 that, by 2030, we’ll lose 50 million years of work and productivity to such illnesses, and 

 saying the responsibility for managing their wellbeing should be shared between employer and employee, mental health is no longer just a concern for doctors and charities. People now want companies to help tackle the anxiety epidemic.

 think mental health is properly represented in advertising, but some open-minded brands are listening to social chatter and putting mental health at the centre of campaigns, even bringing it to the high street. M&S is making mental health visible with its ‘Frazzled cafés’, which offer safe spaces to discuss anxiety and other issues, while L’Oréal has set up its own 

, providing mentorship to 10,000 young adults.

While social media has been held partially responsible – 27% of teens who use social media for more than three hours a day have symptoms of mental health issues and 80% of women say Insta adds pressure to be the perfect mum – these platforms are now playing an important role in changing the conversation. Facebook encourages users to 

 aims to raise awareness of mental health by getting users to vlog about their experiences, and 

 anyone who searches for a banned hashtag (#thinspo or #selfharm) to a support system.

The global cost of mental healthcare is set to exceed $6 trillion by 2030, and as dementia, depression and anxiety afflict a greater number of people, it’s unlikely that existing treatment options will be able to meet demand. Can tech, drugs or video games provide a viable alternative?

What’s the future of mental health?

The modern world offers much to be celebrated for young adults, yet many are struggling to stay positive. The ‘All Worth It’ campaign from the Prince’s Trust and L’Oréal Paris seeks to tackle this. How is it helping anxious Gen Zers at a time when it’s easy to be bogged down by an uncertain future?

All Worth It: L’Oréal turns self-doubt into self-worth

Young activist Aditi Mayer is empowering a new generation of climate enthusiasts to lead lasting changes that leave no one behind. By recognising the interconnected nature of oppression and climate justice, Mayer inspires collective action by weaving narratives that span climate, craft, and culture.

How Aditi Mayer sees a better climate future with Gen Z

A renewed interest in theatres post-pandemic, Japanese box office dominance, cultural sentimentalities, and innovative storytelling marked Godzilla’s 70th anniversary. How did Godzilla Minus One comfort audiences globally during a time of permacrisis, and what does this say about moviegoers today?

How Godzilla Minus One helps people cope with permacrisis

How is Japan’s shrinking, ageing population impacting locals’ decisions? Are government efforts to regulate work hours actually leading to shifts in Japan’s notoriously overworked society? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore the behavioural norms shared by people in Japan in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of Japan: 2024

After a drastic makeover went viral, Westerners flocked to Xiaohongshu (also known as Red), a Chinese social networking app, in search of makeover tips. They’ve also delighted in Red users’ honest but not unkind feedback, a byproduct of Chinese culture that is seeing growing appreciation globally.

Why Xiaohongshu’s Chinese users are consulted for frank makeovers

Apple TV's documentary Girls State delves into the experiences of ethnically and ideologically diverse teenage girls participating in a week-long immersive program in Missouri. Media brands have the opportunity to innovate with Gen Z girls' political, social, and emotional empowerment.

‘Girls State’ spotlights Gen Z girls’ political power

Germany has earned its reputation as a prosperous and generous nation in recent history. But with an economic crisis affecting how its citizens shop, spend, and save, how are German attitudes to charity changing? And what can brands do to keep the flame of altruism alive?

Germans stay generous despite economic and political woes

As climate change continues to be front of mind for many, people are looking for ways to cut food waste and introduce more sustainable diets. Tapping into this, FreshDirect has released a meat alternative made from mushroom stalks, which are often discarded in the food manufacturing process.

FreshDirect's mushroom meat tackles food waste

The number of EV chargers in California is slowly catching up to the number of gas stations, pointing to a turning point for a major barrier to EV adoption. While charging infrastructure is improving, consumers are still looking for innovation to help make EV charging frictionless and efficient.

California's EV chargers point to mass adoption

International fashion brands’ sustainability strategies sometimes fail in China because they are unaware of the local culture. What is the modern narrative Chinese people seek regarding the environment, and how can brands understand their consumption attitudes and behaviour toward being eco-minded?

