Pent-up post-pandemic moods are seeing foodies reject refined eating for more sensorial options that champion gusto and indulgence. While at-home meals are embracing the ugly, the world of ‘junk’ food is foregrounding the messy and casual as new markers of a ‘try it all’ attitude to eating and drinking – one with pleasure, tactility, and informality at its heart.

In the US, Gen Zers are the loneliest generation. While always-on digital communities are frequently blamed, pandemic lockdowns and turbulent world events have also taken their toll. What can brands do to help people foster deeper connections and more enriching relationships?

The pandemic has shown that many people experience extreme loneliness despite having access to online support networks and virtual events. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Luke Fernandez and Dr. Susan Matt to understand emotional and social fulfillment, and what it means in the digital age.

A survey has found that Gen Zers and Yers are losing friends over their spending habits, eschewing the development of personal relationships for financial reasons. The cost of living crisis is exacerbating loneliness among young people – one of potentially several unforeseen social consequences.