Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

Young Americans have long voted with their spending power, but as the status quo for Gen Zers and Yers continues to feel underwhelming, there’s been a rise in left-wing media platforms that advocate for alternative visions for the future. So, what can news providers learn from this shift?

Set to inherit a world order riddled with inequalities and complex societal challenges, the number of Gen Yers and Zers turning their backs on capitalism is on the rise. Voicing their discontent with the power structures at play, the call for revolutionary thinking is gaining traction online.

Natalie Wynn, aka ContraPoints, is a Gen Y YouTuber, political provocateuse, and video-essayist who tackles cancel culture and alt-right with theatrical esthetic, dark humor, and philosophy. Her videos are aimed at politically curious audiences seeking to move beyond partisan echo chambers.

Often overlooked by the mainstream media, the pandemic saw members of the working class redefined as ‘essential’. So, how can traditional and digital outlets bring this cohort back into the fold? Canvas8 spoke to journalism professor Christopher Martin about making audiences feel heard.