Bud Light has been embroiled in controversy since it collaborated with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. This has come from right-wing conservatives and a left-wing counter-reaction who believe the brand hasn’t supported the actress enough amid the turmoil.

Bud Light turmoil

Following an influencer trip to the Shein factory, influencer DaniDMC has terminated her contract with the fast-fashion giant due to social media uproar.

Shein influencers

The North Face has chosen to deepen its commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility despite the right-wing backlash, doubling down in a manner meant to build credibility with its core audience.

The North Face LGBTQ+ support

Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the annual UN climate conference has motivated critics to highlight the eco-shortcomings of “the world’s top polluter.” 

Coca-Cola COP27 sponsorship

Taking a cue from Patagonia, Armedangels’ campaign claims “sustainable products don’t exist,” tapping into the de-influencing ethos and radical honesty to build credibility. 

Armedangels drops sustainability claims

A study exploring musicians' impact on climate change efforts has found that many fans want their icons to take a stance. As people form more parasocial relationships with musicians and celebrities, they're more inclined to look to their idols to use their platforms for social good.

Music fans turn to artists for climate change action

Human Beauty is an inclusive beauty brand built by a founder and a community of people within the disabled community, giving it a hyper-authentic point of view. The brand’s innovative products and communications celebrate the diversity and personal needs of consumers of various abilities.

How Human Beauty blends ability inclusion in beauty design

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 survey has shown that adults in Germany are growing concerned about the use of imported plastic waste as recycled products. At a time when eco-conscious consumers are becoming more aware of greenwashing, brands have an opportunity to prioritise and reward local sustainability efforts.

Germans are divided about the issue of plastic waste

After more than 70 years, the German FA is ending its partnership with Adidas in favour of a lucrative Nike deal – but not without major backlash. The controversy highlights the emotional ties between football and national identity in Germany and the wider importance of heritage for sports fans.

German FA's split from Adidas sparks backlash

Hyundai has launched a campaign celebrating sneaker culture, using the ups and downs of sneaker fandom to appeal to Black sneakerheads. Brands are looking to partner with Black creators and artists to create more authentically culturally resonant communications that actually land.

Hyundai taps sneaker culture for new campaign

Following years of being cooped up in their homes, Filipinos are looking to break free from the monotony of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Brands can leverage this wave of revenge travel by tailoring services to their desire for active ecotourism, immersive experiences, and pandemic-resilient travelling.

Pent-up wanderlust is pushing Filipinos to revenge travel

The US has witnessed a surge in book bans in schools and libraries. The increasing controversy over reading materials highlights increased polarization in the US, with activist groups pressing to ban books and brands seeking to counter restrictions and improve access to literature. 

Record number of books banned from US libraries in 2023

With over 20 million active shoppers, same-day delivery, and recent expansion into the luxury market, Coupang is South Korea’s answer to consumers’ hyperconnected demands. As online shopping overtakes traditional shopping, speed becomes the currency for the satisfaction of Korean shoppers.

How Coupang delivers Korean demands at lightning speed

Women’s football is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, yet its growth has sparked a rise in sexism and misogyny on and off the pitch. Football-focused organisation Kick It Out demonstrates how education can champion inclusion and diversity and challenge notions of old-school banter.

Kick It Out takes action against sports discrimination

Cancel culture has evolved into a public accountability tool fueled by commitments to diversity and the desire for brands to mirror personal values. However, if not organized strategically and with a clear purpose, it becomes an avenue for virtue signaling rather than leading to substantive change.

Is anyone ever truly cancelled?

In 2021, IKEA opened its largest branch in the world, right in the heart of Metro Manila. Despite reeling from the effects of the pandemic, its successful run is a masterclass in how brands can capture the tastes of the minimalist, sustainability-minded Filipino homeowner.

How IKEA designs curated spaces for Filipino minimalists

Ulta is expanding its sustainability efforts through a program that encourages customers to recycle empty products. However, people are increasingly demanding initiatives that emphasize proactive waste reduction from companies rather than burdening consumers.

