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.

Against a backdrop of uncertainty, people are searching for new sources of control and stability. Where science and ancient wisdom have been conventionally pitted against one another, many are moving towards an integrated approach to authority that draws from the best of both worlds.

From politics to geography to core values, America is dividing into two hostile groups, and the split is cracking the very foundations of American society. As partisans sort themselves into different echo chambers and separate neighborhoods, the urgent question is: is there any way out?

Channel 5's Gonzo-style YouTube mini-documentaries and off-the-wall interviews at controversial events have seen it amass a cult following. Through relatable content and a subversion of traditional news media, it's able to broadcast raw and unfiltered stories that feel true to life.

A survey has revealed that American faith in societally important institutions continues to fall, with trust in some – like Big Tech and public schools – at an all-time low. Americans are looking towards peer-to-peer recommendations, putting their faith in smaller spheres of influence.

Political polarization in the US is fueling heated debates and widespread outrage around censorship – whether that's in the form of deplatforming or book bans. But who is being most deeply impacted by such restrictions? And what can brands do to navigate tensions around free speech and self-expression?