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.

A study has shown that many Brazilians think the internet has contributed to deteriorating political debates, with some toxic behaviours among Brazilians helping to shut down political conversations. However, data signals that people are willing to find common ground to bridge social divisions.

Since John Fetterman was elected as a Senator for his state, his victory has resonated far beyond local borders. Displaying a shaved head, goatee, tattoos, and a fondness for hoodies, he’s digging into new issues and reaching a wider audience of American voters. So what does he stand for?

As polarisation makes controversy inevitable, some brands may grow stronger by allowing themselves to sit at the centre of this discourse. Canvas8 spoke to Cristel Russell, professor of marketing at Pepperdine University, to find out how brands can navigate controversy in a crowded marketplace.

Bud Light's partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney has received a polarized reception, sparking backlash among Republicans while resonating with many women and young people. As political divides grow, brands are increasingly expected to be transparent and proactive in their values.