Ulta recycling program lacks eco-imagination 

Globally, people are becoming bolder in demanding change, as demonstrated by the uptick in industrial action, especially in South Korea, where doctors are striking. For brands, this highlights the need to address societal challenges so people feel heard and in control of their lives. 

Medical reforms surface tensions among South Koreans 

According to a survey, women working in the UK's public sector are being denied flexible working perks. As the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act gains royal assent, companies have an opportunity to be proactive in ensuring that the needs of their female employees are met.

UK women are being denied flexible working options 

Multiple artists and speakers have pulled out of 2024’s SXSW in protest of sponsorships by the defense industry, a product of increased tensions due to the war between Israel and Hamas. As feelings intensify, many are reevaluating whether they feel comfortable associating with military sponsorships.

Artists pull out of SXSW in solidarity with Palestine

Utah’s first-of-its-kind social media regulation – slated for March 2024 – has been pushed back by legal challenges by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The nonprofit claims that the Social Media Regulation Act will limit protected expression for at-risk youth in the state.

Lawsuit delays Utah’s social media crackdown

DoorDash has shifted its pay scheme to increase driver payouts at the cost of flexibility in New York City – reshaping gig work to be more like a conventional job. Gig economy workers are looking for security in economically volatile times, forcing employers to imagine a softer gig economy.

Updated DoorDash pay scheme signals a softer gig economy

Juergen Teller’s unapologetically DIY photography continues to spark controversy, with detractors dismissing his work as lazy or disrespectful. But with AI-generated imagery spreading overprocessed allure, Teller's raw and unvarnished photographs emerge as a potent antidote to the digital zeitgeist.

How Juergen Teller captures unvarnished authenticity

In response to backlash, online bookstore Allstora has reversed its decision to continue to stock anti-LGBTQ content despite its commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. As polarization deepens, audiences are becoming more assertive about their expectations of brands in doing their part.

Online bookstore removes anti-LGBTQ books after backlash

Excelling at both product innovation and viral marketing, Topicals is a global beauty force to be reckoned with. Serving a diverse market of Gen Zers, the brand is lauded for its representation of those with ‘imperfect’ skin and its hyper-relevant cultural conversations around skin neutrality.

How Topicals highlights diverse beauty through viral UGC

Ethical fashion brand Peachaus has unveiled a light-hearted brand campaign that focuses on building women’s confidence when it comes to public speaking. The film hopes to encourage women to feel comfortable in their own skin and have the courage to be themselves every day.

Peachaus film boosts public speaking confidence in women

Amid rising climate anxiety, consumers are calling for brands to be more eco-conscious, socially responsible, and evidence-based. This is leading beauty brands to innovate with climate-adaptive products, which offer skincare solutions that counter harsh weather and give consumers peace of mind.

Why beauty brands are making climate-adaptive products

Investing company Australian Ethical has launched a new campaign that focuses on showing how they align investments with values. However, with opinions on ESG funds becoming polarised, transparency around the true environmental impact of these investments will be vital to winning audience trust.

Australian Ethical caters to conscientious investing 

Moniepoint is emerging as the most preferred payment system in Nigeria, thanks to its lower transaction decline rates and instant reversals of transactions if payments fail. With rising distrust among traditional banks, people are increasingly turning to challenger options they find more reliable.

Moniepoint offers financial reliability to Nigerians

A report has revealed that almost half of adults using TikTok have never posted a video. Combined with its increasing use as a news source, the use of the social media platform solely for consumption increases the challenge for brands to ensure the information they share is verified.

Report reveals that TikTok has more lurkers than posters

In 2023, Modelo Especial dethroned Bud Light to become America’s most popular beer. Its rise to the top reflects a shifting culture of beer drinking – characterized by the growing Latine population, political controversies, and a trend of people opting for premium offerings to enjoy at home.

