Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe, with leading sustainability efforts like its urban tree-planting campaign (now in its third year). Germans say they're willing to change their lifestyles to protect the environment, and brands can provide them with the tools to do just that.

Berlin empowers residents to take eco-action by planting trees

Fandoms are the new power players. They’re plugged into non-stop gossip account updates, scouring their fave’s feed for minute details and crunching the numbers of chart success and awards show nominations. Dedication like this means fandoms aren’t just following trends; they're shaping them.

How fans direct culture in an age of instant updates

American “TikTok refugees” are flocking to the Chinese social app Xiaohongshu to protest the US banning TikTok. Signaling how digital borders are collapsing more than ever, the changing face of Xiaohongshu users presents opportunities for brands to embrace a more global strategy on the platform.

American exodus to Xiaohongshu may upend social shopping

LVMH-owned hospitality chain Belmond has unveiled hour-long videos of its global destinations, providing cinematic alternatives to travel vlogs. Amid rising interest in experiential tourism, brands are wooing eager travellers with out-of-the-box content that shows exciting locales and new perspectives.

Belmond's ambient videos boost slow luxury travel

Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) latest lamb ad tackles the pervasive negativity of online culture, urging Aussies to ditch the comments section. With social media continuing to fuel absurd disputes and division, this campaign serves as a timely reminder to prioritise real-life interactions.

Annual Australian lamb mocks online negativity

In line with the state’s plan to reduce its obesity rate, it’s enacting a blanket on advertising for unhealthy food and beverages. As Aussies strive to adopt healthier lifestyles, public institutions and brands are stepping up to support and empower them on their wellness journey.

South Australia backs junk food ad ban on public transit

Social media platforms are reshaping Germany's 2025 election, with right-wing AfD dominating engagement through targeted messaging. This reflects a global trend where populist movements leverage algorithms and platforms to spread political narratives, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.

Digital polarisation drives AfD German electoral success

Heineken’s new global Dry January campaign highlights the stigma often faced by those choosing non-alcoholic options. With more people reducing alcohol consumption, the campaign serves as inspiration for brands looking to challenge harmful and stereotypical perceptions of drinking culture. 




Heineken breaks teetotal taboos amid Dry January uptick

As faith in business leaders and institutions falls, people are placing more trust in others like them. In this context, customer reviews become a powerful tool for building brand trust. Canvas8 spoke to Monika Rawal to understand the factors influencing people’s responses to product reviews.

Five stars!? The science of rewarding reviews

Looking for a job is stressful, and sometimes, applicants' names can reveal the prejudice of potential employers and cause real harm. A new campaign, #NameTheBias, raises awareness of this issue and encourages brands to align their practices with the values of a more inclusive society.

Crafty ad highlights the name bias many jobseekers face

German Doner Kebab (GDK), a premium kebab chain from Glasgow, Scotland, has launched its first-ever US marketing campaign, developed by creative agency Quality Meats. The provocative campaign, aimed at Gen Z, aims to introduce Americans to the German Doner Kebab with meme-worthy irreverence.

GDK courts curious US Gen Z with humorous kebab campaign

Nottingham College has launched a course to help students who have a phobia of phone calls. The college warns that such fears could have professional consequences, but the rise in 'telephonobia' shows how far young people have shifted toward alt-communication, and makes a case for brands following suit. 

UK college tackles 'telephonobia' among young people  

The rise of “pay-to-flex” services is reshaping how Indians curate their online identities. These services enable them to project an enviable lifestyle by fabricating experiences and adding them to their social media stories, catering to those seeking social media validation – even if it’s based on a lie.

Indians are buying fake Instagram stories for social validation

Meta has ended its fact-checking program in favour of a community-based system like X’s, marking a major shift in social media moderation. The change reflects broader industry tensions between combatting misinformation and preserving free expression.

Meta opts for community note approach in censorship row

Australians are embracing hyperlocal podcasts that spotlight their communities, offering intimate storytelling and connection in a way mass media can’t. Reflecting demands for authenticity and relatability in media, these shows reveal how Aussies find neighbourly belonging through shared stories.

