As conspiracy theories become part of public discourse, some parodies of the most outlandish have caught fire in the internet world’s imagination, signalling young people’s cognisance of the fractured ideological landscape.

Birds aren't real

With economic ruin at their doorsteps, desperate and angry Sri Lankans jumping into the presidential swimming pool has come to symbolise the current mad moment of disparate social experience and the polarisation it leads to.

Sri Lankans take over the presidential palace

Two examples of a slew of new video platforms that promote themselves as havens for free speech, but mostly act as outposts of the misinformation and conspiracy-led videos that other platforms refuse to host.

Bitchute and Odysee

The end result of a convoluted memetic journey spanning 4chan, anti-Joe Biden posts by the US right and irony-attempting Democrats. Its movement through the political spectrum indicates both the speed at which polarisation moves and bends online, and also how complex and convoluted the visual language behind division has become. 


Dark Brandon

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

Economic challenges, marketing saturation, changing relationship patterns, and the move towards digital interaction have diminished the vibrancy and engagement usually associated with Valentine’s Day and White Day – one example of Korean and Japanese people’s fatigue surrounding ‘Day’ marketing.

Does the decline of White Day prove people are getting tired of ‘Day’ marketing?

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

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?

Creators have produced an open letter calling for Meta to reverse its introduction of default settings limiting political content in favor of an opt-in system. Ahead of a potentially politically transformative year, online censorship is fuelling concerns about widespread misinformation.

Creators rally against Meta’s limits on political content

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

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

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

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

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

Popular internet personalities like Andrew Tate are having an impact in Australian schools, as teachers report struggling with students who watch his videos. The government has launched a project that works to address misinformation online around gender-based stereotypes and violence.

Aussie teachers struggle with Andrew Tate’s influence 

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

Poor economic conditions, shifting work arrangements post-pandemic, and political headwinds are changing Americans' feelings about social class. Canvas8 spoke to eight of them to find out how their class identity is becoming more fluid, and how this is shaping their decisions.

Is class still important to American identity?

Following years of economic and political strife, Britons are conflicted about their social aspirations and feelings of class authenticity. Canvas8 spoke to seven Britons to find out how their ideas of class are becoming less rigid and what this says about desires for security and belonging.

Is class still important to British identity?

Why are China’s youth giving up their hard-earned credentials to become ‘full-time children?’ How did rest become an act of rebellion? How has the pandemic affected shopping habits in China? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore the behavioural norms shared by people in China in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of China: 2024

Often stereotyped as a backward land of rage and rebellion, rural America is slowly challenging existing political, economic, and cultural narratives. How can brands tap into emerging shifts and provide rural Americans with nuanced messaging that resonates with their values and aspirations?

Is rural America going through a quiet revolution?

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

Government censorship, sexual harassment, and anti-feminist sentiments have driven Chinese women away from their favourite social networking apps, which has translated to an ever-growing ‘she-economy’ in which they are making purchases – and even creating new brands – that empower them further.

How Chinese women are reclaiming social media from anti-feminists

The French star has become the subject of a vitriolic, racism-fuelled backlash sparked by her rumoured performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. As populations become increasingly polarised, brands have the opportunity to remain vocal and ensure that all identities are represented.

Aya Nakamura faces backlash over French heritage 

The NBA has incorporated in-app live betting into its streaming app, NBA League Pass, featuring live updates on gambling lines alongside games. Although sports betting has become rapidly normalized, people are looking for brands to establish guardrails to protect younger viewers.

NBA League Pass in-app betting draws concern 

Internet blackouts are being used to disrupt farmers' protests in India as they demand fair prices for crops. Ahead of the 2024 elections, this type of digital authoritarianism is an alarming signal of human rights infringements and the need to protect access to online spaces.

Internet blackouts used to disrupt protests in India

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

As beacons of queer excellence, Drag Race spin-offs in Asia have brought a wave of inclusivity to screens and stages. The series bites into the appetites of millions of underrepresented members of the LGBTQ+ community and more as it just keeps getting bigger, more popular, and better.