How Modelo brings a Latine buzz to US beer culture

Is luxury really recession-proof? What’s behind the success of luxury collaborations? How did quiet luxury give rise to the new look of sustainable upmarket goods? How are the fine jewellery and Swiss watch markets being disrupted? And what drives people to luxury resale?

Luxury Sector Snapshot: March 2024

Mowalola's 'Dark Web' collection critiques American digital dominance and cultural imperialism and explores global cultural exchanges. It reflects broader trends toward ethical fashion and cultural authenticity, highlighting the fashion industry's role in shaping global identity.

Mowalola critiques appropriation in Dark Web collection

Wendy’s has announced plans to test a surge pricing model featuring prices that fluctuate based on demand and faced early public backlash. In the wake of the cost of living crisis, people are looking for brands to find solutions that don’t involve passing increased costs onto the consumer.

Wendy's variable pricing scheme causes outrage

For decades, Calvin Klein has seemingly had its finger on the pulse of culture, casting celebrities of the moment to front its often controversial campaigns. While the brand boasts plenty of expertise in generating buzz via advertising, how is it trying to capture the attention of Gen Zers?

Why Calvin Klein poses its legacy using the erotic gaze

Following a number of politically and socially polarising events unfolding on the global stage, brands have come under heightened scrutiny to respond. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Francesca Sobande about the role of brands in social justice advocacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Dr. Sobande on the future of social justice marketing

In India's thriving luxury beauty sector, Bollywood biggie Deepika Padukone's skincare venture, 82°E, aims to seize attention. Despite facing pricing and communication challenges, star power and a focus on sustainability have boosted visibility, but the question remains – is it enough for success?

How 82°E associates Indian skincare with celebrity status

Singapore has announced that travellers will have to pay a levy to boost the use of sustainable fuel in commercial airliners. The move has drawn mixed responses from the public, which speaks to people’s fatigue towards narratives of individual responsibility in tackling the climate crisis.

Singaporeans ambivalent about paying for green jet fuel

The 2024 Generational Snapshot of Gen Zers in the APAC region explores how young people today express their national identities while keeping a global mindset, assert their individuality in the workplace alongside AI, and look to markers from simpler times for stability and inspiration.

2024 APAC Gen Z Snapshot

Survey data shows that Indian women in the tech and IT sectors distrust organisational DE&I initiatives. As people increasingly scrutinise and prioritise their companies' abilities to deliver on DE&I goals, they’ll expect equitable workplaces to be the bare minimum – not a perk.

Indian women in tech are sceptical about DE&I efforts 

Research has revealed that the overwhelming majority of employees globally want businesses to be open about their workplace equity efforts. With many businesses rolling back DE&I programs, there's an opportunity for others to create trust internally and externally with transparent policies.

Workers expect high levels of DE&I transparency

Blue Tribe Foods wants to cater to Indian palates’ unique needs – pleasing cultural tastes and nutritional charts while ensuring what’s good for the planet. With meat lovers growing concerned about cruelty in food production, plant-based options are stepping up with filling yet gratifying flavours.

Why Blue Tribe Foods makes Indian meat lovers hungry for greens

Movie theater workers across New York City are unionizing as a response to overwork – citing increased attendance during the summer of 'Barbenheimer' as the final straw. Even in traditionally volatile industries, people are growing less willing to accept poor working conditions.

'Barbenheimer' spurs on movie theater unionization

Fashion brand Pipatchara has a dream – to be a fashion brand that empowers local artisans and entices fashionistas into sustainability. As Thai consumers seek out local brands to support, Pipatchara steps up, offering elegance and modernity, making it one of Thailand’s most promising brands.

Why Pipatchara makes Thai eco-weaving a fashion must-have

PaidLeave.ai streamlines parental leave bureaucracy in New York. The platform simplifies benefit queries and paperwork, ensuring everyone can access accurate information. Despite broad AI scepticism, there's a growing demand for the technology to streamline complex processes and save people time.

