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

A Heinz advert for its “family-size” pasta sauce has received backlash for allegedly perpetuating the racist stereotype of the absent Black father. People are demanding greater social and cultural fluency and responsibility, meaning harmful advertising can no longer fly under the radar.

Heinz ad faces backlash for "racist stereotyping"

Service provider Optus is doubling down on its commitment to the Australian small business community with its new campaign. As many owners struggle with the economic challenges of running a small business, the company shows an empathetic understanding and provides tangible support. 

Optus goes 'All In' on supporting Australian SMEs

With social media consumption shows no sign of slowing, conversations about its ramifications on mental health become vital. Canvas8 sat down with Dr. Bre Mertz to explore these impacts, envision "social media wellness," and unpack opportunities for brands in this space.

Life beyond scrolling! The science of healthy social media

Japanese start-up Irori Corp. has launched Crafty, a social media platform dedicated to crafters and artisans. Building on the domestic success of alternative social media apps, it’s offering a niche and empathetic community for the country’s side hustlers and small-business owners.

Crafty helps Japanese artisans build community

Twitch streamer Ironmouse, known for her signature anime avatar, has broken the record for most subscribers. As trust in public figures declines, relationships with influencers are changing, and increasingly, people are seeking out emerging icons who break the mold, do good, and feel relatable.

Ironmouse becomes most subscribed-to streamer on Twitch

Renowned as a hotbed of stan culture, Brazil’s suspension of X has sparked a decline in fandom engagement online. As core accounts take their fandom to new spaces, the opportunity for brands to fill the void by offering fresh and authentic ways of connecting and expressing their passion is clear.

X ban in Brazil sparks decline in online fan engagement

Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Georgia in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene is stoking polarization amid the presidential race. The disaster is accelerating people’s distrust of institutions, and they’ll be expecting brands to fill the gaps in societal leadership.

Hurricane Helene response becomes election battleground

The Australian government has introduced an industry code that requires dating apps to implement more robust safety measures to protect users. While efforts have largely focused on encouraging awareness and action, brands looking to eradicate harm will need to employ a whole-systems approach.

Australia codifies dating app protection for user safety

The new dating app After is working to tackle ghosting by encouraging users to be more honest about their reasons for unmatching one another. However, with dating app fatigue at a high, the new app may still not give people the sort of control and choice they’re actually looking for.

Texas-based dating app aims to stop ghosting 

The "After Hitler" exhibition in Bonn examines the history of a post-Hitler and post-holocaust Germany as the far-right populist party Alternative for Germany gains momentum. Amid Europe's polarised political climate, brands can build bridges and foster healthy political discourse.


"After Hitler" exhibition reflects on Germany's politics

Photographer Guillaume Blot’s exploration of authentic French bistros highlights a growing yearning for comfort, stability, and slower-paced lifestyles. The resurgence of Caffs and McDonald’s nostalgic ads shows how brands can tap into people’s desire to escape modernity by connecting them to past eras.

Photographic series "Rades" taps into French nostalgia

Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda received an Emmy for her documentary chronicling life in Gaza amid the ongoing occupation. Owda faced a campaign to have her nomination rescinded, but her win highlights how alternative voices can challenge the mainstream while still reaching broad audiences.

Journalist wins Emmy for on-the-ground reporting in Gaza

Reddit has introduced an AI feature that can translate posts and comments into different languages. As people increasingly seek out multicultural social media experiences, there’s an opportunity for brands to empower users with the tools to co-create their own global villages.

Reddit weaves global communities with AI translation

giffgaff’s latest ad taps on the comeback of humour in advertising as a fairy in a flower field turns out to simply be an over-enthusiastic telco user. People are seeking lighthearted relief from stressful times, and comedy deployed effectively can help brands appeal to the desire for levity.

giffgaff ad embraces resurgence of humour in advertising

Fair Luxury x The Goldsmiths' Centre taps ethical responsibility in luxury jewellery. The partnership responds to people's growing demand for eco-conscious offerings and ethical responsibility, aiming to set high standards of transparency from jewellery providers.

Ethical jewellery collective spotlights eco-values

The brainchild of start-up Koodos Labs, Shelf is a social app connecting people with similar media preferences. As Gen Zers feel increasingly disconnected from the ‘social’ in social media, they’re looking for digital safe havens that allow their personalities and interests to shine.