Why Drag Race sashayed into Asia with queer excellence

A TikTok trend around exercising one’s jaw muscles to create more defined facial features has made its way into schools – troubling parents and teachers alike. Teens are finding dubious health information on the internet, and more guidance is needed to protect young people’s mental health.




'Mewing' signals need for online guidance

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

Why is political polarisation impacting people's shopping decisions? Is the rise of Black consciousness forcing Brazil to confront its dark past? Why are social media influencers taken more seriously here than anywhere else in the world? And are Brazilians feeling more optimistic than in 2022?

A Cultural Snapshot of Brazil: 2024

The city of Miami Beach has initiated stringent month-long crackdowns to control disorderly conduct on its shores. The move has drawn mixed reactions from the public, reflecting a sense of fatigue that people feel towards punitive measures that could potentially drive away value-driven consumers.

Miami introduces stringent rules for spring break season

The UK’s general election in 2024 will be a significant milestone for many Gen Zers, marking the first time they will be eligible to vote. With the Conservative Party hoping to maintain its 14-year hold on power, how can it connect with right-leaning Zers? What do these young adults value?

What are Gen Z Conservatives' key values?

In an internal memo, Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged that Gemini’s racial inaccuracies had "offended [its] users" and "showed bias." As people increasingly expect DE&I to be embedded in AI, brands need to account for human complexity and nuance when rolling out such products.

Gemini blunder spotlights tricky nature of AI inclusion

Drag Den features the Philippine drag scene by being a drag reality show for Filipinos by Filipinos, demystifying the country’s queer culture and its roots. Promising authentic queer content made accessible to the mainstream, it treads both TikTok virality and global streaming.

How Drag Den models the unfiltered joy of Filipino queer politics

Desinfopedia emerges at a crucial moment in Brazil’s fight against fake news, posing as a tool to foster digital literacy and promote critical thinking. With young citizens often struggling to spot misinformation, the platform does the heavy lifting to ensure that fact prevails in the country.

How Desinfopedia helps young Brazilians fight fake news

France has banned the terms 'steak' and 'escalope' from the labels of vegetarian products, reserving the terms for meat alone. While plant-based meat has found its way onto plates and palates, cultural issues surrounding alternatives to meat consumption continue to hamper adoption.

France bans vegetarian 'faux-meat' labels

Having witnessed a plethora of social, political, and economic upheavals on the path to adulthood, Gen Zers in the US are exhibiting far less pride in their nation than their older counterparts. How do young adults now define the American Dream? And how can brands speak to their ideas of patriotism?

Why American pride is on the decline for Gen Z

Tyler Perry is warning of the potential impacts of OpenAI's Sora AI video tool on jobs in the film industry. Recognising both its creative potential and the damage it could cause to many people's careers, Perry's approach symbolises a broader polarisation of views on the technology.

Tyler Perry warns of AI's impact on the film industry

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

Edtech companies, educational institutions, teachers, the government, and non-governmental organisations are betting on artificial intelligence as a solution to solve multiple challenges facing the Indian education system. But can AI truly help Indians’ learning gaps in education?

How AI is reshaping education and learning in India

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s emergence as a challenger to Biden and Trump in the 2024 presidential race underscores a growing sentiment as Americans are dissatisfied with the political mainstream. Kennedy's non-conformist views resonate with indifferent voters and offer an alternative to the status quo.

How RFK, Jr. depolarizes politics for independent voters

A report has found that teachers across the US are staying away from political and social topics because they fear parental reprisals. As more restrictive legislation begins to affect classrooms across the country, teachers are trying to avoid conscription to the culture war. 

US teachers self-censor in response to political issues

After opening up to foreign workers to address an ageing population, a record number of foreign employees have entered Japan. However, there's a significant lack of regular interactions between Japanese citizens and foreigners, causing social friction and further polarising society.

Japanese locals and foreigners are living divided lives

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

AI is set to transform the world of arts and culture but in line with its cataclysmic impact, a counteracting movement is forming, fighting against the proliferation of automation in the creative industry. How is this rebel faction protecting the human premium and intellectual property of artists?