PaidLeave.ai helps parents-to-be claim paid leave

The University of Iowa independent student newspaper has purchased two weekly local newspapers in the state – increasing their reach and giving students more chances to grow their reporting skills. This comes amid a nascent resurgence of print and an increase in youth political engagement.

Student journalists take local news into their own hands

Research from Gallup has uncovered a gulf in political ideology among Gen Zers worldwide. With women trending towards liberal positions and men towards conservatism, there's a growing need for healthy political dialogue if the world is to become equitable – and there's a role for brands to play.

Poll reveals gendered political division among Gen Z

Lucy & Yak has responded to the ban on FKA twigs' Calvin Klein campaign with its 'Baring All' clothing range – which celebrates body diversity, specifically breasts. People want to shop with brands that align with and understand their values and ethics and actively support and amplify them.

Lucy & Yak encourages Britons to bare their breasts

Lunar New Year has varied celebrations across Southeast Asia, though a focus on food, reunions, and prosperity traditions are common. E-commerce plays a vital role in shopping surges, with Gen Z emerging as a pivotal market in the region, leading the evolution of consumer behaviour.

How the Lunar New Year drives shopping among Southeast Asia's Gen Z

NGO Sidaction has launched a campaign attempting to combat the spread of misinformation online surrounding HIV/AIDS with the use of fake clickbait ads. As people seek transparency in a post-truth era, this campaign makes the facts accessible and digestible in a lighthearted yet impactful way.

NGO Sidaction combats HIV/AIDS misinformation with fake clickbait

Social media has long been a part of Indonesian politics, but the campaigning season for the 2024 election saw presidential candidates establishing social media personas and working closer with influencers. What’s going on, and what can brands learn from this shift towards online campaigning?

Inside the influencer-ification of Indonesian politics

While attending a Bipartisan Policy Center panel discussion, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, suggested that the rich should be taxed more to support those less well-off. Though an old concept, Dimon's comments reflect a shift in perceptions of capitalism as an equitable economic paradigm.

Jamie Dimon reflects desire for a more equitable economy

The fashion label’s Men's Paris Fashion Week collection was designed to provide commentary on the ongoing conflict in Palestine. As people expect brands to speak against systemic injustices, this collection highlights how brands can intertwine their expertise with equity to make a bold statement.

GmbH weaves call for ceasefire into new collection

Despite facing various controversies, Southeast Asian Gen Zers remain active on Twitter, now known as X, utilising its features for news and video discovery. The online platform offers brands the opportunity to engage in sociopolitical conversations and tap into fandom subcultures.

How Twitter and X changed ads and news for Gen Z in Southeast Asia

A photo of two people sat outside talking

For Gen Zers, Black History Month can be a period marked by constant skepticism. Equipped with ample knowledge about corporate virtue-signaling, they’re wary of any statement of support for Black causes and communities. So, how can brands ensure they’re seen as authentically engaged allies?

How do American Gen Zers feel about Black History Month?

Lululemon's ‘Be Spring’ campaign starring Michelle Yeoh has drawn mixed responses in light of founder Chip Wilson’s anti-diversity remarks. As brands navigate an increasingly complex DE&I landscape, demonstrating inclusion as an ongoing practice and a strong grasp of market-specific nuances are key.

Lululemon’s Lunar New Year ad gives mixed DE&I messaging

From fuelling global protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death to driving boycotts against ‘woke’ brands, the impact of social media on grassroots movements has become impossible to ignore. Why are these channels so valued by activists? And how can brands navigate through contentious issues?

How social media became an engine for change

With only one Southeast Asian stop in The Eras Tour, Filipino Swifties saw daylight in the form of Taylor Sheesh. The drag queen recreates Taylor Swift’s performances in local mall shows and private events, making the concert hype accessible for fans while pushing queer visibility to the mainstream.

