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.

Messaging, mostly an intimate and private form of communication, is being used by brands to connect with their consumers. As people spend more time on messaging apps than ever, c-commerce is set to grow in importance as a touchpoint between people and brands.

Privacy-first messaging app Signal is topping the free apps category on the App store. The spike in downloads has come after WhatsApp announced it would be sharing data with Facebook, creating opportunities for brands to offer messaging platforms that quell people's data worries.

To outsiders, TikTok may simply seem like an endless source of entertaining distractions. But beyond the musical duets and dance challenges lies a trove of useful tips designed to help the platform’s Gen Z users thrive. What exactly is #ProductivityTok and why is it flourishing?

With trust in big tech dwindling, people are looking for services that protect them from external surveillance. And as governments crack down on protest, new forms of digital democracy are emerging. Fully encrypted messaging app Signal is winning trust by giving back power to users.