The proposed Gail's bakery in Walthamstow has sparked fierce local opposition. A petition launched to block the chain store has garnered significant attention, highlighting concerns about its impact on local businesses and the neighbourhood's character.

Gail's bakery’s gentrification backlash

Donald Trump using the presidential debate to amplify false rumours about immigrants eating pets has sparked a widespread online response, from TikTok dances to viral tweets. 

Trump’s cats and dogs online frenzy 

Costco has launched an emergency bucket filled with meals that last over two decades. As uncertainty and social tensions rise, people are seeking ways to feel more secure in the long term.

Costco's Apocalypse Bucket

The fourth season of 'The Boys' satirically explores the dangers of political polarisation through the lens of superheroes. Characters like Homelander and Starlight represent opposing viewpoints, highlighting the manipulation tactics used by those in power.

'The Boys' take on polarisation

The UK government's recent decision to defund cycling and walking infrastructure was partly driven by lockdown-era conspiracy theories, political expediency, and a long-standing commitment to car culture. 

Culture wars go after transport

Advocating a fusion of ultra-conservative and communist ideas, the terminally online movement of MAGA communism calls for the working class to ally with MAGA proponents against an alleged globalist threat. 

MAGA communism

As the trust gap in healthcare widens globally among minority groups, Whānau Ora is addressing high cancer rates among Māori by collaborating closely with local leaders. This approach highlights the importance of working directly with communities to address their unique challenges.

Whānau Ora campaign tackles Māori healthcare disparities

In the wake of the US presidential election, interest has surged in the South Korean 4B movement – a feminist commitment that rejects interactions with men. Amid growing concern around the precarity of reproductive freedoms in America, advocates are urging radical action to preserve their rights.

US interest in the 4B movement spikes post-election

Democratic-voting White women are wearing blue friendship bracelets to distinguish themselves from the majority of White women who voted for Trump. It reveals a complex interplay between political expression, social identity, and the struggle to define what allyship looks like in modern America.

Blue friendship bracelets signal allyship post-election

The Australian Government plans to ban social media for under-16s, citing physical and mental health risks. With social media consumption showing no signs of slowing globally and young people feeling deeply affected by platforms, there's a growing need for solutions to protect youth online.

Australia's under-16 social media ban sparks debate

More than half of Australians consider the country’s income distribution to be unfair, and satisfaction with democracy is on the decline nationwide. Faith in traditional institutions is wavering globally, leading some people to turn towards anti-establishment voices for solutions.

Australians report decreased satisfaction with democracy

Addressing a younger, female-majority audience, podcaster and social media influencer Alex Clark is a wellness warrior and vocal conservative. As political polarization swells in the aftermath of Trump’s election victory, there is the potential for influencers such as Clark to grow in popularity.

Alex Clark brings conservatism to the wellness space

Analysis of TikTok feeds in the run-up to the US presidential election highlighted a distinct gap in the political content shown to men and women across the platform. With social media serving as a political battleground, the data speaks to a widening ideological divide between genders.

Gender gap emerges in TikTok political content

Traditional political wisdom suggests that young people are more likely to vote for liberal parties at elections, with climate change and social issues causing them to lean left. However, the AfD’s popularity among Gen Zers signals a sea change in Germany. What’s fuelling this right-ward tilt?

Why are Gen Zers voting right in Germany?

Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has defended his newspaper's decision to stop making presidential endorsements, saying the move could help restore public trust in the media. However, the immediate effect has instead been greater divisions and increased skepticism of news outlets.

Washington Post polarizes subs due to endorsement snub

A Washington Post analysis found that Republicans are posting more, getting followed more, and going viral more on X now that the world’s richest Trump supporter is running the platform. People are gathering in closed digital communities that reflect their ideologies, deepening political divides.

Republican views dominate Elon Musk's X 

Despite regulator concerns, financial company Robinhood has begun offering event derivatives that effectively allow people to bet on the outcome of the US election. With doubts brewing around the legitimacy of America’s democracy, brands are being called upon to uphold the value of voting.

Robinhood derivatives stir election influence debate

While the US presidential race pits Harris and Trump as top candidates, a significant group of young voters are rejecting these bipartisan options, driven by their progressive values. With distrust in institutions on the rise, people are taking agency through like-minded community movements.

Young voters on the left divided on voting for Harris

The New York Times has endorsed Kamala Harris with a striking text-only message, urging readers to 'Believe' Trump's stated plans. Its approach reflects a shift towards fact-centered endorsements amid eroding trust in the media, appealing to audiences' desire for transparency and direct information.