Why Taylor Sheesh’s drag enchants Filipino Swifties

Described by some as the antithesis of the 'clean girl', the mob wife aesthetic has gone viral with gaudy, 90s-inspired looks. As micro-trends come and go faster than ever before, people are rethinking what it means to have personal style in a time of flattened, algorithmic identities.

TikTok users are divided about the 'mob wife' aesthetic

A study by AI company Anthropic has found that much like humans, AI can also learn the skill of deception and possibly become increasingly adept at it. As fears around deepfakes continue to grow, there’s an opportunity to use tech as a means to enhance transparency – not diminish it.

Research shows that AI can engage in deceitful behaviour

Booths – often described as the ‘Waitrose of the North’ – is a UK-based upscale supermarket with most of its 28 locations in northern England. The company recently pushed back against the trend for self-checkouts after taking on feedback from its older, time-rich, and wealthier Boomer clientele.

Why Booths is removing self-checkouts for Boomers

A UK ad watchdog’s ban of a Calvin Klein ad starring FKA Twigs has received public backlash for perpetuating sexist double standards. It signals how social justice efforts must be nuanced and grounded in context, lest they become counterproductive to the causes they’re trying to support.

Calvin Klein ad ban highlights industry double standards

Demonstrations in Berlin have showcased grievances among agricultural workers about government action in supporting farmers during the cost of living crisis. Collective experiences of crisis and financial hardship are emboldening workers to demand change with trust in leadership waning.

Protests highlight dissatisfaction among German farmers

In the wake of several lawsuits, Meta has changed its content moderation processes, no longer offering teens the same content recommendations it would adults. Having reckoned with the negative impacts of social media, many are looking for smaller, safer, and more closed-off digital spaces.

Meta's teen content moderation reflects changing norms

Indians are refusing to go on holiday in the Maldives after Maldivian politicians insulted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. The controversy highlights the need for brands to invest in localism and intentional, positive messaging in the face of heightened polarisation.

Indians boycott travel to the Maldives amid diplomatic spat

LG Household & Health Care has debuted Ugly Lovely, a new cosmetics brand that repurposes ‘ugly’ foods into eco-friendly skincare ingredients. It’s offering Korean customers a refreshing spin on what it means to be ingredient-conscious in an increasingly crowded clean beauty landscape.

Ugly Lovely combines K-beauty with combating food waste

Mastercard has partnered with Westpac to release Australia’s first-ever pictureless feature-length film. Ensuring accessibility throughout the filmmaking and watching processes, the launch of TOUCH follows increasing demand for inclusivity for all to be made a priority across industries.

Mastercard and Westpac launch film for visually impaired

The Malaysian chapter of the BDS movement saw its brand sentiments fall drastically after McDonald’s Malaysia sued the group for inciting a boycott. The dispute highlights the tensions among people’s attitudes towards social justice causes and what they expect from brands when it comes to advocacy.

Malaysian netizens are divided about BDS movement

The Body Shop has become the first global beauty brand offering 100% vegan product formulations certified by The Vegan Society. With confusion and inconsistency around ESG terminology, as well as scepticism around greenwashing, transparency and clear communication can appeal to values-led consumers.

The Body Shop goes fully vegan on products

Queer group QI.X has employed useful strategies to secure a loyal fanbase despite facing some challenges throughout its rise in the K-pop world. The group exhibits how Korea’s conservative society does not necessarily have to hold back non-traditional bands – as long as they go global.

How QI.X serenades global K-pop fans via queer activism

Aiming to harness social media and channel it into a powerful force for social impact, Roar Social has exciting ambitions to revolutionise the world. Courting Gen Zers and business leaders alike, the app is a smart and effective way of democratising the process of giving.

Why Roar Social reimagines social media for impactful change

Tennessee is suing BlackRock for allegedly failing to disclose ESG investments to clients, revealing challenges in navigating environmental concerns in the financial sector. The case underscores the need for corporate transparency and effective communication to navigate polarised public sentiment.