How Australians are finding community in hyperlocal podcasts

Nike CEO Elliot Hill is refocusing the sportswear giant to obsess over sports and get back to winning ways after a tough year for the brand. Its new strategy aligns with growing audience preference for brands that live up to their expectations and values.

Nike feeds purpose-focused buyers in sports-themed return

Generation Beta, the newest cohort, will be born from 2025 to 2039. Many of them are projected to live until the advent of the 22nd century and experience rapid technological advancements – particularly with AI, which will play a central role in shaping their lives.

Gen Beta predicted to be AI-led in vast tech progression

Teens are getting a head start on their careers as influencers by selling clothes and acquiring brand partners. As definitions of work fluctuate and young people seek lifestyles on their terms, they're finding autonomy by leveraging their backgrounds as digital natives.

Teens become creators with early brand sponsorships

India’s beauty market is evolving rapidly, fuelled by the convenience and discoverability of e-commerce, social media, and quick commerce platforms. As Indian’s embrace premium products and tech tools like virtual try-ons, brands are racing to capture attention, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

How tech and quick commerce are transforming Indian beauty

Kia is bringing the car showroom to customers with the launch of an augmented reality-powered customization service on TikTok. As people increasingly find ways to hack car ownership, brands can offer personalization and co-creation to appeal to those who want to make a statement with their automobile. 

Kia redefines path to car ownership in new campaign

Recent census data reveals that one in 20 Australians identify as LGBTI+. Despite progress, research highlights discrimination and mental health disparities. Strengthening campaigns and policies to promote equality and well-being for LGBTI+ individuals is crucial for a more inclusive Australia.




Census data reveals LGBTI+ people are key in Aussie society

Social magazine platform Flipboard has introduced a new app, Surf, for people to browse and filter any open social feed on the internet. This app offers people the curation and personalization they're looking for online but also raises the question of exacerbating echo chambers.

Surf enables open web browsing and curated personal feeds

After another polarizing election in the US, women are divided over the incoming Trump administration and their future prospects. How can International Women’s Day 2025 speak to real women’s hopes, fears, and priorities amid cynicism about ‘femwashing’ and corporate commitments to equality?

What women want from IWD in post-Trump America

Snapchat is overhauling its creator monetisation system, discontinuing the Spotlight Rewards Program in favour of a new unified approach. This change comes as Snapchat aims to boost engagement by shifting to longer content, mirroring similar updates made by rivals like TikTok.

Snapchat's monetisation revamp encourages longer content

Surrealist content is mutating across digital platforms, tapping into a shared sense of social isolation and esoteric humor. Niche culture is now, ironically, mass-market – showing just how much Gen Zers want to escape their algorithms. So how can brands help them consume something unexpected?

Gen Zers are enthralled by absurdist media

Research from the Pew Center found that despite knowing the negative impacts of social media, US teens are still spending the majority of their time online. Brands have an opportunity to take a proactive approach to managing youth internet safety in the face of increased dependency.

Study reveals American teens are nearly always online

Bluesky, a decentralized alternative to X (formerly known as Twitter), has seen a surge in user growth since August 2024. As concern mounts about the divisive nature of digital culture, a growing sense of disillusionment with legacy platforms is driving users towards alt-tech channels.

Bluesky growth hints at shifting social media landscape

Instead of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa, Oatly is suggesting that people elevate the Christmas Eve ritual through the use of alternative milk and French patisserie. This light-hearted reimagination of a nostalgic tradition appeals to desires for cosy comfort and wholesomeness.

Oatly challenges nostalgia with updated Santa treat 

The realities of the loneliness epidemic have grown impossible to ignore, with many pointing to digital-first lifestyles as a driving force of social isolation. But could digital connectivity be leveraged for good to help repair human connection? Canvas8 spoke to Brandon C. Bouchillon to find out.

