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.

To Be Magnetic, which bills itself as 'a grounded approach to manifestation rooted in psychology, neuroscience, and energetics', has seen a rise in subscriptions during the pandemic. As people strive to balance out negativity, new age practices are helping them self-actualize.

Tired of invasive 'tweakments' and miracle products, videos tapping into the power of subliminal messaging as a way to achieve aesthetic beauty goals are gaining traction online. Taking the law of attraction in its literal sense, people are manifesting everything from better skin to ideal bodies.

Changing algorithms, non-stop advertising, and the dissemination of misinformation all contribute to declining trust in social media giants. Enter the passion economy: online community platforms built around niche passions. What does this mean for the state of social play?

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 Americans and spoke to nine people to find out what they want from these platforms and why.