Limited real-life interactions in lockdown have led many people to seek out online communications that allow for deeper, more intimate connections. Audio offers a welcome break from screen-based social media, but how can brands best harness this medium to stand out?

From the roar of a stadium crowd to the chatter of strangers on a bus, the everyday sounds we hear have been greatly limited by COVID-19. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Salomé Voegelin, the author ofSonic Possible Worlds, about how the loss of accidental sounds may be adding to our sense of isolation.

Major media companies have ramped up production of kid-focused news products that speak to children on their level. Gen Alphas are known for their activist participation and their proficiency to absorb complex information from the digital world, creating room for brands to educate in this space.

In the Gen Alpha Deep Dive, we delve into the roots of this cohort’s activist streak, explore what it’s like to be born into a digital world, consider the ways that playtime is evolving to be more productive, and examine how growing up in a pandemic will shape attitudes to health and money.