NY Times' Harris endorsement taps calls for transparency

The case surrounding Gisèle Pelicot, a woman drugged and abused by numerous men with her husband's complicity, has drawn widespread attention and condemnation in France. The media coverage and public conversation are challenging cultural norms and perceptions around sexual assault and consent.

Mass trial spotlights French attitudes to sexual abuse

Donald Trump's 2024 campaign is making a mark on the electorate via new media platforms, from Joe Rogan's podcast to influencer collabs. As both candidates embrace digital spaces and viral moments – from Harris on Call Her Daddy to Trump's at McDonald's – they're shifting how campaigns reach voters.

New media powers Trump's unconventional campaign

Bad Bunny has endorsed Kamala Harris in the wake of comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s inflammatory remarks about Puerto Ricans at a Trump rally. Celebrity culture is more entwined with politics than ever, and election campaigns are foregrounding pop culture-led strategies to resonate with younger voters.

Bad Bunny amplifies pop culture’s sway over US elections

Political views can heavily impact dating choices, with many Americans (particularly women) considering ending relationships over misaligned values. This reflects broader trends of Gen Z women being more progressive, creating a growing 'partisan gap' in dating preferences.

American daters dump politically incompatible lovers

Political campaigns are shifting to streaming ads, reflecting evolving media consumption habits and the need to reach voters on new platforms. Since online memes and creator content are becoming key political communication tools, reaching voters through casual entertainment is the logical next step.

Political campaigners shift from TV to streaming

The owner of the LA Times has opted out of a Presidential endorsement, leading to staff resignations, and an instant drop in subscribers. With the election polarising voters, people are challenging brands to take a stand – and expressing their frustration where they see brands falling short.

LA Times' Harris endorse snub pushes staff and subs away

With more Americans turning to social media for political information, political memes have become a powerful force in shaping US voter perceptions and election discourse. The rise of AI-generated memes adds a new layer to this trend, raising concerns about worsening misinformation and polarization.

What’s behind the memefication of American politics?

Donald Trump has put in a shift at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania as part of his campaign trail. With people's personal finances a key influencer in deciding who they'll vote for in the US election, both nominees are trying to appeal to working class voters and show they understand their experiences. 

Trump's McDonald's shift targets working class voters

More companies are giving employees election day off, encouraging them to volunteer, or hosting nonpartisan info sessions. Brands supporting meaningful civic engagement during social and political turbulence demonstrates a commitment to democratic values and employee empowerment.

Brands support employee civic engagement for elections

A new wave of Britpop is subverting the genre's aesthetics, challenging its laddish roots by blending pride with critique. Diverse, inclusive, and often disruptive, these musicians are remixing symbols like the Union Jack, reshaping what it means to be British in a fragmented cultural landscape.

How are the new Britpop stars redefining ‘Britishness’?

Far-right groups are looking to gain control of school boards across the US, opposing inclusive policies and supporting book bans. Key electoral races in multiple states could shift the direction of education as conservatives seek influence through local engagement and disinformation.

Far-right groups seek control over US school systems

Glossier has launched a series of billboard and digital ads urging voter registration in key swing states ahead of the US election. As it becomes increasingly difficult for brands to dodge the crossfire of polarization, the campaign makes a case for doubling down on a clear brand purpose.

Glossier reaffirms brand politics in pre-election push

Young Germans are reversing the decades-long trend of declining union membership and turning to industrial action to cope with economic and workplace challenges. It's a sign of how people are seeking anchors and communities to cope with problems that are too big to solve at an individual level.

German trade unions report rising youth membership

Cards Against Humanity has launched a provocative campaign that offers to pay non-voters to cast their ballot in 2024 and mock Trump. This reflects brands' increasing involvement in social issues, responding to younger voters' desire for authenticity while potentially deepening political divides.

Cards Against Humanity pays people to vote

Several Florida-based Tiktok users opted to ignore evacuation orders for Hurricane Milton to instead document their crisis response online. In light of a steep decline in institutional faith, some people are adopting attitudes of self-reliance and turning to social media to fill the trust vacuum.

Tiktok crisis content signals new axis of misinformation

A Heinz advert for its “family-size” pasta sauce has received backlash for allegedly perpetuating the racist stereotype of the absent Black father. People are demanding greater social and cultural fluency and responsibility, meaning harmful advertising can no longer fly under the radar.

