Aware of hidden agendas, people no longer believe in the possibility of absolute truth or complete transparency from institutions, public figures, and individuals. Yet they are still drawn to honesty, integrity, and – at times – even vulnerability, which they expect from peers and brands alike.

BeReal is a social media app that hinges on the principle of scarcity. By limiting posts to one a day, it encourages users to share a snapshot of their daily lives in real-time rather than curating an idealized feed – a reflection of how demands for authenticity may reshape online communications.

Dubbed the anti-Instagram, social media app BeReal is breaking the stream of curated grids. With a once-a-day post model, users are encouraged to share mundane moments, breaking away from the pressures of polished posts, creating opportunities for brands to lean into less glamorous social sharing.

Gas is a social media platform beloved by US high schoolers that encourages them to say nice things about each other. Young people are increasingly disillusioned by legacy social media and are turning to alternatives that allow for more candid interaction and legitimate connections.

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 Britons and spoke to eight people to find out what they want from these platforms and why.