization and efficiency in both internal and external communications?
4.4
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Megatrends
Seamless Engagement
Pop-ups that require minimal time to engage consumers are gaining traction
Trend - Brands are creating passive pop-ups, such as billboards or signposts, that beget consumers to engage with only a brief action. These are more engaging than regular billboards while not requiring much time from consumers. Additionally, brands do not need to staff these pop-ups, thus reducing costs.
Workshop Question - How could your brand benefit from passive engagement opportunities to enhance its marketing strategies?
5.6
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play_circle_filledHug-Activated Marketing Machines
Hug-Activated Marketing Machines
UNIQLO France and The Pull Launch the Hug to Unlock Ad
UNIQLO France unveils the Hug to Unlock campaign with the help of Paris-based marketing agency The Pill. The campaign encourages passersby to embrace in a hug to initiate a surprise by the brand. It... MORE
play_circle_filledIllusory Fry Billboards
Illusory Fry Billboards
KFC is Promoting Its Fing Fing Cajun Chips with a Clever Billboard
In China, KFC is promoting its new Fing Fing Cajun Chips with an optical illusion billboard that has people literally shaking their heads. With “fing fing” meaning “shake” in... MORE
play_circle_filledFood Truck Billboards
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
McDonald’s Sweden recently launched a new fried chicken burger inspired by street food culture. As part of the launch campaign, the fast-food giant transformed digital-out-of-home (DOOH)... MORE
play_circle_filledRecord-Breaking AR Mirrors
Record-Breaking AR Mirrors
Maybelline New York & FFFACE.ME Debuted a Large Interactive Experience
Maybelline New York worked with XR company FFFACE.ME to unveil a record-breaking augmented reality mirror with a screen size of 43,000 square feet on the side of the Gulliver Mall in Kyiv. This AR... MORE
play_circle_filledDeserted Island Billboards
Deserted Island Billboards
Silk & Spice Set Up a Billboard for Fans to Go and Find
While most billboards are strategically positioned in high-traffic areas to maximize visibility, Silk & Spice is taking a different route, opting to set up a desert island billboard and initiate... MORE
Ethical Meat
Animal protein brands are highlighting ethical farming practices on packaging
Trend - Animal protein brands with CPGs are more heavily emphasizing ethical farming practices on product packaging. In addition to organic or cruelty-free labels, the ethically sourced label denotes a higher level of care given to the farmed animals, ensuring consumers of the brand's priorities and values.
Workshop Question - How could your brand incorporate ethical or sustainable practices into its business model to better connect with consumers?
2.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
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Megatrends