BeReal is a social media app that hinges on the principle of scarcity. By limiting posts to one a day, it encourages users to share a snapshot of their daily lives in real-time rather than curating an idealized feed – a reflection of how demands for authenticity may reshape online communications.

Tired of social media feeling like a popularity contest and the pressure to post their best self, people are increasingly looking for more honest and private online connections. Encouraging people to ‘try a new account’, Instagram is nudging users into more authentic online engagement.

TikTok provided a much-needed escape for Gen Zers during the pandemic, enabling them to watch an endless stream of entertaining, educational, and immersive videos. For many, it was the go-to platform to improve their self-care routines. Canvas8 spoke to ten people to find out why.

The dominance of pseudonymous platforms – from Discord to TikTok, Twitch to Reddit – has freed up how Gen Zers express themselves online, moving away from personalisation and towards a sense of plurality. What can brands do to brush up on their ‘identity fluency’ for this ever-evolving generation?