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.

COVID-19 could potentially reshape people’s shopping habits based on the way that businesses respond to the crisis. Canvas8 spoke to semiotics expert Soma Ghosh to learn how brands are honing their communications to reassure and empower audiences – and win their loyalty in the process.

In the Understanding Allyship Deep Dive, we explore how brands reacted to the BLM protests in 2020, unpicking how people want them to show support and the consequences of offering only surface-level action. What role should individuals and businesses play in tackling social issues?

The Russian decision to invade Ukraine has led to outcries and recrimination from many. In times of crisis, people want to see brands step up to support afflicted communities and they're increasingly critical of moves that feel rushed or executed to virtue signal instead of to serve.

Light-hearted deepfake app Reface is becoming a serious source of anti-war information and support on an international scale. People across Europe are feeling connected to the crisis in Ukraine and want groups, brands, and even their government to respond to the country’s plight.