Shelf helps Gen Z build community around media tastes

In the US, restaurants are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence hosts to address high volumes of customer phone calls. As AI grows in ubiquity, people continue to grapple with the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the impact of AI in society and everyday life.

More US restaurants using AI hosts to answer phone calls

Instagram has recently launched 'Teen Accounts' to offer a safer, more supervised app experience. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha continue to grapple with mental health exacerbated by social media, Big Tech is facing intense scrutiny from the government and parents alike to protect younger users.

Instagram's 'Teen Accounts' put parents in control

Electronic Arts, creator of video game The Sims, announced that The Sims 4 will have a feature that allows certain content creators to create and sell their own add-ons to the game. With personalisation the norm, user-generated content is helping to give the gaming community flexibility and control.

The Sims platforms in-game creative content creators 

Research has disproved the 'go woke, go broke' catchphrase, showing that inclusivity in advertising has a positive brand impact. As polarisation grows, many brands have taken a step back from signalling support for social causes, but this research further demonstrates the benefits of taking a stand.

Research proves positive brand impact of inclusive ads

A new Virgin Active campaign takes aim at unlicensed wellness advice, urging people to “leave the cult” and “join the club” when it comes to health. As people grow weary of fleeting wellness fads, they’re seeking a more accessible approach to fitness that centres self-care before self-optimisation.

Virgin Active targets harmful fitness fads

AI-powered creative app Verse facilitates fuss-free self-expression by allowing users to create scrollable, shareable, multi-modal mini-sites. While sensitivity remains around how AI will impact human creativity, Verse positions generative technology as an aide to everyday creative potential.

Verse app platforms Gen Z creativity with AI

After AI-generated images of Taylor Swift supporting Donald Trump swirled the web, the singer officially announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris and condemned the spread of misinformation. As the political stakes get higher, people are increasingly expecting celebrities to do their part.

Taylor Swift declares support for Kamala Harris

Amid the rising popularity of microdramas, brands like KFC are increasingly embracing microdrama marketing. Through its "Reincarnation: Don’t Mess with the Foodie Empress”, KFC fosters more genuine connections with viewers through engaging branded content.

KFC releases microdrama for genuine connection

Beauty creator Golloria George has lauded Rhode founder Hailey Bieber for swiftly addressing her criticisms about the brand’s lack of inclusive formulations for its blush line. The viral exchange highlights the loyalty and trust pay-offs when brands pass the mic and listen with intention.

Rhode’s inclusion boost helps beauty buffs feel heard

Video games are becoming a strategic tool in elections, with figures like Donald Trump using gaming spaces to engage voters. Despite some controversy, this shift signifies that diverse digital platforms, including games, could significantly shape future election strategies and voter engagement.

Video games emerge as key tool in election strategies

After being discontinued in 2017, J.Crew is bringing back its catalog – a once-beloved staple of 90s American style. In a bid to escape the digital deluge, people are seeking out slower and more intentional modes of consumption, finding a sense of grounding in the analog.

J.Crew catalog re-launch taps analog newstalgia

Interest-based apps are seeing strong growth in monthly users, suggesting that people are turning to these platforms as new social hubs. Fatigue towards legacy social media shows no signs of slowing, and there’s an opportunity for brands to facilitate digital community-building in meaningful ways.

People flock to niche apps for their social media fix

Prada has launched a hotline connecting callers with writer Miranda July to recreate the conversations at the heart of their latest campaign. With the lines between artist and audience blurring, people are seeking more participatory ways to engage with media and get a peek behind the scenes.

Prada campaign lets fans join the conversation 

Research has found that social media posts of a destination can make the spot less appealing to other visitors. With digital discovery placing much of the world at our fingertips, exclusivity is harder to attain, and people are looking for choices off the beaten path to signal their individuality.

Destination selfies deter potential visitors

Brazil has blocked access to social media platform X after Elon Musk failed to meet legal requirements, furthering debates over free speech and misinformation. While many users have migrated to alternatives like Threads and Bluesky, the ban has left Brazilians feeling disconnected.

Brazilians feel disconnected following X blockade

How will AI impact creativity in 2025? What challenges are shaping perceptions of reality, fiction, and branding? How should brands adapt to evolving privacy preferences and authenticity demands? Three industry leaders explore the key factors that will impact the communications industry next year.

