People are taking a patchwork approach to self-expression to feel like they have control over how their identity is generated. Yet as individual expression becomes more mutable and mistrust in social systems abounds, there’s one place above all that people are seeking integrity and guidance: brands.

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.

Adobe has launched a family of AI creative cloud tools called Firefly, trained with stock images to avoid copyright backlash. This innovation provides a new way of working for artists without technical expertise while avoiding the potential for plagiarism and questions around ownership.

From ChatGPT to Reddit and TikTok, people are diversifying how they seek information in a fragmented tech landscape. Canvas8 spoke to eight Americans about their opinions on conventional search engines and the alternatives they use to obtain accurate and customized answers on the web.

Developed using AI, TikTok’s ultra-realistic Bold Glamour filter has garnered widespread criticism for perpetuating toxic beauty standards. Alongside the fuss surrounding ChatGPT, the backlash also speaks to people’s bubbling anxieties about AI encroaching upon human identities.

Hendrick’s has launched ‘Chat G&T’ to poke fun at AI developments that have seen companies race to impress audiences with chatbots. Stepping back from the debates around AI's potential benefits and pitfalls, the campaign offers some light-hearted commentary on the cultural mood.