A cure for loneliness?! The science of digital friendships

TikTok celebrity and 'hawk tuah girl' Haliey Welch launched Hawkcoin amid a wave of memecoins. The cryptocurrency launch received lots of hype but quickly failed, with Welch now facing accusations of exploitation – but her story reflects a growing acceptance of self-monetization online.

Viral 'hawk tuah' girl faces backlash from crypto-fail

Kleenex and Amazon have joined forces to launch a playful campaign supporting newly single individuals and the century-old heritage brand’s quest to maintain its relevance. The move is reflective of the need for brands to pivot towards empathy-driven branding to maximise their appeal.

Kleenex and Amazon transform tears into strength 

In a bid to provide better media services across Australia, SBS On Demand has pledged to expand its rollout of audio descriptions and improved website functionality. Through this initiative, the network aims to support the accessibility needs of Aussies amid calls for tangible representation.

SBS boosts accessibility across Aussie programming slate

Ahead of the release of the second season of Squid Game, Netflix has teamed up with Duolingo to inspire fans to learn Korean. This campaign highlights the value of brands creating unique, immersive experiences that deeply connect with fans and transport them into multi-dimensional worlds.

Netflix deepens cultural immersion with Duolingo tie-up

The rise of #FilmTok has sparked a substantial shift in how young people engage with movies – both new and old. As a result, studios are catching up and attempting to incorporate the platform’s communities into their marketing strategies. But what’s the secret to success in this fast-moving space?

What’s behind the rise of #FilmTok?

Hellmann’s activation at Charli XCX’s Birmingham show tapped into the power of cultural alignment. By authentically engaging with brat culture, Hellmann's leveraged shared identity and fandom, avoiding the pitfalls of inauthentic trend-chasing that can dilute brand impact.

Hellmann’s culturally aligns with Charli XCX fans

A Powerade initiative seeks to redefine brand-athlete partnerships by placing importance on holistic wellbeing and the power of breaks. Featuring top athletes, the bold campaign aligns with a cultural shift toward people demanding that brands ‘show up’ with purpose-driven actions.

Powerade cracks 'The Athletes Code' to mental health

Cryptic restaurant reviews on Google Maps in Mandarin are being used to share honest restaurant reviews with native Mandarin speakers when travelling. Using homophones and cultural references, the comments reflect the rise of 'crafty solutionism' as people develop hacks to subvert the system.

Chinese diners are outsmarting online review censorship

Zevia’s seasonal promo taps into the power of authenticity by mocking synthetic reality. In a crowded market, the campaign aims to connect with people seeking trust, transparency, and relatability from brands, offering them an entertaining way to spark timely conversations.

Zevia targets AI fears with natural soda spot

Creators on TikTok are turning the platform into a lifeline for tackling mounting medical bills, using engaging content to generate funds through views, gifts, and rewards. With seemingly insurmountable gaps in the US healthcare system, some Americans are turning to unconventional solutions.

Americans are using TikTok to pay their medical bills

Despite the culture-defining impact of TikTok, people in the UK are increasingly drawn to long-form content. Attracted by the comfort of parasocial bonds, they also seek perspectives that feel more authentic than mainstream media. Canvas8 spoke to eight Britons to find out what keeps their attention.

Why are Britons hooked on long-form content?

Long-form content is reshaping how Americans engage with media, driven by a desire for deeper connections, escapist comfort, and self-directed learning. Canvas8 spoke to six Americans to discover how such media and comms reflect a shift toward more meaningful consumption.

Why are Americans hooked on long-form content?

Futehodo, the shortened name of a TV show about generational differences, was crowned Japan’s most popular buzzword for 2024. The result of the annual contest highlights a widening societal gap – and the opportunity to cultivate greater connections between different age groups. 

Japan’s 2024 buzzword highlights generational divide 

Boredom is rising, according to new research. Even though people are less bored now than they have been historically, the shift towards feeling bored is notable. For brands, there's an opportunity to surprise people with cultural experiences that ignite excitement and counter algorithm-led sameness.