Why is localisation the key to sustainable fashion for Chinese shoppers?

With violence against women showing no signs of abating, public safety concerns persist. The Sorority, a French initiative that now reaches a global audience, aims to combat sexual harassment through bystander intervention, offering a tool to cultivate community while mobilising collective action.

Why The Sorority builds a women’s global support network

Nestle has launched Espresso in India in an effort to meet a growing demand for premium coffee in the country. This launch aims to elevate the brand’s coffee experience with a sustainable twist and appeal to value-driven consumers who are seeking local-driven luxury products.

Nestle launches premium sustainable coffee range in India

A 200-year-old Japanese ceramics company has seen its stock prices double as a result of its products having newfound use as heat dissipators in AI server farms. The convergence of traditional craftsmanship and new technologies raises questions about how we best tackle AI energy consumption.

Japanese ceramics help to reduce heat caused by AI

Tapping into contemporary concerns about political polarisation, A24’s action film Civil War is sparking mixed reactions due to its apparent lack of a political stance. Brands can craft nuanced, provocative messaging that resonates with audiences for inclusive, anti-war themes.

Civil War’s subversion divides audiences

As the cost of living crisis overlaps with environmental concerns, people are struggling to action eco habits. However, brands such as Hellmann’s are raising awareness, particularly among Gen Z of the connection between reducing food waste and money saving with the latest sneaker concept.

Hellmann’s raises food waste awareness with new sneaker 

Portraying herself as the all-American E-girl next door, June Lapine aka Shoe is disrupting existing narratives about LeftTube, gender, pop culture, and expected progressive positions. What can brands learn from her idiosyncratic content to authentically engage younger audiences?

Why Shoe’s 'bimbo populism' engages diverse fan bases

Short and long breaks usually offer a chance for relaxation and recharging, but it’s a different story for travellers with disabilities. With inclusivity the word on everyone’s lips, how are UK travel brands working to open up travel for people with disabilities and is enough being done?

How can travel brands open up to people with disabilities?

The United Auto Workers achieved a landmark victory in Tennessee, securing unionization at a Volkswagen facility with a resounding vote, marking a significant shift in the traditionally anti-union South. Increased labor militancy is challenging corporate leaders to rethink their approach to work.

UAW historic win marks turning point for US labour

As young people contend with increasing dissatisfaction due to rising costs and life challenges, they're seeking avenues to regain control. This shift is motivating them to turn to activities like marathon running, and they're challenging the sport's fixation on health benefits alone.

Young people are running marathons to cope with pressure

To mark its 100th anniversary, Unilever's LUX has joined forces with VML Singapore to create 100 new, empowering names for Chinese women. Drawing attention to the harmful impact of names with outdated and even sexist meanings, the brand joins an effort to rework attitudes to gender and femininity.

Campaign highlights the damaging impact of sexist names 

John Lewis Partnership has published job interview questions online in full view of applicants (and everyone else), seeking to make the interview process less daunting. Old workplace norms are eroding as employers turn to a more skills-based hiring process to better identify talent.

John Lewis publishes interview questions to calm nerves

Seventeen's global rise in K-pop defies norms, resonating deeply with fans through self-produced music and genuine connections. Despite K-pop's evolving landscape, their commitment to quality and authenticity sets them apart, bridging cultural gaps and inspiring loyalty worldwide.

How Seventeen charms fans with their perpetual authentic K-pop shine

Climate anxiety is significantly impacting the way people shop. From greenwashing to 'greenhushing', brands and businesses have consistently put profit before people and the planet – something that needs to change as conscious shoppers push back and demand demonstrable eco action.

How climate anxiety impacts shopping behaviours

Amid the housing crisis in America, compact and tiny living spaces are gaining popularity as people are priced out of typical US homes. Tiny home supplier Cosmic Buildings simplifies access to ADUs with modular homes, customisable eco-friendly features, and off-grid options that reduce labour.

