A study by Pew Research Center has revealed that almost half of Americans have encountered bogus information about the COVID-19 outbreak. Amid low levels of trust in the media, people are looking to brands and news outlets to take a more active role in tackling virus-related misinformation.

It’s generally accepted that people shouldn’t believe everything that they read online. But what role can brands play in combating misinformation? A study has revealed that people want businesses to take action against fake news, especially when it directly implicates the company.

From stockpiling toilet paper to dropping £100 on a plain t-shirt, hype can get people doing all sorts of seemingly strange things. Canvas8 spoke to Gemma Milne, author of Smoke & Mirrors, to learn more about this psychological phenomenon and the role it can play in a public health crisis.

The spread of COVID-19 has seen people frantically stock their cupboards and freezers, with empty supermarket shelves a common sight worldwide. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Leonard Lee, a marketing professor at the National University of Singapore, to understand the human needs that fuel panic-buying.