User confidence in social media giants has been plummeting in the wake of data privacy scandals and the rise of ‘fake news’. As a result, many are choosing to connect with like-minded individuals in micro-spaces that they believe can offer better security and a sense of community.

As digital tech infiltrates all parts of society, the positive effects of face-to-face interaction are often overlooked, particularly in terms of health and wellbeing. Canvas8 spoke to clinical psychologist Dr. Catherine Haslam about how social groups play a key role in personal identity.

America's personal debt crisis shows no sign of abating and research suggests that social media may be contributing by fueling irresponsible purchases. As people struggle to restrain their spending, fintech apps can help to monitor expenses and may lead to wiser financial choices.

#SephoraSquad is a different kind of beauty-influencer program that doesn’t care about follower count. By not placing value on the number of followers, Sephora is challenging marketing norms while making people’s dreams of becoming an influencer much more attainable.