With people spending more time at home, they’re turning to entertainment to break the monotony of the everyday and channel their anxiety into something more hands-on. But can escapism really help people feel more empowered? And how do they want brands to speak to them during a pandemic?

Independent fact-checking charity Full Fact has launched a fake-news-focused plot feature in the mobile video game Plague Inc. By likening the spread of false information to a contagious viral disease, the platform looks to warn young gamers of the destructive potential of fake news.

Amid the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Britons are seeking solace from literature and buying up stories about fictional pandemics. With people’s fears and anxieties getting greater every day, they’re turning to fiction for answers – but it could add to the hysteria.

The psychological distress caused by COVID-19 has caused many people in isolation to rely on friends, family, online communities, and brands for a sense of normality. Canvas8 spoke to Xi Tian, a researcher at Penn State University, to understand what’s required for effective emotional support.