Research on boredom highlights need for spontaneity

More Indians are tuning into podcasts across genres, including politics, entertainment, popular culture, and mythology, as interest in on-demand content rises. The key to growth in the industry? Better consideration of regional languages and other issues sidelined by popular media.

Why are Indians tuning into podcasts?

How are digital platforms providing practical tools for people to process and navigate global crises? What’s behind the rise of long-form content? Why are people prioritising comfort, joy, and creativity while spending time online? How are the preferences and demands around social media changing?

Communications Sector Snapshot: December 2024

Since posting his first TikTok on November 20th, Brewdog founder James Watt has amassed over 300,000 profile views. But rather than hopping on trends, he’s simply replicated his LinkedIn posts, feeding into a surge of work-related content and creators who deliver on Gen Z's desire for honesty.

'WorkTok' takes alt corporate culture beyond LinkedIn 

The rise of ‘brain rot’ in 2024 captures fears over the mental toll of trivial online content. Brands can capitalise on this moment by offering balanced, meaningful alternatives that cater to the growing demand for thoughtful escapism, standing out in a sea of digital chaos.





Prevalence of 'brain rot' highlights escapist desires

More Australians are supporting the under-16 social media ban just a few months after the government issued the announcement. As distrust towards the technology sector worsens, people are taking more drastic measures to protect themselves and their families from online harm.

Social media ban in Australia gains local support

Cheetos’ latest marketing stunt turns snacks into statements, reinforcing its boundary-pushing image while tapping into people’s cravings for originality and fun. The campaign capitalizes on a cultural shift toward humor-driven marketing that can ultimately translate to brand loyalty.

Cheetos adopts provocative marketing in new art display

WWF has teamed up with an award-winning animation studio to create an emotionally engaging film that raises awareness of the effects of rising ocean temperatures. Disruptive, authentic approaches like this can help brands more effectively convey their environmental messaging to sceptical audiences.

WWF crafts an emotive story to tackle climate change

IKEA has announced an exhibition in London celebrating its iconic blue shopping bag, the FRAKTA, exploring its evolution and personal stories shared by enthusiasts. As people seek new routes to connection, IKEA’s democratic design offers learning opportunities through the cult of everyday items. 

IKEA lures heritage lovers with blue bag exhibit

A survey has found that of those using TikTok as a source of inspiration while doing their holiday shopping, nearly half are looking for food and beverage-related gifts. As food intersects with other areas of culture, like fashion, high-end food and drink products are becoming status symbols.

People turn to TikTok in search of food-related gifts 

The title of Miss Universe 2024 has been taken by Denmark, and the far-right is exploiting the win to tout an 'anti-woke' agenda. The use of women’s bodies to serve political means is not new, but in Trump’s America, such ideologies are becoming more pronounced, entrenching divisions.

Far-right uses Miss Universe to promote 'anti-wokeness'

Stonegate and Heineken UK's 'Pub Alone' campaign aims to create meaningful conversations about holiday loneliness. Inspired by the classic movie Home Alone, it promotes pubs as connection hubs for young people, addressing the growing need for IRL social spaces during the festive season.

Home Alone-inspired ad highlights loneliness epidemic

With so much going on, it’s hard to keep track of endless shifts in relevance and  to make sense of whether something truly is era-defining. Our Best of Insights awards recognises 20 products, people and campaigns that broke through and mattered – and analyses how they did it. 

Who captured the zeitgeist in 2024?

Mobile operator O2 has introduced Daisy, an 'AI-powered grandma' designed to outwit phone fraudsters by engaging them in time-wasting conversations about the likes of knitting and family stories. With phone scams pervasive in Britain, Daisy is O2's approach to beating scammers at their own game.

O2 launches an 'AI grandma' amid phone fraud fears

Queer female and non-binary artists are reclaiming guitar music as an inclusive space for expression. As social media democratizes access to the world stage and as attitudes to gender and sexuality become more fluid, people are looking to see marginalized identities reflected in the mainstream.

