Automated in-store services mean people are losing an element of human interaction while grocery shopping. French supermarket chain Carrefour is hoping to find a balance with its ‘Blabla’ checkouts, where customers can take their time to chat with the cashier and have more meaningful interactions.

Happy and Childless is an app that aims to help childless adults form connections with others – attempting to combat loneliness among those who've lost touch with friends due to parenting. Gen Yers are also having children later and less often, and are looking for communities in unconventional ways.

In the US, Gen Zers are the loneliest generation. While always-on digital communities are frequently blamed, pandemic lockdowns and turbulent world events have also taken their toll. What can brands do to help people foster deeper connections and more enriching relationships?

The pandemic has shown that many people experience extreme loneliness despite having access to online support networks and virtual events. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Luke Fernandez and Dr. Susan Matt to understand emotional and social fulfillment, and what it means in the digital age.