GrowthSource Event Recap: Navigating Consumer Behavior in 2025 with Key Insights Foresight Factory’s Latest Report

SourceCode Communications hosted its very first GrowthSource event in New York City where our attendees were able to network with peers and start to build a small community of NYC marketers to lean on each other during a time when the industry is constantly shifting. At the event, Foresight Factory unveiled its latest consumer behavior report, Trending 2025: The Era of Initiative. This insightful report offers a forward-looking analysis of the trends shaping how consumers will engage with brands through 2025 and beyond.

Key Trends for 2025

The Trending 2025 report identifies three pivotal consumer trends that brands should embrace to effectively engage audiences in the coming years.

1. Escape the Algorithm

While algorithm-driven content dominates the online space, more and more consumers are seeking authentic, unfiltered experiences. The report shows that over half of consumers in the US and UK feel overwhelmed by algorithmic content, with many looking to reduce their social media time.

Brands can capitalize on this by creating curated, human-led experiences that foster genuine excitement and deepen consumer connections.

2. Positive Friction

Consumers are increasingly pushing back against hyper-convenience, favoring more mindful, slower interactions. According to Foresight Factory’s data, 50% of consumers in the US and UK prefer not to use AI for personal tasks like gift selection.

Brands that offer customizable, human-centric experiences can stand out in this landscape, creating more meaningful engagement opportunities in 2025.

3. The Relationships Industry

With loneliness on the rise, especially among younger generations, consumers are actively seeking ways to build connections. The report reveals that over 60% of Chinese consumers are open to AI companionship, and globally, many are exploring shared hobbies and niche communities to foster relationships.

Brands that support these relationship-building efforts and provide spaces for connection will have an edge in engaging their audiences.

GrowthSource Event Recap

The trends from Foresight Factory’s latest report were the focal point of discussion at the first GrowthSource event. Our amazing panelists, Frank Washkuch, Glenda Felden, Joseph Soriero, Lindsay Kunkle, and Mark Kirschner shared their insights on these trends shaping the industry and challenged conventional thinking on consumer behavior in a time of rapid technological, economic, and global change. 

As brands prepare for 2025, it’s clear that the key to success lies in balancing technological innovation with human-centric, authentic engagement. The Trending 2025 report provides a valuable roadmap for navigating these changes and thriving in the era of initiative.Stay tuned for more events from the GrowthSource community as we continue exploring the future of tech marketing. Reach out if you’re interested in joining our next event at hello@sourcecodecomms.com.