As the new post-pandemic normal settles in and people adapt to a context of uncertainty, constant adversities, and pessimism, we are moving away from a moment in which consumers expected brands to rise up to society's challenges and into one when they’re demanding genuine allyship from businesses.

For Valentine’s Day, Burger King is letting singletons trade in a picture of their ex for a burger. As young people increasingly eschew traditional celebrations of love, brands are looking beyond heart balloons and roses to make Valentine’s Day messaging more relevant.

Across the US, people rank Valentine's Day as the least special holiday of the year. With many disappointed by previous Valentine's efforts from their partners and viewing the day as too commercial, brands can rekindle the spark by refocusing expectations and celebrating authentic connections.

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.

As big cities across the globe transform, many hospitality businesses are struggling to survive. Despite this, NYC slice shop Joe’s Pizza has built a strong brand identity rooted in history and legacy by understanding the needs of its customers and their desire for comfort and familiarity.