The Ethos App: Use Social Media For Good

What if your screen time could have a positive impact on the world? Although this question seems far-fetched…it might not be as unrealistic as you think. 

We have found that GenZ is “‘The Generation of Changemakers,’ [that] has a hunger for progress,” and a social network for good could be just what this progressive generation is looking for. Since the pandemic, 72% of GenZ is stating that they are more interested in social causes and activism. One GenZ-er, in particular, was frustrated at the difficulty of finding dedicated information about social matters: Alejandra de Brunner. Alejandra acted on her frustrations by creating the ETHOS Network. 

So, why is this all important, what is the ETHOS Network, and how is it relevant to me and my brand? Let’s dig in. 

What is the ETHOS App?

The ETHOS Network is a new social network available in the Apple app store hoping to become a socially responsible alternative to platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. It is a place to discover content about local and global social causes ranging from the environment, equality, education opportunities, scientific discoveries, global news and more.

The ETHOS app homepage and app store page

The app is similar to Reddit, in that users can ask questions, share news and opinions, and engage in discussions with other members on a wide range of topics. What’s unique about ETHOS, however, is that all the content on the platform is about shared causes, with a feed curated to what you hold close to your heart. Users can share images, texts, and/or links that make you think, tag causes, unearth a life hack you live by, or a quote that motivates you.

The ETHOS feeds run similarly to Instagram and TikTok, where you can toggle between Following, Explore, and Trending feeds, but the app also has a personalized “Causes” feed, filled with posts from the community about causes you’ve tagged as an interest.

ETHOS users can also customize their account with personal images or ETHOS avatars as their profile picture, create their own posts, and even pin their own or others’ content that resonates with them to their profile.

The ETHOS network Following feed and Causes feed

Why are people joining ETHOS App?

It’s easy to see why one might download and join ETHOS. You can find like-minded individuals, engage in conversation close to your passions, and maybe even make a difference in the world. 

Your learning and research can come into play as well, allowing you to take action and inform others, compounding the knowledge to the masses. Beyond the time spent on the app, ETHOS aims to help users become ongoing advocates and change agents for any and all social issues. The hope is that the app can bring different solutions to light for a whole new audience.

What does the ETHOS App mean for my brand?

Social equity and sustainability is a core focus for Gen Z even when it comes to shopping habits. 62% of Gen Z prefer to buy from sustainable brands and 80% even agree they expect brands to make an effort to be sustainable. 

ETHOS knows brand involvement can be huge—if done right. They’ve already run a few experiments with purpose-led brands and campaigns such as Ecosia (the search engine that plants trees), sustainable brand locater app Good On You, and the Keep London transport free for Under-18s campaign with positive feedback.

With that said, if your brand has a meaningful stance and operational focus on societal issues and sustainability, this is an app you should be watching closely or even trying to partner with for the good of the world, and probably for the good of your sales.

How your brand could be using the ETHOS App

Are there initiatives your brand is taking that you would like to share with the world? Has your packaging become more eco-friendly? Are you sourcing products that help micro-economies? Are you donating to important causes or looking to disrupt your industry as eco-friendly in the world of single-use plastics? ETHOS could be the perfect app to start sharing your core values. 

With the opportunity to connect, learn, teach, and impact change, ETHOS can be used as a platform for your brand to educate and meet like-minded people to partner with to promote your brand in a positive and impactful way. You can also use ETHOS to find out exactly what kind of change Gen Z is after. This will help you to focus on the global and political issues that your brand will choose to take a larger stance on and garner insight into your audience's perception of those views. 

What the ETHOS App got right and our takeaway

It’s no doubt that ETHOS is onto something. There is no doubt that Gen Z is ripe for disruption in terms of connecting over social change and shared causes. Growing up in a digital-first world, Gen Z is used to access, fast, and they don’t subscribe to the status quo.

The shopping data we mentioned above doesn’t lie, Gen Z prioritizes activism in their shopping. But beyond shopping, nine in 10 Gen Z reported being passionate about a social cause, with younger members of Gen Z being more passionate about many causes. 

When looking into the ETHOS app, there’s a larger conversation about your brand as a whole. It brings up a good opportunity for your brand to look inwards and see how you can support young people in their activist journeys and create a better future, maybe on ETHOS, but certainly in any other part of your business, culture, and marketing.

We’re fans of finding opportunities to do good ourselves so you can be sure that this is an app we’ll keep a close eye on.