Heinz ad faces backlash for "racist stereotyping"

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are embracing alternative platforms to connect with younger voters. Harris's appearance on Call Her Daddy and Trump's podcast tour highlight the importance of digital spaces in political campaigns, reflecting evolving strategies to engage Gen Z in the election.

Harris and Trump turn to podcasts to target Gen Z voters

Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is stoking polarization amid the presidential race. The disaster is accelerating people’s distrust of institutions, and they’ll be expecting brands to fill the gaps in societal leadership.

Hurricane Helene response becomes election battleground

More young Americans are embracing vocational trades, but both presidential candidates face challenges in mobilizing this untapped voting bloc. Gen Zers aren’t a homogeneous group, and more concerted efforts are needed to reach those who feel unrepresented by the political mainstream.

Gen Z blue-collar workers alienated from election buzz

Founded by former Obama aides, Crooked Media is leveraging its podcast network to encourage political engagement and support for electoral races. With declining trust in government and political exhaustion rising among Americans, Crooked Media aims to reinvigorate democratic participation.

How Crooked Media reengages US voters through podcasts

After more than a decade, controversial hip-hop artist Ye has returned to China to perform. Chinese fans have enthusiastically received his appearance, signalling his resurgence in popularity in some segments and a potential increase in support for international acts in China.

Ye performs in China for the first time in 16 years

What happens after the US election? How should brands navigate a hyper-politicised landscape? And where will the new opportunities emerge in an unstable political environment? In the 2025 US Macro Expert Outlook, Adam Berinsky explores what the US will look like in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on the USA

Actor Will Ferrell has joined forces with his transgender friend Harper Steele for a documentary centering on Steele’s experience as a trans woman in America. As trans rights continue to be called into question in the US and globally, education remains key to stopping growing prejudice in its tracks.

Will & Harper explores the trans American experience

Research has disproved the 'go woke, go broke' catchphrase, showing that inclusivity in advertising has a positive brand impact. As polarisation grows, many brands have taken a step back from signalling support for social causes, but this research further demonstrates the benefits of taking a stand.

Research proves positive brand impact of inclusive ads

Can Labour create a new reality? Will hope shape audience behaviour? Will the AI revolution mean more prosperity? And how can businesses stay connected to the shifting realities of life in the UK? In this Macro chapter of Expert Outlook 2025, Dr Nick Srineck discusses what to expect in the UK in 2025.

2025 Expert Outlook on the UK

Political and economic turmoil driven by armed conflicts across the world has forced crowds of people to leave their home countries. But instead of showing sympathy for these people, the world has largely met them with the rise of conservative politics hostile to immigration.

Germany tightens its grip on border control

After AI-generated images of Taylor Swift supporting Donald Trump swirled the web, the singer officially announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris and condemned the spread of misinformation. As the political stakes get higher, people are increasingly expecting celebrities to do their part.

Taylor Swift declares support for Kamala Harris

The Juggernaut is transforming media by focusing on South Asian narratives often overlooked by mainstream outlets. Despite challenges in funding, the platform's subscriber-supported content is striking a chord with young desis who are eager to invest in narratives that truly resonate with them.

Why The Juggernaut explores South Asian identity in US media

Video games are becoming a strategic tool in elections, with figures like Donald Trump using gaming spaces to engage voters. Despite some controversy, this shift signifies that diverse digital platforms, including games, could significantly shape future election strategies and voter engagement.

Video games emerge as key tool in election strategies

A New York-based film festival is screening a series of hyperlocal stories in a bid to burst the algorithm bubble. Amid rising concern about the cultural and political impact of personalized feeds, the event aims to combat digital division by platforming underrepresented perspectives.

Brooklyn film festival combats digital divisiveness

A significant amount of American LGBTQ+ students attend schools with policies that actively discriminate against them, according to a new study. Despite growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ lifestyles, many young people still face official discrimination as culture war issues continue to deepen.

LGBTQ+ students face increasing discrimination at school

Brazil has blocked access to social media platform X after Elon Musk failed to meet legal requirements, furthering debates over free speech and misinformation. While many users have migrated to alternatives like Threads and Bluesky, the ban has left Brazilians feeling disconnected.

Brazilians feel disconnected following X blockade

The NFL has kicked off the 2024 season with a campaign that positions football as a force of unity. The campaign shows how DE&I has become baked into the brand’s DNA and looks to demonstrate how narratives of inclusivity can actually help drive resonance in these polarizing times.

