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.

The self-made mythos is as powerful as ever, despite societal upheaval testing its limits. Even mundane pastimes have been monetised as people cash in on massive audiences and leave no niche unexplored. Selling out is no longer a source of embarrassment, it’s just what makes the world go round.

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.

Disinformation spreads like wildfire on social media, especially when it’s fueled by dark money and content farms. But what happens when generative AI like ChatGPT makes creating such material as easy as hitting enter? And what role can brands play in combating this worrying trend?

German artist Boris Eldagsen has rejected a prestigious photography award, revealing that his submission was AI-generated – a bid to make a point about AI ethics and art. Amid growing concerns around generative AI, there's a need for more substantial regulations to make the tech more trustworthy.

A Bloomberg poll has revealed that 40% of investors believe targeting a job in healthcare is the best way for Gen Alphas to AI-proof their career prospects. With the proliferation of AI raising various concerns, brands have the chance to help young people choose careers with longevity.

Mpathic is a software that aims to improve the quality of workplace communication by suggesting ways that users can rewrite their messages to sound friendlier and more approachable. Amid remote working and increased digital communication, soft skills are growing in importance.