The modern Luddites' fight for the human premium in AI

Social media is seeing a rise of influencers who have been ‘cancelled’ rebranding themselves with conservative values and aesthetics to achieve redemption. This growing acceptance of conservative viewpoints online, packaged as nostalgia, signals an interesting shift in political outlooks.

Influencers adopt conservative values to find redemption

China’s top developers face scorn from the nation as they file for corporate default, leaving homeowners-to-be far from the promised land. As the Chinese youth are caught between a housing crisis and long-standing expectations of home ownership, they have resorted to living in ‘refined poverty.’

Young Chinese people resort to ‘refined poverty’ amid housing crisis

Ahead of the 2024 US Presidential Election, there’s an increasing tendency for older voters to lean towards the right. While there are also exceptions to the rule when it comes to Biden versus Trump and the social and economic landscape of the US today, what’s driving this Conservative shift?

Why do political voters lean Conservative as they age?

A survey has found that South Korean society is becoming more polarised as people increasingly only communicate with those who hold similar views. With concerns rising over possible consequences, healthy discourse needs to be fostered to help bridge these gaps.

Echo chambers deepen ideological division in South Korea

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights campaign – Beyond the Beat –explores the link between music and countercultural resistance. By focusing on the civil rights movement, anti-war protests, Indigenous rights, and climate change, the campaign showcases the power of protest through pop culture.

CMHR shows the power of political change through music

Survey data has shown that US Gen Z adults are more likely than other generations to identify as LGBTQ+. Following a year of rampant political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and ahead of elections in 2024, these stats paint a picture of a landscape primed for growing resistance and polarization.

US Gen Z adults are most likely to identify as LGBTQ+

Several high-profile male athletes have taken to painting their nails on the field regardless of any derision from fans, pointing to a softening of gendered norms in sports. As even the most macho elements of culture soften, men are creating new archetypes for an updated masculinity.

Athletes' painted nails speak to softening gender norms

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

Young Republicans are considerably less patriotic than their older counterparts, and their relative lack of national pride has researchers asking why. How has growing up in a highly polarized, low-trust society with a rising cost of living affected their opinions of the American Dream?

What’s driving the patriotism gap among Republicans? 

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

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

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

Woolworths Group has announced it will no longer sell any Australia Day-themed products due to cultural sensitivity and declining demand. With trust in business ranking higher than other institutions, people will be expecting companies to uphold their DE&I promises in substantial ways.

Woolworths pulls Australia Day merch off the shelves

Australia Day is a controversial celebration that's leading some to believe the date should be cancelled – especially among Gen Z. Amid the debate, businesses are already steering away from selling merchandise, which is causing divisions as calls for boycotting such brands circulate.

Sentiment is slipping in support of Australia Day

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Sopranos, HBO is releasing the series on TikTok in 25-second condensed versions of each episode. As social media reshapes the way that viewers consume TV, companies are leaning away from exclusivity and limited access to content, with varied results.

HBO releases The Sopranos in snippets on TikTok

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

Research shows Aussies don’t trust AI when it comes to selecting their mortgage plans. In contrast, some did express interest in using other AI-powered financial services, indicating that trust around AI in the Australian financial industry is mixed – presenting a chance for more education.

Aussies don't trust AI to choose their mortgage plans

For its annual commercial, Meat and Livestock Australia looks to bridge generational divides with a shared national love for a lamb BBQ. As polarisation deepens, this campaign leans into the nostalgic power of shared enjoyment and the reassuring reprieve of comfort food.

Satirical ad unites Aussie generations with a lamb BBQ

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

Madeline Salazar's viral TikToks centre around fake AI boyfriends and showcase the divided opinions held by people on the tech. Though intended to be a joke, it reflects a broader shift towards embracing AI soulmates and digital partners, revealing changing attitudes towards synthetic relationships.