2025 Expert Outlook on Communications

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.

How Nintendo used nostalgia to become the UK gamer go-to

In a stagnating toy market, LEGO has managed to remain relevant in modern times. Enjoyed by both adults and kids alike, the beloved bricks demonstrate how to engage cross-generational fans across multiple platforms through contemporary collaborations and consumer co-creation.

How LEGO engineered enduring appeal in the digital era

Down under, Australia is feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis. While tightening their belts, they’re also manifesting their aspirations online through Pinterest – surpassing half a billion users in 2024. What does this exhibit about what Aussies are looking for in online platforms?

How Pinterest inspires Aussies through lifestyle curation

Instagram has released a new slate of text-based creative tools for users to apply across their content on the platform. The update is yet another step in Instagram’s active transformation into a more creator-centric platform, offering a variety of tools designed to appeal to content creators.

Instagram update courts desires for creative flexibility

Telegram groups have been spreading nonconsensual deepfake sexual images across South Korea, and the authorities have vowed to crack down on these sex crimes. Technology offers ample opportunity for abuse, and platforms like Telegram need to find a way to protect their users. 

Korean authorities to crack down on digital sex crimes

Software with voice input, accessible on phones, is helping foreign workers at a nursing home in Japan. The tech aims to clear the language barrier and reduce its staff’s workload. As expectations of employers increase, support and upskilling can lead to greater satisfaction and retention of staff.

Tech supports foreign staff in Japanese nursing home

Feeld, a dating app catering to the vastness of human experience and relationships, sponsored an off-Broadway play called Pretty Perfect Lives. As many grow tired of being bombarded with advertising content, sponsoring cultural production is a more organic, grassroots way of reaching audiences.

Feeld soothes ad fatigue with off-Broadway sponsorship

Survey data shows that American Gen Zers are increasingly relying on social commerce for their holiday shopping sprees. In line with young people’s changing festive shopping habits, there’s an opportunity to get creative with interactive immersion to augment the joys of holiday gifting.

Gen Z take social-first approach to holiday shopping

TikTok creators are taking part in debates on the platform in the run-up to the US presidential election. These ‘political battlers’ are building new modes for political engagement and making up to $7000 a month through virtual gifts, but concerns remain about moderation and misinformation.

'Political battlers’ mix democracy with entertainment

M&S’s back-to-school campaign, ‘School Happens,’ captures the everyday chaos of school life. By focusing on the durability of its uniforms, M&S taps into parents’ focus on quality and value, offering a relatable take on what kids – and their clothing – really go through during the school year.

M&S shows durability and value in back to school spot

Indians are increasingly drawn to exclusivity, customisation, and status when it comes to their gadgets, opening doors for high-end phones and specialised services. Leading this shift in the country are brands like Apple and Samsung, which are considered luxury products.

How are phones transforming into personal assets for Indians?

As the ‘demure’ trend continues to take the internet by storm, Netflix has tapped the viral creator responsible for the TikTok phenomenon for a partnership. While numerous brands rushed to hop onto the trend and make it their own, Netflix chose to go directly to the source.

Netflix taps viral creator to curate 'demure' collection

Apple's new short film, The Relay, showcases athletes of all abilities competing side by side, with disabled athletes using accessibility features to assist in their preparation. The film highlights elite athleticism and the importance of inclusive, convenient technology.

Apple showcases athletic diversity in latest campaign

Modern homesteading has entered the public consciousness, and a budding community of young male creators is building an online niche around their efforts to live off the land. With ongoing systemic failures driving down faith in institutions, interest is growing in more self-sufficient lifestyles.

Off-the-grid homesteaders promote autonomous living

The internet has become obsessed with being ‘very demure, very mindful’ after creator @joolieannie showed followers how to be demure at work. Despite its satirical origins, the trend speaks to young people’s interrogation of tradition, even if they’re complying with the conventions they poke fun at.

'Very demure' gives workplace culture a viral glow up

A budding online community is forming around cozy gaming – a genre of low-stakes, non-violent video games designed for relaxation. As myriad global crises drive stress levels to new heights, people are retreating into calming hobbies and re-centering their pastimes around community and wellbeing.

