Cocooning

I was reading a Gartner article in bed this morning, which has been kicking around in the back of my mind. I often read 1-2 articles per morning, while waking up and before starting my day. It’s my transition between “rest mode” and “go mode” — on the good days when I have time before meetings or exercise.

Gartner reports the largest rising consumer sentiments for 2020 are all values that support cocooning — relaxation, serenity, security, and simplicity. Conversely, values like duty, wisdom and independence have dropped out of the top values and goals of Americans.

Consensus says we’d rather be safe than wise, and we’d rather be secure than have independence.

While I know this statement is a stunning simplification (nb: simplicity is aligned with our 2020 core values), I think the current political reality and social reality (rise of Instagram, anyone?) reflects the trend. Gartner calls it Spiritual Cocooning: an emotional pullback and a reaction to the cultural tensions and polarization that have come to define the American experience, which speaks to consumer desire for calm and self-protection.

I’m recently no stranger to cocooning – I’m enjoying my increased time at home and with friends, I’m reading more books and spending more time in bed…reading Gartner articles. One of the best benefits of becoming a Gartner employee, unlimited content consumption about everything from Cybersecurity to cocooning!