When author Kyle Chayka explored 2010s minimalism in Longing for Less, a very different world existed. Today, a polycrisis-ridden and digitally saturated society finds people yearning for more. Whether you chalk it up to post-pandemic release or a general sense of impending doom, people are now looking for a...

From decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) run on Discord to city-wide mutual aid groups, people are finding safety and optimism in numbers. For growing numbers of people, collective action is emerging as the only viable solution to compounding crises and deepening alienation.

Taylor Swift’s influence continues to grow with the introduction of a Bahamian cruise called ‘In My Cruise Era’. Hosted by Royal Caribbean, the fan-led cruise pushes the boundaries of fandom-centric holidays from visitation to a level of all-out immersion typically dominated by Disney and LEGO.

A holiday cruise around the world has become the latest Tiktok obsession, as users anticipate the drama that will unfold over its 9-month voyage. People’s desire for organic and spontaneous content may be leading to the creation of an entirely new genre of social media-led reality entertainment.

The pandemic has altered various aspects of life, including how we travel. As international tourism in Australia is gradually returning to its peak, overseas visitors are emboldened by their desire to reconnect with loved ones and nature, signalling a shift towards travel that emphasises wellbeing.

Social connection is down and screen time is up, resulting in widespread feelings of isolation. While this affects all kinds of people, women and gender non-conforming individuals are lonely at disproportionate rates. So, how can brands foster more human interaction and caring in the world?