TikToker's fake boyfriend videos divide opinions on AI

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

With tensions rising surrounding feminism and gender identity, a pivot to gender-related content is seeing new voices emerge as key figures in this space. Hannah Pearl Davis, aka Pearl, has seen her audience surge in readership and reach due to her controversial views that play into this shift.

How Pearl Davis built a fanbase with divisive content 

To mark eleven years since the Sandy Hook school shooting, Mothers For Democracy has released a PSA, rejecting ‘thoughts and prayers’ and instead demanding reform. By creating shock and distress, the ad taps into a consumer desire to see radical openness in the pursuit of change.

Mothers For Democracy campaign demands gun reform

Despite efforts, activity levels of young people in Britain have remained stagnant – and despite some positive developments, inequalities persist. With the cost of living crisis accentuating these divides, more is being demanded to ensure all young people can participate in an active lifestyle.

Inequality affects young Britons' activity levels

MSI Reproductive Choices has joined forces with Uncommon to draw attention to the dangerous lack of choice available for those seeking abortions. Working to raise urgent awareness and funds for contraception and abortion care, the campaign uses the shock factor to encourage action.

MSI targets the dangers of limited reproductive choices 

Influencers have emerged as key political figures in the lead-up to Indonesia’s 2024 general elections. While social media has long played a pivotal role in Indonesian democracy, the rise of such creators reflects the increasing overlap between politics, entertainment, and the influencer economy.

Influencers are shaping Indonesian electoral politics

Elon Musk has reinstated the account of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones five years after he was thrown off the platform. X continues its decline into toxicity with a lack of content moderation and increasing extremist views – leading both brands and people to leave in droves. 




Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' return to X adds to divide

As people grapple with the strain caused by the cost of living crisis, political polarisation, and global conflicts, there is a demand for a fresh and relatable approach to festive magic. How can brands create a sense of reprieve and celebration while fostering empathy at the same time?

How have brands tackled Christmas ads in 2023?

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

Individuals are live streaming on TikTok to debate the crisis in Palestine and Israel. As people continue to source news from social media and turn to smaller, siloed communities online in search of understanding, using their platforms to discuss global issues can both entrench and bridge divides.

Live streamers debate Palestine-Israel on TikTok

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

Young Americans are experiencing feelings of dread around political arguments among families, leading to many deciding to opt out of family gatherings. As what the holidays mean for many veers away from convention, brands have opportunities to cater to these new mindsets and traditions.

Young Americans are opting out of family gatherings

Media personalities like Glenn Greenwald, Joe Rogan, and Matt Taibbi are appealing to more and more Americans who are demanding honest debates around controversial topics. What does this interest in narratives beyond partisan orthodoxies reveal about people’s attitudes to the news landscape?

The rise of politically heterodox content in the US

In a candid discussion with esteemed social psychologist Arie Kruglanski, Canvas8 delved into the human psyche's response to an ever-changing world. Professor Kruglanski insights offer a lens on coping in an era of uncertainty and help answer the question of how we can still find stable ground.

Arie Kruglanski on the future of uncertainty

Israel's response in Gaza to Hamas' attack on its citizens in October is causing a rise in physical and verbal violence towards people based on their cultural and religious affiliations. In response to a rise in anti-semitism, people are taking to the streets to protest.

French activists challenge the surge of anti-semitism

An experiential art campaign called ‘The Unseen Machine’ has sparked conversation about AI’s role in creativity. Despite general anxiety about AI, excitement about its ability to augment inventiveness creates an opportunity for brands to show how new tech might support and inspire human imagination.

‘The Unseen Machine’ sparks debate on AI in creativity

People are increasingly accused of staying in their political echo chambers online and IRL. Bubbel Chat is trying to shift this narrative by providing an online space where Dutch people can talk across cultural divides and foster conversations that lead to greater empathy.

Bubbel Chat matches users with opposing political views

The national LGBTQ+ youth organization is the latest of several organizations and individuals that have opted to suspend their operations on Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter). As polarisation deepens, people from marginalized communities are leaving unsafe mainstream platforms.

