Sentiment, Volume, and the Future of Second-Screen Experiences: A Playbook for Building Communities Through Pop Culture

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can predict pop culture… are actually the ones who profit from it."

Let me ask you a question: Have you ever seen a viral moment and thought, “Why didn’t I capitalize on that?” We all have. The truth is, trends don’t wait for you. They emerge, evolve, and evaporate, often faster than you can refresh X (formerly Twitter).

I am always trying to think of how to ride the wave of pop culture. But what if you built the surfboard? That’s the power of understanding social sentiment and volume.

Whether it was the election, Tyson v Paul fight, College Football Playoffs coming up, there are trends starting to emerge in the data. Now let’s talk about how this isn’t just a spectator sport—it’s an investment in the future of consumer engagement.

Step 1: Using Sentiment and Volume as the Ultimate Cheat Code

Every day, millions of people are sharing opinions, frustrations, and borderline unhinged theories on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. And here’s the kicker: that chaos is predictable if you have the right tools.

Sentiment is the mood. Volume is the megaphone. Together, they tell us three key things:

1. What people care about.
2. Why they care about it.
3. How much they’re willing to bet their attention—and wallets—on it.

Consider this: Why does everyone know what’s in Taylor Swift’s purse but can’t name the capital of California or New York? Social sentiment and volume. That’s the playbook. It’s not just about what’s trending, but why it resonates. This is where the future lives—turning emotional data into actionable moments.

There is a day coming soon where people will not only be able to semi-accurately predict the outcome of things but be able to create communities that help build economies within their own ecosystem.

Step 2: Turning Trends Into Second-Screen Gold

Here’s the opportunity: people aren’t just watching anymore; they’re participating. The second screen isn’t an accessory—it’s the main stage. But how do you get it to the masses?

Imagine this: You’re watching the Oscars, and during a commercial break, your phone lights up with a real-time poll: “Will Greta Gerwig mention Barbie in her speech?” You vote, laugh, and instantly feel more connected to the event—and to the platform hosting the experience. That’s the second screen in action.

Here’s how we turn data into dollars:

A. Gamification:

We all love to win—even if it’s just bragging rights. Gamify live events with real-time bets, quizzes, or “What happens next?” scenarios. Let fans predict touchdowns, movie cameos, or who gets the rose on The Bachelor. (Hint: It’s always the drama and the sentiment will tell you that)

B. Real-Time Interaction:

People don’t just want to watch; they want to be heard. They want to be part of a community. Let them vote, comment, or even influence the action. Imagine if fans could choose which encore song Taylor Swift performs—or, better yet, weigh in on who gets dunked in a Gatorade bath at the Super Bowl.

C. Building a Tribe:

The future of fan engagement is about belonging. The second screen becomes a community hub:

• Leaderboards for bragging rights.
• Groups for shared fandoms and promote social causes/
• Exclusive content drops for those who engage the most.

It’s not just about engagement—it’s about ownership. Fans don’t just watch the moment; they feel like they own it. That is why meme coins are all the rage too.

Why Investors Should Care

Now, here’s the part where you sit up in your chair. This isn’t just fun and games—it’s a market opportunity.

• 67% of sports fans already use a second screen during live events.
• 49% of all US adults play in some sort of cash game already
• Platforms like Polymarket have shown that prediction and gamification are scalable and profitable.
• The second screen is poised to generate billions in ad revenue, sponsorships, and data monetization.

And here’s the kicker: Pop culture and live events are infinite. Awards shows, playoff games, political debates, celebrity weddings, local golf tournaments—it’s all content waiting to be gamified and monetized.

If you’re an investor looking to back the next wave of consumer engagement, this is the opportunity: a scalable platform that captures sentiment, creates participation, and builds communities in real-time.

But beware..."Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things—so you can say yes to the one that matters." This is it. Pop culture isn’t just a trend. It’s the foundation of how people connect. We’re not just building second-screen experiences—we’re building communities that brands, fans, and investors want to be a part of. But make sure to focus on what will ultimately drive impact.

So, let’s ask the question: Are you ready to turn every moment into an experience, every fan into a participant, and every trend into a cultural event?

Because the future is happening, and it’s already trending.