Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

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.

Social media platform Geneva has become popular among Gen Zers who wish to connect privately and directly with other users who share similar interests. As people reject performative social feeds in favor of authentic online interactions, how are community-oriented apps keeping users engaged?

Reddit's decision to amend its API rules – hiking prices and limiting access –saw users start an uprising by closing subreddits en masse. The Reddit Blackout is an example of how corporate decisions must consider consumers' desires to avoid backlash or even full-blown user mutiny.