Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

For all the Latin alphabet’s strengths, it’s not nearly as succinct as scripts like Japanese – and Twitter has taken note by doubling its 140-character limit to encourage people to speak up more. We reached out to our expert network to understand how the change could impact users and brands.

Sending voice messages via WeChat and QQ has taken off in China as people look to save time typing and better communicate their emotions with friends and family. Anonymous platform Tings is hoping to connect people around the world through this purest form of expression.

Miitomo is Nintendo’s first entry into the app market – a platform that lets users interact with others by answering questions about their tastes and experiences. It promises a safer social space between friends, but will people care about the vast amount of personal data they’re giving up?

The ‘Stories’ features on Instagram and Snapchat have proven popular among users for their impermanence, authenticity, and behind-the-scenes nature. But how exactly are they being used by brands, celebrities and regular people? And how are these temporary digital tales evolving?