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.

Diverse representation is an expectation, but as individuals no longer allow themselves to be defined in singular terms, there's mounting pressure on brands to understand and sensitively reflect how the intersections between race, gender, class, and ability impact people's everyday lives.

Ramadan is a time to connect with loved ones, give back to the community, and reflect. But in the middle of a pandemic, it's difficult if not impossible to gather with family or take part in charity work. To help people bring these practices online, Instagram has launched its #MonthOfGood campaign.

People around the world are grappling with lockdown restrictions, but not all their needs are identical. At a time when blanket support can drown out the more nuanced needs of consumers, Morrisons has launched a ‘Ramadan Essentials’ food box to support Muslims observing Ramadan.

The Snapchat community in Saudi Arabia is thriving, despite fierce competition from other apps. By creating a safe space for online self-expression and connectivity, while also providing relevant and localised content, the app is resonating with young Saudis while being mindful of the country’s culture.

With the pandemic having turned life upside down, how are people responding when their beloved rituals get disrupted? Canvas8 spoke to Daniel Stein from the University of California about the importance of rituals in modern life and why altering them can make people upset.