The Trevor Project leaves X amid anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment

People around the world are protesting the violence in Gaza, mobilising some of the largest rallies for Palestine in history. As people's distrust in institutions grows in the face of near-constant crises, these demonstrations highlight how people are taking power into their own hands.

Global demonstrations demand ceasefire in Gaza

Dot is an AI assistant that offers hyper-personalized guidance on reaching users' goals and setting timely reminders for optimized productivity. As worries around AI battle with the promises that the technology can make people's lives easier, more humanized approaches could be most appealing.

Dot AI nudges users with personalised productivity tools

Chipotle has announced it is testing new automated robots with the potential to change how food is served throughout the industry. Eaters, however, are wary of changes and may view mechanization as a sign of cost-cutting behavior or, worse, negligence for consumer safety.

Chipotle's food service robot trial spurs controversy

Consumers globally are joining a boycott movement to pressure Israel to comply with international law. As proliferating global crises amplify people’s expectations of brands to act in line with their values, the burgeoning movement signals a need for action founded on shared humanity.

Consumers globally join BDS movement to end violence

A report has found #StandwithPalestine has gained significant online traction on TikTok, as people take to social media to protest the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As people advocate for social justice in digital spaces, these findings highlight how young people can change how platforms are used.

#StandwithPalestine draws significant online attention

In response to misinformation, Palestinians are using social media to share on-the-ground news and updates but are facing 'shadowbanning'. As people grapple with censorship around the world, this highlights how people are bypassing algorithms and calling for greater transparency.

Palestinian voices censored by social media 'shadowbans'

Protest group Pause AI is demanding a halt to AI development until ethical standards are set, citing risks like economic destabilisation and social division. Its October 2023 demonstrations align with a spike in global concern over AI safety, with government intervention increasing.

Anti-AI protests are spurred on by tech distrust

The Daily Wire, affiliated with The Ben Shapiro Show, has launched Bentkey – a streaming app exclusively for kids' entertainment content. As the culture wars rage on, people are turning inward, creating and consuming content in echo chambers that align with and reaffirm their worldviews.

The Daily Wire launches anti-woke streaming app for kids

Hailed as a wacky mash-up of American Pie and Fight Club, the film Bottoms has become an unexpected critical and commercial success. Sexually provocative and celebrating female ferocity, the dark teen comedy speaks to younger audiences’ hunger for original and idiosyncratic queer content.

Lesbian sex comedy Bottoms ignites cult appeal in Gen Z

The Doha Film Institute is highlighting its commitment to accurately portraying Palestinian stories with a film series featuring established and emerging filmmakers. The series taps into people's desires to creatively support authenticity for underrepresented communities.

Doha Film Institute uplifts Palestinian voices

A sense of overwhelm is causing people to opt out of news media. The disengagement in current events is impacting people's civic participation. The political detachment highlights the challenge of engaging people with politics sustainably in a particularly tense geopolitical and cultural era.

News fatigue is generating avoidant political behaviour

In Japan, a campaign sees an AI model showcasing the health benefits of green tea, shifting from an elderly woman to a young lady after a sip. However, people were unsettled by the ad, which comes at a time when people are prioritising authenticity over artificially created content.

Hyper-realistic AI ad makes Japanese citizens uneasy

Hot pot has been made available to moviegoers in Chengdu by a Cinker Pictures cinema. Although food may seem like an intrusion on entertainment, promoting the cultural practices around events can help brands in the live entertainment space reach new fans and revitalise events.

Cinker Pictures tempts with hot pot instead of popcorn

Mass digitisation is allowing people to memorialise their loved ones, but AI advancements are taking this to another level. Griefbots have gone viral on Chinese social media, fuelling discussions on the ethics of this way of mourning, but could be a stepping stone to healing with the right support.

Controversial Chinese griefbots memorialise loved ones

In China, a proposed ban on offensive clothing could spell trouble for brands that do not have in-depth knowledge of Chinese culture and history. Approaching messaging with cultural intelligence and nuance is essential, not only to protect the brand's reputation but also to protect customers.