Guitar music sees queer female-led revival

Coca-Cola’s iconic 'Holidays Are Coming' ad has made its return for 2024, but this time it’s entirely AI-generated. The modern take on a highly anticipated festive classic has faced major backlash from fans – a reaction that hints at the enduring charm and irreplaceable magic of the human touch.

Coca-Cola’s Christmas ad reinforces AI unease

A TikTok trend sees women calling out sexist behavior by joking that they’ll do it themselves, saying they work in ‘male-dominated fields’. The trend is emblematic of gender divides that are growing stronger in the United States following the 2024 presidential election.

TikTok trend has women calling out toxic behaviours 

When choosing between AI assistants, Japanese users prioritise transparency and cost over issues like environmental sustainability. As such services become normalised, people's decisions over which to use or avoid will likely be determined by their specific concerns about ethics, values, and data.

Japanese users want transparent AI assistants

Streamers are going viral on TikTok for playing Roblox’s Dress to Impress game, a competitive dress-up experience. As people look for a reprieve from their daily lives, and as economic and environmental concerns stunt fashion lovers IRL, Dress to Impress offers a fun and communal route to escapism.

Streamers playing Dress to Impress go viral 

Corporate rebrands abound, and audiences are constantly bombarded with new brand launches and a never-ending pile of names to remember. To better understand how brands can strategically use language to their advantage in capturing attention, Canvas8 spoke to marketing researcher Dr. Tanvi Gupta.

The more, the better!? The science of plural brand names

Double A, Thailand's leading paper-maker, is looking to prove the power of paper in the digital age by distributing positive hand-written messages to strangers on their daily commute. The campaign targets digital native Gen Zers, tapping into analogue media’s ability to foster connections.

Double A taps into Gen Z's nostalgia for analogue media

Hangout is an app that lets users host virtual DJ link-ups and enjoy music with friends. With trust in traditional social platforms waning, brands can lean into customization and personalization to appeal to younger audiences who want greater control and curation over their digital lives.

Hangout entices music fans with virtual DJ spaces

Supper clubs are offering an alternative to the restaurant experience without skimping on quality. In an age defined by digital interactions, some Britons are becoming exhausted by the pervasiveness of screens and are looking for more opportunities to connect IRL over a hearty meal.

How Britons are using supper clubs to beat digital fatigue

Research has revealed that teens in the US are struggling to identify false information online. It highlights the pressing need to help young people become discerning consumers of information, equipping them with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape.

US teens are vulnerable to conspiracy theories

Following Donald Trump’s election win, there has been a major uptick in searches relating to his plans to place tariffs on imported goods. This retrospective Googling points to a need for education on digital literacy and misinformation as news consumption becomes more atomized.

Tariff searches point to digital literacy challenges

In the wake of the US presidential election, interest has surged in the South Korean 4B movement – a feminist commitment that rejects interactions with men. Amid growing concern around the precarity of reproductive freedoms in America, advocates are urging radical action to preserve their rights.

US interest in the 4B movement spikes post-election

TikTok has played a significant role in raising ADHD awareness, with the platform serving as a locus of health-related information for many Gen Zers. Despite its potential to fuel misdiagnoses, people are finding relatable content that both reaffirms their identities and supports self-exploration.

TikTok is fuelling a spike in ADHD self-diagnoses

The Australian Government plans to ban social media for under-16s, citing physical and mental health risks. With social media consumption showing no signs of slowing globally and young people feeling deeply affected by platforms, there's a growing need for solutions to protect youth online.

Australia's under-16 social media ban sparks debate

According to Nielsen, the 2000s-era TV series Gilmore Girls receives an annual rise in streaming views every autumn. As people seek nostalgia, comfort, and communal celebration, brands have the opportunity to craft campaigns and activations around the show's fall-coded narratives.

Gilmore Girls spotlights enduring cozy fall vibes

Analysis of TikTok feeds in the run-up to the US presidential election highlighted a distinct gap in the political content shown to men and women across the platform. With social media serving as a political battleground, the data speaks to a widening ideological divide between genders.