NFL ushers in football season with DE&I-focused ad

Roblox and Distrokid have struck a new deal to make indie artists' music available on the gaming platform – but they won’t be paid any money for their music’s use. The move raises important questions about artist rights and the future of music licensing on interactive entertainment platforms.

Roblox x DistroKid deal sparks debates about artist rights

Melbourne has become the latest major city to ban e-scooters, citing frequent resident complaints about safety and cleanliness as reasons. Despite the controversy, there's still a need for micromobility solutions and infrastructure that make sense for city life. 

Tensions rise between mobility hackers and city halls

Young men and boys are feeling left behind in societal conversations while grappling with what it means ‘to be a man’ today. To understand the challenges they’re facing, Canvas8 spoke to journalist Ruth Whippman about what can be done to foster inclusive and supportive conversations for their development.

Ruth Whippman on the challenge of impossible masculinity

The Indian government proposed and quickly withdrew a bill targeting influencers, raising concerns about digital freedoms. With social media enabling decentralised and more open forms of news reporting, new tensions are likely to arise between state-sponsored media and creator culture.

Broadcasting bill raises transparency concerns in India

Local businesses in Liverpool are offering support to affected communities following a series of far-right riots in the UK. As populations become increasingly polarised, there’s space for businesses to advocate for marginalised groups at a more personal, local level.

Local businesses rally to support communities post-riots

Right-wing rioters turned to Telegram to organise and spread misinformation. With mainstream social media platforms under scrutiny for their role in monitoring and mitigating the spread of disinformation, the use of Telegram speaks to a hacker mindset when it comes to subverting safeguarding online.

Right-wing rioters hack social safeguarding via Telegram

Anti-immigration violence in the UK has significantly impacted high streets, with local small businesses bearing the brunt of the damage. In the face of fragmentation, brands have the opportunity to make their values clear and help local communities repair and heal their streets. 

Far-right riots highlight need to rebuild community

Republicans and Democrats have long held differing views on the meaning and scope of freedom. In the lead-up to the 2024 election, these differences have become increasingly stark, with each party prioritizing contrasting aspects of individual liberty. How can brands adapt to these divides?

How do Republicans and Democrats define ‘freedom’?

A study has found that online memes (specifically ones revolving around coconuts and Mario Kart) are driving major positive sentiment towards Kamala Harris and benefitting her campaign.The memefication of politics on social media is emerging as a way to engage younger voters in the 2024 election.






Memes support major increase in Kamala Harris sentiment 

Many health-conscious individuals are reducing their alcohol intake and adopting more moderate lifestyles, but what are they looking for in alcohol-free offerings? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Scott Taylor Jr. about perceptions of low-and-no craft beers and what may lead people to change up their habits.

Do more with less! The science of ‘nolo’ drink perceptions

Young Britons are leading a revival of the Union Jack by incorporating the flag into their style choices. At a time when populations are becoming increasingly polarised, this trend speaks to people’s desire to interact with their heritage and national identity on a local, more personal level.

Young Britons drive resurgence of Union Jack fashion

With influencers like Nara Smith and Hannah Neeleman glamorizing rigid gender roles, ‘tradwives’ are firmly in the spotlight. Is this trend reflective of a move toward traditional values, a slower pace of life, and the rejection of hustle culture? And what does such content say about society?

Who are the internet’s tradwives?

After backlash from Israel for featuring Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid in its SL 72 campaign, adidas has removed Hadid from its adverts and released a public apology. The move has stoked debate online as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to drive division.

adidas sparks backlash from Israel for Bella Hadid ad

Amid a growing backlash against overtourism, CLIA has warned that some cruise ships may have to avoid some of the world’s most famous destinations. As tensions grow between travellers and local inhabitants, there's a need to provide travel experiences that respect the desires of both groups.

Cruise ships face anti-tourism backlash in Europe

Costco has begun selling an apocalypse-ready emergency bucket stocked with meals that last over two decades in preparation for emergencies. As the future becomes more uncertain amid heightened social tensions, people are looking for tools to give them feelings of long-term security.

Costco's doomsday buckets signal desire for preparedness

Small donors have rallied to bolster Democratic funding following Joe Biden's rescinding of his candidacy in the 2024 presidential race. The spike in donations for Kamala Harris suggests an opportunity to further mobilize grassroots support and signals a shift in engagement around the election.

