Memes are synonymous with Gen Z communication and dating app Schmooze is using them to match potential partners. As people experience swipe fatigue, using memes to connect people via collective cultural moments and tropes taps into a love of absurdist humor.

They may be the communication form of choice for many digital natives, but do young people recognise the civic power of memes and hashtags? Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Paul Mihailidis to learn how teens relate to these online ecosystems and the impact of digital interventions on their attitudes.

What do people expect in return for sharing their online information? Why are humorous adverts standing out in a time of crisis? How are Gen Zers expressing themselves digitally to compensate for a lack of IRL interaction? And why might brands want to lend their voice to the little guy?

TikTok has emerged as having the most fun and entertaining ads of all social media platforms according to a survey on consumer attitudes. The high engagement levels on the platform as well as being dominated by Gen Z humour gives it a unique advantage in creating cultural moments.