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.

The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

Smart home technology is being incorporated into people's living spaces as effortlessly as everyday household appliances. As the sector sees growth and innovation, Matter is helping users overcome digital fatigue by creating seamless networks of gadgets within their homes.

Concerns around data have made people more distrustful of tech. Despite this, companies like Spotify are winning people over via a humanised approach to data handling, with users enjoying the packaging of their data in ways that reveal deeper insights into who they are.

In the age of contact-tracing apps and high-profile data breaches, most people say they’re concerned about data privacy – but their actions don’t always align with their beliefs. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Kirk Plangger to find out why people have such divergent attitudes to data privacy.

As AI increasingly seeps into everyday life, emerging tech seems to orbit around these developments. However, do we really need more Alexa-style gadgets in our homes? Canvas8 spoke to digital sociologist Yolande Strengers to understand what kind of tech people really want in their households.