Small donors bump Democrat funding as Biden drops out

How is the push for economic justice reshaping Democrats’ priorities? How are wellness practices and health hacking elevating their daily lives? Why are they wielding technology as a tool of activism? This Cultural Snapshot of Democrat voters unpacks the key behavioral shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Democrat voters: 2024-2025

Memes aren't always great for a politician; they can quickly spread ridicule and absurdity. But the newly minted Democratic presidential candidate is leveraging shifting norms of political engagement to drive hype. With 100 days to win US voters over, will BRAT-inspired memes really cut through?

Kamala Harris leverages memes for presidential campaign

Born in 1995, Jordan Bardella is a French politician who has sprung into the spotlight with his clean-cut image and social media savvy, earning him the support of young and rural voters who feel overlooked and undervalued. What does his appeal say about the political mood in the country?

How Jordan Bardella’s TikTok politics won over French youth

Wu Yanni is China’s top-ranked 100-metre hurdler, but she’s equally known for her sparkly makeup and outspoken interviews. Despite being in the constant limelight, she has earned both praise and controversy among brands and netizens, especially Chinese women who turn to her for beauty inspiration.

How Wu Yanni influences the track of Chinese sports fans

Telehealth provider Wisp has unveiled a provocative OOH campaign in New York that playfully draws attention to the censorship of women's bodies in US advertising. Featuring pixelated images of vaginas, the campaign seeks to normalize vaginal health rather than treat it as a taboo topic.

OOH campaign challenges the censorship of female bodies

High-profile elections around the world in 2024 are stoking fears about misinformation, making many people wary and distrustful. Canvas8 spoke to political scientist Dr. Emma Hoes to understand how a positive outlook can help navigate uncertainty and how brands can play their part in easing minds.

Trust in positivity! The science of tackling misinformation

Etsy is banning the sale of sex toys and other adult materials, causing sellers to express their frustration with what has long been a safe place for artisanal, handmade products and free expression. The reaction to the ban showcases people's shifting attitudes towards sexuality and self-expression.

Etsy bans the sale of sex toys sparking seller outrage

Zyn nicotine pouches have become a phenomenon in US youth culture as a symbol of masculinity and conservative values. The brand’s virality has sparked significant debate around ethical marketing and nicotine regulation, revealing a new culture war arena that has launched it into the mainstream.

How Zyn became a status symbol among Gen Z conservatives

Sausage company Johnsonville is attempting to boost positive content on social media as part of its campaign to 'Keep the Internet Juicy'. With the US election fast approaching, brands seeking to cut through the toxicity of online platforms are set to resonate with politically fatigued consumers.

Johnsonville urges kindness amid tense political voters

A new campaign by the government in Victoria, Australia, is encouraging people to confront their biases, raising awareness of how discrimination impacts the wellbeing of trans and gender-diverse people. This follows rising anti-transgender sentiment, acknowledging the desperate need for action.

Campaign tackles trans and gender-diverse discrimination

Slow Factory is a fast-growing digital platform that champions climate justice and human rights through engaging and intentional content. By centering marginalized voices and creating digestible news on social media, it has built a loyal community of people seeking radical change.

How Slow Factory articulates climate justice for Gen Z

Barcelona is preparing to implement a ban on short-term holiday rentals from 2029, in a move aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis. The proposed regulation comes amid a growing wave of anti-tourist sentiment in the city as locals call for a clampdown on unsustainable tourism practices.




Barcelona tackles over tourism with holiday rental ban

Yuriko Koike, governor of Tokyo, has enlisted the help of an AI version of herself to communicate policy decisions and news updates more effectively to constituents. The innovation is undoubtedly practical, but it may seed Japanese people's mistrust of AI and the government’s handling of it.

Tokyo governor speaks to constituents with AI avatar

Embarking on their first world tour, ‘X-pop’ girl group XG blends the K-pop formula with their Japanese identities while singing English lyrics for their multinational audiences. As the technicalities of what K-pop is evolve, fans are debating and reassessing their fierce loyalties to idols.

How XG challenges fans’ perceptions of the K-pop formula

How has traditional white masculinity become a cultural cornerstone for Republicans? How are digital platforms helping Republican Christians build communities? And why are they likely to shop from wholly Conservative brands? This Cultural Snapshot of Republican voters explores the key behavioral shifts.

How to understand Republican mindsets: Cultural Snapshot 2024-2025

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung has taken home the Industry Craft Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for its 100th edition featuring holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. As harrowing crises play out globally, people are looking for empathy and integrity.