BlackRock sued over lack of environmental transparency

Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip (informally Anne JKN) appeals to the relevance of beauty pageants in today’s world by reforming Miss Universe qualifications. Her business ventures are testaments to controversies and advocacies surrounding gender and beauty in a socially conscious world.

Why Anne JKN fuses pageant legacy and inclusive beauty

The North Face is promoting diversity in outdoor sports through its free online 'Allyship in the Outdoors' program. Addressing challenges faced by people of colour in accessing nature, the program responds to rising demands for equitable and inclusive approaches to physical activity outside.

The North Face takes the lead on outdoor inclusivity

Monzo’s 'year-in-review' feature– similar to Spotify Wrapped – has been met with mixed responses on social media as users are ‘outed’ for their spending habits. Response to the feature highlights the importance of balancing personalised data-driven experiences with user privacy and sensitivity.

Monzo's 'year-in-review' sparks mixed reactions online

Thailand's T-Wave, driven by BL series and T-pop, has pushed far beyond the walls of the country and Southeast Asia into hearts across the globe. Transnational fandoms amplify Thailand's global impact, offering luxury brands a lucrative market among its superfans by exploring localised branding.

Everything you need to know about Thailand's T-Wave

Singapore’s ad watchdog has issued a take-down order to local appliance brand Prism+ for claiming that customers can save the Earth by purchasing their air conditioners. With greenwashing being fairly unregulated in the region, people will expect more stringent action to combat misleading claims.

Banned ad spotlights greenwashing problem in Singapore

Diet Sabya is an Instagram account that has gained prominence in the Indian fashion industry. Its rise to relevance reflects a broader cultural shift among younger Indians, tapping into the zeitgeist that seeks transparency, calls out imitations, and appreciates genuine creativity.

How Diet Sabya builds a Gen Z fashion democracy in India

The global fashion industry has reached its peak in terms of a dire lack of diversity and inclusion. Cultural rebellion is emerging as people and brands fight against the grain. How can brands stay ahead of the diversity, equity, and inclusion curve in this fast-paced, ever-changing market?

How can brands help solve fashion’s diversity problem?

Adidas is sponsoring smaller, less established sports such as BMX, skateboarding, breaking, and climbing as part of its Paris Olympics strategy. By boosting the visibility of niche sports, the brand hopes to reach new, younger audiences while platforming under-represented athletes.

Adidas supports lesser known sports ahead of Paris Olympics

Oprah Winfrey has publicly admitted to taking the controversial weight loss drug Ozempic following months of public speculation and scrutiny. As weight loss drugs gain mainstream acceptance, people are looking for more transparency around their use in a new era of body positivity.

Oprah shines light on weight loss culture and 'Ozempic shaming'

Research has found that Aussie hardware company Bunnings has broken the supermarket duopoly among Australia’s most trusted brands, taking second place over Coles supermarket. Bunnings’ knowledgeable staff and competitive pricing appeal to consumer desires for security and support.

Bunnings' staff knowledge earns the trust of Australians

Parisians are turning to TikTok to warn tourists not to come to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. Growing awareness of 'sportswashing' and disillusionment with hosting global events saw the Qatar World Cup met with international boycotts and protests, showing the heightened awareness around such events.

Parisians warn tourists against visiting for Olympics

First Nations businesses are leading the Australian beauty industry, blending local ingredients and eco-values for conscious consumers. Driven by a rising consumer preference for ethically sourced and culturally rich beauty products, are Australian beauty enthusiasts ready to embrace this evolution?

Australians are turning to Indigenous beauty brands – here’s why

Brands are still leaning on lazy sexist clichés that should have been left in the noughties but women are no longer wanting to be overlooked, nor pandered to. With many people seeing gender roles and binary labels as outdated, how can brands innovate to appeal without appearing tokenistic?

