Murphy Research

The rise of the “dupe economy” is here. As prices climb and brands push the limits of “premium,” like the iPhone Pocket starting at $150, consumers are pushing back with knock-off replicas. Nearly 1 in 3 U.S. consumers have purchased a “dupe”, especially in categories like apparel, handbags, and footwear. The next wave of consumer loyalty may belong to brands that deliver both status and sensibility. Are premium experiences without the premium price tag even possible? At Murphy Research we track trends and consumer shifts. Find out what we do and how we do it at MurphyResearch.com to position your brand, company, or business for the shifts ahead.

Healthy Eating Costs May Start Reshaping Habits Nearly 1 in 5 Americans say they can’t afford to eat healthily, the highest among major countries surveyed. When cost becomes a barrier, it shifts how people think about food, fitness, and wellness altogether. As prices rise, consumers may: Trade “fresh” for “functional” — choosing meal replacements, bars, or fortified snacks that promise health without the grocery bill. Prioritize convenience over purity — favoring accessible, shelf-stable options that feel healthy even if they’re processed. Reframe wellness — turning to low-cost activities like walking, stretching, or sleep optimization instead of paid fitness subscriptions. At Murphy Research we have an ongoing syndicated study called "State of Our Health" where we track hundreds of data points around health, fitness and consumer behavior. Find our more at MurphyResearch.com #MarketResearch #ConsumerInsights #HealthTrends #Nutrition #FoodIndustry #WellnessEconomy #HealthyLiving #BehavioralShift #Research

AI is increasingly writing the content we read! Recent research suggests that whether an article was authored by a human or an AI is now nearly a 50–50 guess. Humans can only distinguish AI‐generated text from human writing about 51% of the time which basically comes down to chance. And today’s AI detectors are fragile: a simple paraphrasing trick can make them fail and push accuracy back to “coin flip” levels. At Murphy Research, we embrace AI but are also watching the shift closely to see how it will effect consumer behavior and trends. Will this all help or hurt the future of the internet? Comment below!

OpenAI’s new app Sora hit #1 on the App Store this weekend, and it’s a glimpse into the future of consumer behavior. We’re entering the age of AI-powered creativity. Brands that adapt early will shape how consumers connect, create, and behave. Consumers are co-creating, not just watching, and the future possibilities seem endless. Will we end up in a sea of AI “slop” - or will this be the future of video, ads, and interactions? Get more consumer insights and research at MurphyResearch.com #AI #ConsumerTrends #MurphyResearch #MarketInsights #SoraApp #OpenAI #FutureOfMarketing #AIRevolution

Remote work isn’t a perk anymore, it’s a market shift. Recent data shows: 📊 57% of employees say they’re more productive at home 🕒 Remote workers save an average of 72 minutes per day by eliminating commutes 💡 6 in 10 employees prefer hybrid, while only 9% want full-time office work At Murphy Research, we’re proud to offer hybrid schedules. It allows us to attract top talent, support balance, and stay closer to the consumer behaviors reshaping today’s marketplace. From online shopping to at-home wellness investments, remote work is transforming spending patterns and we’re here to help clients understand what comes next. See what we're up to at MurphyResearch.com #ConsumerInsights #MarketResearch #RemoteWork #FutureOfWork #HybridWork #Research

Long-term unemployment is creeping up again, even without a major recession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 2 million Americans have been unemployed for 27+ weeks as of August 2025. Historically, spikes in long-term unemployment were tied to recessions (’80, ’90–’91, the Great Recession, COVID-19). This time, the rise is happening against a backdrop of steady growth. At Murphy Research, we track how these labor market shifts translate into real changes in consumer spending and decision-making. Understanding these dynamics helps brands anticipate where spending will soften, where resilience exists, and how to engage consumers navigating uncertainty. #ConsumerInsights #Unemployment #SpendingTrends #MurphyResearch #Marketing #InfoGraphs

Facebook’s average user age keeps rising, and Pew data shows today’s teens are far more likely to use TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat than Facebook. As a response, Meta is dusting off “the poke” from legacy Facebook and giving it a Gen Z makeover. The company is adding counts, dedicated buttons, and a poke page to gamify the feature, hoping younger users will adopt. Will pokes be the quirky comeback that reconnects Meta with youth? Or just another example of a legacy platform trying to recycle nostalgia for a new generation? At Murphy Research, we’re watching closely how gamification, nostalgia, and platform strategy collide in the fight for younger audiences. Curious about it? Let's talk @ MurphyResearch.com #SocialMediaTrends #MurphyResearch #Meta #Facebook #YouthCulture #DigitalBehavior #TikTok #MarketResearch

This is a snapshot of what you'll find in our State of Our Health reports. We see the Nutrition Engaged aren’t just chasing weight goals anymore, they’re zeroing in on better sleep (+4% YOY), heart health (+6% YOY), and maintaining a healthy weight (+4% YOY) as top motivators. Meanwhile, “feeling better” — once the #1 reason — has dipped and stayed low after the previous quarter’s drop. If your brand connects to sleep, energy, heart health, or holistic wellness, the opportunity is wide open. That’s the value of our quarterly tracking: it doesn’t just tell you what’s trending, it shows you where to pivot, innovate, and meet consumers exactly where their needs are growing. Explore our State of Our Health reports and turn insights into strategy at murphyresearch.com #HealthTrends #Nutrition #ConsumerInsights #WellnessData #SleepBetter #MarketResearch #Infographic

Cold plunge? Sauna? Stretching? Oh my! 🧊🔥🧘♂️ Recovery is becoming a core pillar of holistic health & wellness. In a recent State of Our Health report, we tapped into insights from nearly 10,000 participants across all generations to uncover how people are prioritizing recovery, whether that’s through movement, mindfulness, or muscle repair. From ice baths to infrared, recovery habits are shaping not only individual routines but also cultural wellness trends. Dive into the full report at MurphyResearch.com #Recovery #Wellness #HolisticHealth #HealthyHabits #WellnessTrends #SelfCare #HealthAndWellness #HealthTrends #ConsumerInsights #MarketResearch #WellnessInsights #MurphyResearch #StateOfOurHealth

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications may be known for weight loss, but our latest State of Our Health report uncovers a deeper trend. These consumers aren’t just chasing a smaller number on the scale, they’re navigating complex health and wellness goals with intentional choices, shifting priorities, and new spending patterns. Inside the report, we explore: Who they are – motivations, barriers, and behaviors that set them apart from the average wellness consumer Nutrition shifts – how GLP-1 users are redefining their relationship with food Fitness engagement – what drives them, what holds them back, and where they’re spending Q2 2025 trends – the latest on health priorities, performance, and behavior changes Get the full report or sign up for our insights at murphyresearch.com #StateOfOurHealth #Ozempic #HealthTrends #Nutrition #Fitness #MarketResearch #MurphyResearch #Mounjaro