German newspaper wins a Grand Prix for emotive campaign

Amid a broader shift to the right across Europe, the social media-savvy leader of France’s National Rally is finding favour among young voters. As new forms of political messaging emerge, young people are further entrenched in polarisation and increasingly drawn to anti-establishment voices.

Jordan Bardella lends a new face to the French far-right

In summer 2024, Glastonbury will introduce a new stage, Terminal 1, to celebrate migration and freedom of movement for everyone. As populations become increasingly polarised, there's an opportunity for brands to use their platforms as a springboard for action against collective injustices.

Glastonbury's Terminal 1 aims to celebrate migration

Daytime TV found new life during the pandemic as remote working boosted viewership and online subcultures spawned countless related memes. Will this resurgence last as Britons seek comfort in entertainment? Or will increasingly right-leaning politics turn daytime TV into a new beast altogether?

What's driving Britons' daytime comfort TV habits?

Conservative political commentator Candace Owens has been growing in popularity due to her ‘going against the grain’ nature, which is appealing to many Black Gen Zers in the US. But she’s also part of a wider shift in American values and voting amid tough financial times and geopolitical tensions.

How Candace Owens reshapes conservatism for US Gen Zers

Major protests have broken out across beaches in Palma, Majorca, as citizens protest mass tourism. The events highlight the ongoing divide around tourism affecting many countries, presenting an opportunity for governments to address growing tensions by working with local partners and initiatives.

Protests in Majorca highlight deepening tourism divides

Black Joy Disco is an alcohol-free Black LGBTQ+ safe space that aims to enable healing through the power of community, music, and movement. As prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow, spaces like these are increasingly important for providing support, nurturing, and joy.

Black Joy Disco builds Black LGBTQ+ safe space

A poll has found that young Americans are deeply unhappy with the state of the country's leadership and political system. As institutional trust continues to decline steeply, young people, especially, are making their voices heard and transforming political conversations through their dissent.

Young Americans are despairing over politics

In the run-up to the UK general election, party leaders on both sides of the political spectrum have begun campaigning via TikTok. As Gen Z’s trust in traditional media wanes, understanding the way young people engage with politics online is an increasingly important strategy for winning their vote.

UK leaders embrace TikTok to reach Gen Z voters

An image has gone viral on social media, with tens of millions of users reposting it to bring attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. As people come to terms with generative AI's role in content creation, this image brings up questions of censorship and moderation within issues of social justice.

AI-generated graphic goes viral in support of Gaza

South Koreans celebrate their ‘Chuseok’ holidays with a mix of traditional and modern practices, reflecting the nation’s economic fluctuations and wealth disparities. How are these factors influencing gift-giving habits, and what strategies can brands adopt to cater to people’s diverse needs?

The economic crisis is changing how Koreans celebrate Chuseok

Elon Musk has officially made ‘cisgender’ a slur on X, contributing to several changes to the platform that have made it an unsafe environment for transgender users. As prejudice against the trans community grows in the real world, a lack of digital safety only heightens anti-trans rhetoric.

Elon Musk officially makes 'cisgender' a slur on X

Americans are drinking less beer due to health consciousness, a preference for low- and no-alcohol beverages like RTDs, and widespread boycotts against big brewing names. So what’s the solution to American beer drinkers’ waning thirst? And where does it create space for new or reinvigorated brands?

What’s behind the decline of beer drinking in the US?

The 2024 Generational Snapshot of Gen Alpha in the APAC region looks into how the youngest generation values accelerated satisfaction, the role of representation and corporate responsibility in technological innovations, and finding solace in virtual worlds through gaming.

2024 APAC Gen Alpha Snapshot

An online movement is aiming to deplatform celebrities and influencers who remain silent on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With global political and social tensions rising, people are turning away from those who don't represent their worldviews and towards smaller, like-minded communities.

Pro-Palestinian netizens launch #Blockout movement

‘Barstool conservative bros’ and their adjacent media are challenging existing right-wing cultural narratives. What should brands know about this heterodox group that many see as the future of the Republican Party? And how might intra-conservative conflict impact American consumer culture?

Who are the Barstool conservatives?

As social media becomes increasingly polarized and less social, Americans are torn between craving authenticity online and guarding their digital privacy. Canvas8 spoke to people from across the US to understand how they navigate this conundrum and their online personas.

How honest are Americans on social media?

How are brands utilising humour to better connect with their audiences? What are people doing to overcome polarisation and reach consensus? Why are people rejecting careful curation for messy and unpolished content? How is retro technology providing respite through simpler connection?