How gendered booze marketing lost its fizz

Following a change in local regulations, DoorDash has revised its driver perks for deliveries in New York City, now offering a minimum wage of $29.93 per hour. Minimum wage hikes force companies to reconsider their business models, but brands ought to be wary of passing the buck to consumers.

DoorDash weathers a New York City minimum wage increase

Kona Big Wave has launched an initiative to fight toxic surfing culture, including IRL activations at some of California’s biggest surfing hotspots. Consumers are looking for brands to take an active role in social issues, and some are responding by getting involved in local communities.

Kona Big Wave beer fights surfing toxicity

Puma's decision not to renew its kit deal with the Israel football team has been lauded by activists as a success, despite the brand claiming the decision had been made in 2022. Amid global polycrisis and deepening polarisation, brand decisions are increasingly being viewed through a political lens.

Puma's dropping of Israel adopted as activist success

Zara is facing backlash for an ad campaign that had resemblances to scenes coming out of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. People are increasingly losing patience for brands that fail to exhibit cultural awareness in their offerings and will not hesitate to call them out.

Zara faces intense backlash for insensitive campaign

Google has received backlash for a misleading demonstrative video of its AI model Gemini. With increased skepticism about AI and its capabilities, brand transparency is essential to ensure that marketing materials accurately represent the features and functionality of their offerings.

Google faces scrutiny over edited Gemini AI demo video

Punkt's MC02 phone combines minimal tech with data concerns and eco-values. The device promotes mindful tech use with minimal experiences, a secure OS, and a built-in data and carbon ledger – appealing to those seeking control over their digital environments and online spaces.

Punkt offers mindful connectivity for eco-aware users

Indian audiences are becoming appreciative of progressive themes in films, and actors like Ayushmann Khuranna are a part of this change. Sometimes problematic but with underlying social messages, his films shine in an industry dominated by larger-than-life heroes in formulaic cinema.

How Ayushmann Khurrana brings advocacy to Bollywood

As people turn to parasocial relationships and smaller creator-driven communities to counter mainstream media fatigue, they’re on the search for entertainment that sparks emotional connections. Canvas8 spoke to Jacqueline Rifkin to understand how spontaneity can do just that.

On-set drama!? The science of spontaneity in entertainment

After his expulsion from Congress, ex-Representative George Santos has become an unlikely anti-hero for Gen Zers online – who are represented by his awkward, messy behavior. As polarization grows, Gen Zers are drawn to relatable irreverence for a breath of fresh air and authenticity.

George Santos has become an unlikely Gen Z anti-hero

Research has revealed that most APAC luxury consumers would reduce their support for brands that neglect environmental sustainability. These findings emphasise the need for brands to prioritise communicating their sustainability efforts to meet the expectations of APAC luxury consumers.

APAC luxury shoppers are boycotting unethical brands

Steak-umm has released an innovative campaign centered on fears around disinformation, putting words in vegans’ mouths in a series of deepfakes starring its Steak-umm sandwiches. As expectations of brands grow, many are taking an earnest, proactive approach to cultural conversations.

Steak-umm tackles deepfakes in transparency campaign

Tesco teamed up with charities to erect an alternative Christmas tree made from thousands of food donations, which will help those hit hardest by inflation. During the holidays, people expect brands to help those in less fortunate positions feel included and considered.

Tesco spotlights food poverty with creative Christmas tree

In protest against the human rights violations in Congo, young people are publicly quitting vaping. By leveraging their platforms, Gen Zers are highlighting how digital activism can bring to light global issues that aren't being discussed regularly and manifest collective action.

Gen Z TikTokers quit vaping in support of human rights

Motortaxi-hailing platform Angkas is widely recognised in the Philippines for being attuned to what its consumers want – from affordable transportation solutions to amusing moment marketing. How did they achieve their unique position amid several transportation crises in the country?

How Angkas beats the traffic with pop culture humour

Lifecycle

People are refusing to accept purpose-washing