Gender gap emerges in TikTok political content

In an era of declining consumer trust, an increasing number of brands are embracing strategic self-deprecation to help cut through noise. To better understand how a self-aware approach can help win over sceptical audiences, Canvas8 spoke to consumer psychologist, Vaishnavi Kale.

Who, Me?! The science of self-deprecation

Teens today view influencing as a viable career path, harnessing viral trends to build substantial followings and earn a salary previous generations could have only dreamed of. However, there's a trade-off as many big names deal with social isolation and scrutiny from peers and followers alike.

Teens seek influencer careers despite potential pitfalls

Viral animal tourism is on the rise as people travel worldwide for a glimpse of 'celebrities' like the pygmy hippo Moo Deng. The trend reflects how social media is letting individuals connect more deeply with their interests, fuelling a desire for more immersive IRL experiences.

Viral animals fuel trips to far-flung destinations

Japanese election candidates are flocking to YouTube Shorts to reach voters. While short videos boost accessibility, there are misinformation concerns about influencers and memes shaping political discourse, resulting in a push for increased media literacy for citizens based in Japan and abroad.

Short-form content boosts voter engagement in Japan

Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has defended his newspaper's decision to stop making presidential endorsements, saying the move could help restore public trust in the media. However, the immediate effect has instead been greater divisions and increased skepticism of news outlets.

Washington Post polarizes subs due to endorsement snub

A Washington Post analysis found that Republicans are posting more, getting followed more, and going viral more on X now that the world’s richest Trump supporter is running the platform. People are gathering in closed digital communities that reflect their ideologies, deepening political divides.

Republican views dominate Elon Musk's X 

'Living alone vlogs' on Xiaohongshu celebrate singlehood as a fulfilling lifestyle that emphasises economic independence and self-care. As Chinese citizens' priorities shift, more young adults are choosing to remain unmarried, reflecting women's societal roles beyond traditional expectations.

Women celebrate the joys of solo living on Xiaohongshu

As people become fatigued by their ever-present smartphones, XOR Mobile has emerged as a disruptor. Handcrafted in limited numbers, the phone targets people seeking an escape from the modern world, sitting at the intersection of technology and luxury.

How XOR Mobile turns digital detox into a British luxury

A university in Ireland now offers a bachelor's degree in content creation and social media. Addressing the growing demand for influencer careers, the program aims to equip students with the practical skills and psychological tools to navigate the challenging realities of the creator economy.

Influencer university degree launches in Ireland

Daze is a new messaging app that reimagines texting as a creative canvas with AI-powered tools. The app taps into Gen Z's desire for creative self-expression and customization in digital communications, reflecting the generation's increasing fatigue with traditional social media platforms.

Daze app platforms creative self-expression for Gen Z

Virgin Atlantic introduces BSL-trained crew, addressing communication concerns for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers. This allows marginalised travellers to feel supported and gives them autonomy and confidence to navigate a world that is often not the default for individual nuances.

Virgin Atlantic meets deaf needs with BSL-trained crew

Want to understand shifting masculine hero narratives? Struggling to get a grip on how to talk about and depict ‘maleness’? Explore our Deep Dive on masculine archetypes in 2024.

2024 Deep Dive on Masculinity 

As generational assumptions shift, brands have a unique opportunity to connect with Boomers by going beyond stereotypes and generalisations and truly understanding what they want. Our Spotlight explores how can brands help Boomers find more intensity in their Third Chapter.

Spotlight on: Boomers in the new age

Emerging technologies are reshaping creative processes, highlighting a tension between digital tools and a growing desire for authentic, human-driven output. Canvas8 spoke to cultural insider Sorrel Salb to explore the current trends and developments that are impacting the creative community.

Sorrel Salb on the impact of tech on the creative community

Following an initial venture into e-books in 2023, TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, is planning to steer its publishing arm towards print. Capitalising on a BookTok-fuelled reading renaissance, the move falls in line with shifting preferences towards analogue media, particularly among Gen Z.

