As reality becomes increasingly warped online, people are losing trust in the credibility and authenticity of the media they are consuming. Deepfakes are one source of distrust, but Deeptrace, a technology that detects deepfakes, is working to combat misinformation online.

A new development in AR for online communication, the Animoji uses facial-mapping software to allow users to control a customised avatar of a human, animal or ghost’s face on their iPhone X. But is this just another frivolous fad or does the popularity of animated avatars signal their important social role in online interaction?

Following in the footsteps of Bitmoji, Facebook has launched Avatars – cartoonish lookalike sticker versions of users and their various emotions. The social media company is hoping to bring people’s tendency to enjoy expressing themselves online through their digital identities to the platform.

In a bid to appeal to more mindful travellers, Airbnb has partnered with World Animal Protection to launch ethical animal-focused experiences. Amid a growing awareness around animal welfare and exploitation in the tourism industry, people are seeking out responsible trips.