Cosmic Buildings make tiny eco-smart homes a reality in the US

Australian broadcaster SBS announced on Earth Day that one of its cooking shows has become the first in the world to measure its carbon footprint actively. With the film and TV industry having a notable impact on emissions, it shows how other broadcasters can take a greener approach to production.

Australian TV show is the first to measure carbon footprint

Bluey, an Australian animated children’s television series, is a global sensation that follows the adventures of a Blue Heeler dog family in Brisbane. Purportedly a ‘kids’ show,’ it’s widely beloved for its essences of childhood imagination, authentic adult life, and minority representation.

Why Bluey is a kids’ show representing real Aussie life

J-pop singer Crystal Kay’s comeback rides a wave of 2000s nostalgia, ignited by the viral TikTok remix of her 2003 hit ‘Boyfriend (Part II).’ Kay’s enduring charm now bridges generations and showcases J-pop’s international allure as a testament to how timeless hits can find a new fan base.

How Crystal Kay brings back the charm of Y2K J-pop

Southeast Asia (SEA) is home to millions of Muslims, making Ramadan one of the major holidays in the region. This largely religious season has also become a time for shopping and social gatherings, allowing brands to tap into a modernising (yet devout) community that likes to mix old and new.

How Southeast Asian Muslims celebrate Ramadan today

As climate anxiety mounts and dystopian narratives dominate media, the solarpunk movement is gaining momentum. Envisioning a future where humanity thrives amid the challenges of climate change, solarpunk embraces a harmony of nature and technology. Can it reshape hopes for a sustainable future?

How is solarpunk reimagining a sustainable future?

The controversy surrounding the World Cup in Qatar exemplified how politicisation has shaken up the sports landscape. Fans are no longer passive observers and are actively engaged in wider conversations. With social consciousness on the rise, how will sports organisations adapt to new demands?

How is the politicisation of sports affecting fandoms?

In the UK, teenage girls can feel unwelcome and unsafe in parks largely designed for boys. Make Space For Girls is a charity campaigning for parks and public spaces to be designed gender-inclusively, raising awareness of issues while ensuring the voices of girls and young women are heard.

How Make Space For Girls prioritises teen girls’ safety

Book a driverless taxi in LA. Fall in love with an AI boyfriend. Let Tesla’s Optimus robot cook you poached eggs for breakfast. Despite the convenience, rapid tech advancements are igniting anxieties about human work, ethics, and purpose. Are our fears overblown, or is this the beginning of the end?

Humanity vs technology: is there a war to be won?

More people are living to super-old age (95 years+) than ever before. The eldest of the Silent Generation are hitting the three figures in greater numbers and are an inspiration for us all – especially longevity pioneers, who are pursuing the dream of active, healthy lives as long as possible.

Does life begin at 100? Centenarians are reshaping the UK

With Australian society having a hot-and-cold relationship with sexuality, The Hook Up podcast dares to discuss elements of modern romance and sex as it is truly experienced by Australian Gen Zers and the growing LGBTQ+ community in the country looking for a safe digital space.

Why The Hook Up unfilters sex talk for Aussie Gen Z

South Korea has produced some of the world’s most famous esports stars. But in the age of streaming, the nature of celebrity in the gaming world can vary, with content creators and fans joining the fray. What can competitive and non-competitive gamers teach about building a thriving fanbase?

How South Korea’s celebrity gamers build dedicated fandoms

GagaOOLala, Asia’s pioneering LGBTQ+ streaming service, aims to spotlight queer stories in mainstream media. The platform mirrors a surge in demand for queer content and the progress of the community’s rights in Asia, catering to a group that had little to no media attention up until recently.

Why GagaOOLala uncensors the stories of queer Asians

American music icon Willie Nelson teamed up with young queer singer Orville Peck for the gay country duet 'Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other'. Artists, brands, and content creators are increasingly subverting heteronormative narratives of traditional Americana.

Country legend Willie Nelson celebrates cowboy queer love

With their formative years hindered by pandemic lockdowns, it’s no wonder why Gen Alphas found comfort in online communities. On the gaming platform Roblox, Southeast Asian Gen Alphas advocate for their beliefs – from politics to religion – in a way no other generation has before.

