People are taking a patchwork approach to self-expression to feel like they have control over how their identity is generated. Yet as individual expression becomes more mutable and mistrust in social systems abounds, there’s one place above all that people are seeking integrity and guidance: brands.

People are tired of being perpetually unsure about what sources to trust, and so are demanding clarity and decisive action from brands with transparency at its heart. As people seek out platforms that align with their own values, they’re expecting brands to make their stance on important issues clear.

Snapchat unveiled its GPT-powered chatbot for Snapchat+ subscribers in early April. However, concerns about inappropriate user behaviour and safety issues have forced the company to take decisive steps to improve security on the platform, particularly for its younger users.

Shadowbanning, a seemingly common but often denied practice by big tech, is helping to further erode people’s trust in social media platforms. How can the brands engaging with these users online foster transparency and loyalty within a growing climate of distrust and paranoia?

Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger have launched Artifact, a curated news app driven by AI. While taking cues from the vertical video revolution currently taking over social platforms, it aims to go beyond personalisation by redefining the online reading experience altogether.

Just over four in five people trust local news, a UK poll has found. As Britons increasingly look for transparency, truth, and representation from the media, brands that reflect a sense of local identity can resonate with news readers and build a sense of trust in a space where it's lacking.

The introduction of streaming services and social media has upended the role of TV in our lives, with viewers craving shared media and entertainment experiences at home, across devices. Where are the opportunities for TV amid technological innovation and evolving consumer expectations?

From what we buy, to what we watch, and even who we date – algorithms increasingly influence people’s decisions. Once largely unknown and invisible forces, people now have a greater understanding of what algorithms do and are beginning to wonder how much control to cede to the machine.

Conservative commentators and media outlets have long complained of an ‘anti-conservative bias’ on Facebook and Twitter, but a report from NYU suggests these accusations are unfounded. Increased transparency and greater user control could help persuade those who remain unconvinced.

How is polarization shaping brand communications? What are the new iterations of belief among the Christian right? And why is Republican trust in big business at an all-time low? Our snapshot of Republican voters unpacks key behaviors shaping this American audience in 2022.

How do Democrats seek to build community? How can values-centric employers approach new labor organization movements? And what impact does the Roe v Wade ruling have on attitudes towards women’s health? Our snapshot of Democrat voters explores the key behaviors shaping this American audience in 2022.

Binge-watching shows on Netflix or scrolling social media feeds can lead to hours of entertainment. But what’s so enticing about watching multiple cat videos on YouTube? Canvas8 spoke to Kaitlin Woolley, the co-author of the paper ‘Down a Rabbit Hole’, to understand the allure of media binges.