Cozy-gaming community spotlights escapist hobbies

Olympic diver Tom Daley is the face of Malibu's water safety campaign, addressing research that shows many Brits drink before swimming. The initiative combines video messages and custom products to promote responsible behaviour around water, highlighting the dangers of mixing alcohol and swimming.

Tom Daley and Malibu target water safety with summer ad

After merging with Virgin Media to become one of the UK’s go-to mobile and broadband brands, O2 has adopted smart marketing strategies and a focus on customer care to capture the market. What does its approach tell us about supporting Britons and deepening connections amid financial hardship?

How O2's community care efforts aid burdened Britons

An emerging wave of content creators is drawing attention to ‘unschooling’, a flexible education system that rejects the standard syllabus. After significant pandemic learning losses, Gen Alpha's education remains a topic of concern, and parents are seeking alternative learning methods.  

‘Unschooling’ influencers promote flexible learning

Noplace is a social media app that has captivated the hearts and minds of socially curious Gen Zers. By providing a platform for creative expression and a valuable way to connect with friends, it evokes nostalgia for early internet communities and fulfills a desire for authentic interaction.

How social platform Noplace is bringing joy to Gen Z

Videos of Gen Y parents hilariously struggling to converse in Gen Alpha lingo are making the rounds online. As younger generations’ niche slang enter the mainstream, there’s an opportunity for brands to play the role of translator and help parents bridge the gap in understanding.

Gen Alpha slang is impacting parent-child dynamics

The wedding conventions of a new generation are beginning to take shape as Gen Zers start tying the knot. In line with a broader shift away from the overly polished visuals of the 2010s, wedding content is growing increasingly unfiltered as fiancées adopt a curated anti-curation approach.

Gen Z weddings reflect new modes of social performance

The Indian government proposed and quickly withdrew a bill targeting influencers, raising concerns about digital freedoms. With social media enabling decentralised and more open forms of news reporting, new tensions are likely to arise between state-sponsored media and creator culture.

Broadcasting bill raises transparency concerns in India

Reddit has seen a surge in daily active users in the second quarter of 2024, driven largely by its popularity as a user-generated search engine. As faith in legacy social media wanes, a post-platform era is taking shape, and users are increasingly seeking out smaller, community-based online spaces.

Reddit’s UGC focus appeals to authenticity-seeking users

Ahead of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, Greenpeace has launched a campaign calling out global leaders complicit in plastic pollution. People are searching for ways to streamline their recycling habits, and brands can stand out by highlighting the importance of collective participation.

Greenpeace spotlights urgency of collective action

An entertainment company has introduced a new benefit to encourage people to explore and expand their social lives comfortably. As people prioritise personal relationships and expect workplaces to offer holistic benefits, this move highlights the creative ways employers can retain talent.

'Tinder Leave' offers employees social life perks

Overwhelmed by tech dread and isolation, Gen Z is seeking quality connections with an offline element. Enter online communities that help people bond over shared interests and facilitate IRL meet-ups. How are these groups bringing back lost third spaces, and how can brands get involved?

How young people find communities in online third spaces

Right-wing rioters turned to Telegram to organise and spread misinformation. With mainstream social media platforms under scrutiny for their role in monitoring and mitigating the spread of disinformation, the use of Telegram speaks to a hacker mindset when it comes to subverting safeguarding online.

Right-wing rioters hack social safeguarding via Telegram

Anti-immigration violence in the UK has significantly impacted high streets, with local small businesses bearing the brunt of the damage. In the face of fragmentation, brands have the opportunity to make their values clear and help local communities repair and heal their streets. 

Far-right riots highlight need to rebuild community

Across the US, climate disasters fueled by Big Oil will be shown on billboards in California, New York, Arizona, and Philadelphia as part of the Make Polluters Pay campaign. With greenwashing a major concern, direct communications can cut through cynicism while holding polluters to account.

OOH billboards reflect new expectations of climate comms

Prada Group has reported double-digit revenue growth in the first half of 2024. Thanks to an incisive and culturally relevant brand-building playbook – particularly in the APAC region – it is countering challenges faced by competitors amid a global decline in the sector.

Prada hits the right note with APAC's luxury shoppers

Indian Edtech juggernaut Vedantu offers services such as preparation for competitive exams and traditional academic disciplines. Bridging the gap associated with rural India’s internet infrastructure, the brand is implementing hybrid learning approaches that blend online and offline education.

Communications