Why Roblox became Southeast Asian Gen Alphas’ social podium

Furniture company Dowel Jones champions Australian-made furniture and embraces authenticity amid new market dynamics. The brand’s pillars of durability, timeless design, and emotional resonance effectively negotiate what it means to do functional design in the modern day.

How Dowel Jones puts fun in functional Aussie furniture

As TikTok's fate in the US hangs in the balance, India's 2020 ban could be a cautionary tale. India's bold move disrupted its thriving creator scene, forcing a migration to new platforms. Now, the US weighs its options, urging a rethink of digital landscapes amid global tensions.

India banned TikTok. Can US TikTokers use this as a blueprint?

Rishi Sunak's adidas Samba gaffe has sparked a backlash, showing modern consumer culture is so polarised that even footwear choices are being politicised. The incident underscores the need for authenticity in an increasingly fractured world, with societal divisions deepening.

British PM apologises to Samba-wearing community

After 2023’s year of fervent girlcore, it's clear that femininity is crucial to how Gen Zers express themselves. Canvas8 spoke to eight Gen Z women from across the UK to discover how their perceptions of femininity and gender politics shape their fashion and style choices.

The future of British femininity in a post-Barbie world

Once aspirational and teeming with tenants, Japanese complexes on the outskirts of cities are now being abandoned – except by the elderly and the recluse. To usher in new life and youth in these areas, Muji started a renovation project that upgrades yet preserves these heritage neighbourhoods.

How Muji helps battle loneliness among Japanese tenants

A new, globally connected generation is shaking up the ways in which they celebrate Holy Week, with travel becoming a central tenant of how people mark their faith. As Filipinos balance the secular and the sacred, what do new rituals tell us about the future of travel during religious holidays?

What's driving new travel rituals around religious holidays?

Boys’ Love media usually features fresh-faced male characters encountering slightly varied struggles. Heaven Official’s Blessing smartly subverts these tropes, placing a queer couple in a distinctly traditional Chinese context and putting their character development at the centre of the story.

Why Heaven Official’s Blessing rewrites Asian boys' romance

Political parties leveraged digital technology, social media influencers, and artificial intelligence (AI) to attract hundreds of millions of Indian voters in the 2024 general election like never before, raising concerns about the misuse of AI and exposure to misinformation and one-sided opinions.

How AI and deepfakes are changing how Indians vote

Hive's new 'distributed cloud technology' aims to democratise access to the cloud and reduce its environmental impact. As AI reignites the conversation around Big Tech and the environmental impact of technology, smaller players have an opportunity to stand out by offering more equitable solutions.

Swiss start-up eyes mass decentralisation of the cloud

Conservative media and wellness personalities are calling for young men to turn to nicotine pouches, framing them as aspirational lifestyle products that amplify traditional masculinity. This highlights the febrile position of masculinity in culture and opportunities to support open dialogues.




Right-wing media touts nicotine pouches as 'manly' fix

Religious and spiritual AI is ascendant, satisfying younger generations hungry for spiritual community and preachers who need help writing their sermons. How can brands seize the opportunity to engage with their audiences more creatively, meaningfully, and sensitively?

What’s driving the rise of religious and spiritual AI?

Generative AI (GenAI) has swept across all industries, including the Indian film world. However, GenAI usage must pass the test of transparency, ethics, and privacy. As people in India share that they trust all that comes with AI, the burden of authenticity lies heavy on the shoulders of creators.

How AI is rewriting Indian cinema

M&S is investing £1 million in changing the diet of milk-producing cows to cut the amount of methane they release. As people demand greater environmental action from corporations, companies are implementing changes across their production and supply chain practices to show their commitment.

M&S target cows' diets to tackle methane emissions

Black progressive cultural commentator F.D Signifier is one of the most prolific Gen Y content creators. Focusing on politics, pop culture, and Black men’s wellbeing, he challenges traditional narratives and dismantles harmful gender stereotypes through his engaging video essays.




F.D Signifier spotlights Black masculinity perspectives 

Conversations around toxic masculinity are influencing every element of social life, and classroom culture is no different. The topic of how to support positive masculinity became a central talking point during the annual NEU conference, highlighting the complex challenges facing today's teachers.

