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.

The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

Why do the SDGs need to be more of a priority? How will people take a stand against systemic dysfunctionality? And what role will tech play in raising protestors' voices? In this part of the 2023 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about how despair and instinct are shaping citizenship.

A study is challenging the idea that becoming an influencer is an aspirational career path among many young people. The findings suggest that Gen Zers yearn for participation in movements greater than themselves and that more relatable influencers foster the greatest trust and engagement.

YSL has launched an educational campaign in China to help women recognise the early signs of violence as a part of its Abuse is Not Love campaign. By empowering women and championing emotional support, the brand is emphasising its values and helping to cultivate real societal change.

Discover Forgiveness, an initiative of the Templeton World Charity Foundation, is an interactive tool that provides access to research on forgiveness to the public. Amid global crises and widespread polarization, how can brands address societal rifts and support those struggling with mental health?