Against a backdrop of uncertainty, people are searching for new sources of control and stability. Where science and ancient wisdom have been conventionally pitted against one another, many are moving towards an integrated approach to authority that draws from the best of both worlds.

As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

Feelings of shame around debt and a lack of engagement from traditional institutions have long hindered financial discussions among women. Gen Y ‘finfluencers’ are changing this status quo, using their social media savvy and relatability to improve their followers’ relationships with money.

Whether to stay connected, informed, or distracted, social media plays multiple roles in people’s day-to-day lives – and it’s proving especially useful during the COVID-19 crisis. Canvas8 polled 1,000 Britons and spoke to eight people to find out what they want from these platforms and why.

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.

Dismissed as creepy at best and dangerous at worst, Snapchat’s Snap Map enables users to share their real-time locations. Although the feature was universally panned, it’s been instrumental in documenting social unrest and helping protesters organize without relying on media.