Teachers deal with positive masculinity vs the manosphere

‘Greenhushing’ has increased as businesses contend with erroneous claims of ‘woke agendas’ and the threat of being called out for greenwashing if they get it wrong. Partnering with experts in sustainability can give businesses the credibility they need to take sustainability practices public.

Greenhushing highlights people's distrust in business

The ‘Patron Saint of Situationships’ returns! Following the success of her single, ‘B.A.D,’ Filipina R&B artist Denise Julia has released ‘Sugar n Spice,’ a feel-good track embracing same-gender attraction, which resonates deeply with listeners seeking representation and authenticity.

How Denise Julia revives Filipino R&B for global listeners

A parody game in which users play editor-in-chief and choose headlines shows users how coverage of crises impacts The NYT's business. The game highlights declining trust in mainstream media and offers an immersive understanding of competing interests that may influence editorial decision-making.

Meta news game trains users on editorial framing bias

The solar eclipse created a wave of online discourse, from Reddit forums about feeling its bodily effects to doomsday declarations. Though often untrue, people are projecting meaning onto cosmic events, with astrological phenomena a way for people to process and make sense of anxieties on Earth.

Solar eclipse reactions blend astrology and conspiracy

In an ageing country with fewer kids per capita than ever, South Korean adults are willing to spend money on the kids that do exist in their lives, driving a booming childrenswear industry. What’s shaping Gen Alpha’s fashion choices in their formative years, and what should brands watch out for?

Why are so many South Korean Gen Alphas wearing luxury clothes?

Come for explicit photos of celebrity crushes, stay for the community. From an Instagram page to organising physical exhibits, Y2K Kabaklaan’s intentions are simple – to usher in a safe space for pent-up gay desires and to document an unforgettable epoch in Filipino pop culture.

Why Y2K Kabaklaan archives Filipino queer desires

As abortion access continues to be uncertain in Arizona, Planned Parenthood Arizona has launched a campaign promoting vasectomies. As policy changes reignite the debate around family planning, and with a general election looming, the landscape around abortion rights is becoming increasingly charged.

Limits on abortion shift focus to male contraception 

Amid a mental health and economic crisis, Americans are prioritizing hobbies and recreation, mirroring how they sought solace in awe during pandemic lockdowns. Brands can harness awe to benefit society, with trends like ‘gardencore’ and fandoms underscoring the importance of meaningful leisure.

‘Aweleisure’ is emerging as a remedy for a polarized US

Despite the common assumption that younger generations worry most about the environment, recent studies reveal a more nuanced picture. For businesses focused on sustainability comms, there's a fresh opportunity to engage older audiences on eco values while tapping into affluent demographics. 

Boomers' eco anxiety shows nuanced generational attitudes

Political parties in India have enlisted the help of regional influencers to share political messaging. With contentious elections looming, this strategy highlights how politicians are turning to relatable figureheads to address younger generations’ declining trust in institutions.

Influencers tasked with election campaigning in India

Replicating US progress, France is considering a bill to address hair-based discrimination as desires for self-expression and celebrating cultural identity can conflict with institutional rules. With conversations around hair and hair loss evolving, brands are beginning to demonstrate their support.

France considers a bill against hair discrimination

A 2024 study has shown that a majority of Americans believe the government is concealing information about UFOs. As distrust in American institutions grows, people are increasingly interested in conspiracy theories and other alternative explanations to make sense of the world.

Americans believe the government is hiding UFOs

Faced with rising living costs and changing views on monogamy, people are ripping up the wedding rulebook and redefining what it means to get married. What other factors are impacting people’s attitudes toward weddings? And what can brands learn from this shift in celebrating milestones as a whole?

How are attitudes to marriage and weddings changing?

Citizenship

People want to chit chat about mental health

From Prince Harry disclosing he’s had therapy to Drake singing about his vulnerabilities to mums openly discussing baby blues on Instagram, the ways people talk about their mental health are increasingly open and accepting.