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.

An app for self-reporting COVID-19 symptoms has found a receptive audience in the US after gaining popularity in Britain. While Americans are often protective of their privacy, when the goal of collecting data is for the common good rather than a brand's profits, they're more open to sharing.

With data-sharing enabling everything from smarter cities to more sinister surveillance, the public debate around privacy is becoming increasingly complex. Canvas8 spoke to Alisa Frik, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, to understand how people are weighing up the pay-offs.

Whether it’s hacks or leaks, data privacy is the issue of the day. Many say they are concerned about their information online, but what will they share and what do they expect in return? Canvas8 spoke to seven Americans to find out what they’re willing to share about themselves and with whom.

How will robotic companions provide physical and emotional support? Could hands-free devices replace smartphones? And what are people doing to manage digital overload? In this part of the 2020 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about how innovation and distrust are shaping tech usage.