Week 2: Megatrends and Game Changers

TRENDS, NETWORKS, AND CRITICAL THINKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

ALEXIS N. RAMILLANO G-12 GARDNER

B. CHECKING FOR UNDERSTANDING
1. What is a megatrend?
A megatrend is a significant, long-term trend that changes the world. Megatrends are big changes in society that

affect people's lives. They can be positive or negative, but they always change society in some way.

2. Distinguish trend from a megatrend.

A trend is a long-term change in the way people behave or buy things. A megatrend is a major, rapid, and long-lasting

change in society. The two are often confused with one another and it is important to be able to distinguish between

them. A trend is something that has been occurring for a while now and will continue to occur for the foreseeable

future. For example, the trend of people wearing skinny jeans has been occurring for many years now but will not end

any time soon as it has become a part of fashion. On the other hand, megatrends are more significant changes that

occur over a short period of time but have an impact on society as they last longer than trends do.

3. What are game changers?

A game changer is a person, event, or thing that alters the way people think about something. A game changer can be

someone who creates a new idea or invention. For example, Steve Jobs created the iPhone and changed the way we

communicate.
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 II. PRODUCTIVE COLLABORATION : ESSAY WRITING
Directions: Write an essay about the global megatrend that we will encounter in the future.

“Megatrends Defining Our Future: Are You Ready?”

The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. The megatrends of the 21st century are shaping our future,

and it's up to you to decide whether you're ready for them. Megatrends are events or developments that will

shape the world in the next few decades. Some of these megatrends include: Globalization, Technological

Advancement, Population Growth, Environmental Issues and Social Media. Globalization is a major megatrend that

will affect everyone in this world. Globalization has caused many positive changes in our lives such as cheaper

goods and services, easier communication between people across the globe and increased trade between

countries. However, globalization has also caused many negative changes such as job loss due to outsourcing

and overpopulation of some developing countries. The technological advancement of this century is also a major

megatrend that will affect us all greatly in the future. This technological advancement includes robotics, artificial

intelligence and genetic engineering. Population growth is another major megatrend that will shape our future

greatly in coming years. As humans we have always wanted more children than what was necessary for survival.

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III. SYNTHESIS
Create a summary that highlights all the key points of this topic.

Megatrends and Game Changers

Megatrends - It is a large, social, economic, political, environmental or technological change that is slow to

form.
Megatrends differ from trends in three ways; Time Horizon, Reach, and Intensity of Impact.
Categories of Megatrends:
1. Shifts in Human Densities and Movements
2. Changes in Economic Systems
3. Changes in Political Structures and the Rise of Social Movements
4. Advancements in Science and Technology
5. Development in the Sociocultural Landscape
6. Changes in the Earth’s Geology and Ecosystems
Game changers - are conscious acts from humans to direct the course of a megatrend. They can be people,

organizations, or entities that see a new way to turn the course in favor of growth and development.
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IV. INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
Directions: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter in a separate

sheet of paper.

1. A
2. D
3. B
4. C
5. C

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