12

Trends, Networks, and

Critical Thinking in the
21st Century
Quarter
t 1– Module 1-4
 Lesson 1 Trend and Fad

This chapter outlines the main concept of social inclination regarding trends that have led
to the interest of many people. It also states the continuous development of global trends and
the key of accepting and rejecting of the rising patterns.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Define a trend and a fad; and
2. Distinguishes a trend from fad.

What is Trend?
Trend is an emerging phenomenon that last for a long period of time and transmit existing
ventures to the future generations.

Trend Analysis - Is an examination of these phenomenon and speculations on the

likely impact they will have in the future. Any given phenomenon and prediction
which likely to happen or any craze/fad or trend that would likely emerge needs to be
examined.
a. Trends are composed of wide variety of information from an existing field of complex ideas.
b. Trends use overwhelming recognition and pattern identification to create presages in
knowing the future.
c. Trends evolution are being evaluated and observed by the use of timeframes.

TRENDING
Is a phenomenal scenario that is currently popular to the eyes and taste of the many. It
allows preemptive judgments and reactions up to future events. It is something that people
follows either in social media or in fashion. Trends are considered as “complex fusion” of
yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

What is Fad?
Fad is a very popular form of interest or fashion that only exist for a short span of time.
Fad is an exquisite societal pattern but did not last longer. It spreads widely and effectively to
the demands of every individual. Moreover, it is a temporary form of fashion, interest, or any
crazing activity that people become enthusiastic.

DIFFERENCE OF TREND FROM FAD

Trends and fads are actually existing in their respective phenomena that will last depending on
the performance of the people who follows the trends and fads. During this scenario a trend will
become a fad and this make a difference between the two.

Trends are: Fads are:

a. Long life span a. Short life span
b. A style for longer years b. Emerge and go quickly
c. Rising slow in popularity c. Rising quickly in popularity

Lesson 2 Spotting a Trend

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
a. Apply critical thinking in spotting a trend; and
b. Specify trend by finding the latest emerging trend.

SPOTTING A TREND
Trendspotting is seeking to overlook or foresee the situation of the future in the present.
Trend is a continuous event that gives impact to the people and leaves a particular effect.
The following statements spot what trend is.

A gradual change or development that produces a particular result that is known as a trend
is:
a. trend towards/to: “Devices are trending toward touch screen mobiles and laptops.
b. trend in: “The latest trends in social media is….”
 c. an upward/downward trend: “Wars, famines, epidemics and so could cause reversals
on the downward trend in morality.”
d. follow a trend: “Everyone seems to be following the trend for planting indoor plants.”
e. buck the/a trend (not to be affected by a general trend): “Although industry profits
were down, MFG is expected to buck the trend and increase profits.

Lesson 3 Elements of a Trend

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
To elaborate how a trend becomes a trend; and
1. To illustrate the elements of a trend.

What is It

UNLOCKING OF WORDS

Catchphrase- a phrase that is often repeated by and therefore becomes connected with a
particular organization or person, especially someone famous such as a television entertainer.
Innovation- the use of a new method or idea.
Emulation- the process of copying something achieved by someone else and trying to do it as
well as they have.
Phenomena- it is something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially
something unusual or interesting.
Cyclical- happening as a complete set of events that repeat themselves regularly in the same
order or in a regularly repeated period of time.

ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UP A TREND

Whether it’s memes, viral videos, catchphrases, or the latest design trends, why do certain
ideas or activities capture the public imagination? What define a trend as opposed to a short-
lived fad?

It is often difficult to spot the start of trends because they boil down to social forces among
which styles or tastes change. Once the changes have been shared and adopted by a critical
mass, they gain a footing, become firmly embedded in the public psyche, and may even find
themselves returning as part of a cyclical process.

There’s no magic involved. According to Henrik Vejlgaard, the author of Anatomy of a Trend:
“There is nothing mysterious about it and it never just happens out of the blue; though it may
sometimes appear to be so. That it is a social process means it’s created by human beings.

A trend becomes a trend through a constant cycle of innovation and emulation. It’s the way
people embrace one another and interact with one another. People are obsessed with trends
because joining a trend means your part of a group; you are in, you belong.

ELEMENTS OF TRENDS

a. Duration of Time
The lifespan of products or ideas that become trends do not disappear quickly. Trends
have long staying power and enjoy a long period of time.
b. Acceptability
Trends are popularly accepted by many industries and people.
c. Cultural Basis
A trend is rooted on the people’s cultural traditions, beliefs, and values. A trend persists
and continues because people have seen it as part of a society’s culture.
d. Transitory Increase or Decrease
A trend shows a transitory increase or decrease of a particular idea, event or
phenomenon.
e. Driver, Enabler, Blocker Agents in trend.

Lesson 4 Characteristics of a Trend

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Define clearly the characteristics of trends; and
2. Enumerate and specify every characteristic.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRENDS
What is a characteristic?

It is a special quality or trait that makes a person, thing, or group different from others. Its
shows special qualities or traits of a person, thing or group.
a. Innovation
A trend should introduce changes and something absolutely new to a community. It is
the cat or process of introducing something new like ideas, devices, or methods.
b. Consistency
One thing after the other, people can still recognize that this style or trend or culture or
language is a trademark or a mark of a country or a place. Identity has become a part of
it.
c. Versatility a trend always appreciated by people despite the difference in culture, place
and race. It is the quality or a state of being versatile (able to do many things).

End of Module 1!

Always give your 100% in everything you do because no matter how hard the things are, it will
give you a priceless lesson and insurmountable value. There are no miracles in this world, there
are only magic that comes from our perseverance, determination and passion.
-Sir William