Bytedance taps BookTok hype in move to print publishing

Apple’s fall from the top spot in China’s smartphone market is being attributed to economic difficulties, the introduction of comparable tech from domestic brands like Huawei, and a desire for local products. This combination portends a challenge for other premium international brands in the market.

Demand for local brands hurts Apple sales in China

Kraft Heinz is leading with loud chewing for the launch of its frozen quesadillas, getting people's visceral reactions to get them engaged. This campaign highlights how sensorial and memorable experiences may attract people's attention and how brands can make things fun.

Kraft leans into sound for crunchy frozen line

In a fresh wave of online mysticism, claims about the link between 'ancestral karma' and misaligned teeth are circulating on TikTok. With perspectives on health growing increasingly holistic, the social media-based trend speaks to an ongoing convergence of spirituality and wellness.

‘Teeth karma’ trend points to spiritual-wellness fusion

Gamification makes app use a habitual part of daily life, but as people spend more and more time within app ecosystems, the lines between escapism, ease and addiction are beginning to blur. Our Spotlight on gamification asks: how can brands use gamification to create new value and purpose for customers?

Spotlight on: Gamification for good

Glossier has launched a series of billboard and digital ads urging voter registration in key swing states ahead of the US election. As it becomes increasingly difficult for brands to dodge the crossfire of polarization, the campaign makes a case for doubling down on a clear brand purpose.

Glossier reaffirms brand politics in pre-election push

A revamped Mountain Dew logo reflects a shift from extreme solo vibes to outdoor fun with friends. Post-pandemic, people are rediscovering nature and seeking affordable time with each other. Brands are adapting, offering products and experiences that support these lifestyles and preferences.

Mountain Dew's brand refresh stresses nature and friends

Thousands of celebrity deepfakes are flooding the web, targeting would-be investors with crypto scams. As people look to the fractured digital space as an authoritative source of information and open-source AI models bring deepfakes to the fore, the scam signals a new frontier for disinformation.

Elon Musk deepfake scam stokes disinformation fears

Amid a steep decline in relevancy among younger users, Facebook has launched a redesign aimed at tapping into Gen Z’s evolving relationship with social media. In line with a broader shift towards a 'post-platform' internet culture, the changes emphasise local, community-driven features.

Facebook redesign attempts to win back Gen Z users

Research has found that American adults prefer following pop culture and entertainment accounts over politicians and journalists on TikTok. With trust in traditional institutions on the decline, people's social media habits reflect a desire for both escapism and independent sources.

American adults avoid traditional figureheads on TikTok

Several Florida-based Tiktok users opted to ignore evacuation orders for Hurricane Milton to instead document their crisis response online. In light of a steep decline in institutional faith, some people are adopting attitudes of self-reliance and turning to social media to fill the trust vacuum.

Tiktok crisis content signals new axis of misinformation

Despite the 2009 ban on the sale, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes, illegal vapes are becoming increasingly popular in Brazil as they sell through social media platforms. With people finding ways around the ban, there are differences of opinion on how to best move forward.

Brazilians use social media to hack national vape ban

The stock of gaming platform Roblox has fallen in light of allegations that it has not done enough to protect children using it. With Gen Z and Gen Alpha spending more time per day on Roblox than any other platform, their safety hinges on how Roblox responds to these accusations.

Roblox stock falls amid safety lapse allegations

Millions of TikTok users are participating in a wholesome pay-it-forward movement for moms, showing that parents deserve some love, too. In a society where the sacrifices of parenthood often go unnoticed, the trend provides a tangible way to recognize and validate the challenges of motherhood.

'She Deserved the Purse' helps mothers in need

Nintendo's success is rooted in its ability to evoke nostalgia, leverage IP, and build hype. By strategically tapping into its iconic franchises, collaborating with brands, and focusing on quality, Nintendo has cultivated a loyal fanbase and positioned itself as a leading player in gaming.

Communications