Signals

London – Hosted at London’s Hang-Up gallery, Introversion Immersion is an exhibition that invites attendees to confront and question the impact of our social media on society.

Created by the artist Tim Fishlock, the show tackles the compulsions, narcissism and image overkill linked with social media platforms with 72 vibrantly coloured light boxes stacked from floor to ceiling and bearing bold statements that reflect the language used online, such as ‘enthuse’, ‘provoke’ and ‘debate’.

Challenging viewers to think about how they live and present themselves online, Fishlock has created a further six new paintings, entitled Satisfactory Living, unified by the repetition of the phrase ‘ME ME ME’. Speaking about the exhibition, Fishlock notes: ‘I began to wonder whether it’s people like me, the introverted, who are truly the most self-absorbed and self-centred.’

With Generation Z brought up with the internet, many young people are realising how apps such as Instagram are fuelling feelings of social anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO) and alienation, driving them to reconsider their relationship with technology. For more, read our macrotrend Anxiety Rebellion.

South Africa – Shoe laundry Sneaker Lab is tapping into the growth of sustainable footwear with a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Described on its website as ‘the future of sneaker care’, the Johannesburg- and Los Angeles-based company is expanding on its bricks-and-mortar services to offer customers cleaning solutions to take home. Its 100% biodegradable products include an odour protector and a sneaker cleaning solution said to clean at a microscopic level for three days after application. Each is presented in recyclable packaging and has been independently tested and Green Tag-certified.

‘When I started Sneaker Lab, I was looking to the future to create a potential global brand and I wanted it to be environmentally sustainable,’ says founder Jo Farah. ‘We want to make a real difference to the world.’

With footwear a major culprit in landfill, owing to its use of plastics and chemically treated materials, the industry is beginning to embrace the rise of sustainable footwear, and with this, eco-friendly care products. For more, read our Sustainable Footwear Market.

A new report from LGBT+ advocacy non-profit organisation The Trevor Project finds that the majority of LGBT+ youth in the US prefer digital means of accessing mental health help. Just over two thirds said they would be extremely like to reach out to a crisis intervention organisation for support via chat, text message or instant message.

Of the 34,000 young people polled, 81% also noted that having an LGBT+ safe space online is very valuable to them, demonstrating the evolution of our Safe Spaces microtrend. Meanwhile, the survey’s results reflect how today’s youth are increasingly using digital tools to confront their negativities head-on, rather than relying on traditional therapy.