When author Kyle Chayka explored 2010s minimalism in Longing for Less, a very different world existed. Today, a polycrisis-ridden and digitally saturated society finds people yearning for more. Whether you chalk it up to post-pandemic release or a general sense of impending doom, people are now looking for a...

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

Netflix is rolling out immersive experience venues themed after its major franchises likeStranger ThingsandBridgertonin the US. People are increasingly prioritizing experiential travel experiences that can transport them to the worlds of their favorite films and series.

Airbnb has rolled out an experiential accommodation category that lets fans vacation in the worlds they're obsessed with. As fandom cultures grow and become an essential part of self-expression, people are looking for more immersive ways to experience and express the strength of their fandoms.

Netflix is serving fans an immersive dining experience that showcases celebrity chefs from its top culinary shows. By offering screen-to-table dishes, the platform is acknowledging the deep levels of fandom that exist for many of its shows, deepening these connections with IRL experiences.

Microsoft is getting deeper into gaming by acquiring games developer Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. The move comes as the pandemic has supercharged gaming behaviours online, leading many to see gaming as the driving force behind – and indicator of future needs within – the metaverse.