Global Scans · Social · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: In the years to come, social commerce will become more widespread and the level of personalization will improve with advanced AI solutions & chatbots. The number of worldwide social media users is projected to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to 2.5 billion by 2018.

• [New] A major legal case brought by 29 US states against Meta has begun, which could affect the way social media companies operate in the future. BBC
• [New] Some Asian American communities may face risk factors that scientists have not yet identified. ScienceDaily
• [New] Social media users are predicted to reach 331.09 million, setting a new record in 2028. / USA Straits Research
• [New] Between 2024 and 2028, the overall number of social media users in the U.S. is projected to increase by 22.8 million people, representing a growth rate of 7.4%. Straits Research
• [New] Asian philanthropists are moving past traditional grants toward concessional debt and equity instruments designed for the hybrid risk profiles of social innovators. PAA
• [New] The earliest stages of social innovation in Asia carry the highest risk and the thinnest funding. PAA
• [New] Through year-round training, competitions and community programs, Special Olympics Australia creates opportunities for athletes to build confidence, friendships, independence and pride. Special Olympics Australia
• [New] There will be a new civil service fast stream pilot in Yorkshire and Humber, and an expansion of the future leaders scheme, which trains high performers in the civil service, to mayoral and local authority officials. The Guardian
• [New] Social change leaders are increasingly concerned about AI's risks, including the loss of human connection when it matters most. Stanford Social Innovation Review
• [New] Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms. ACOFP ORG
• [New] Loneliness is rising in adulthood, not because people lack social desire, but because social networks shrink and opportunities to maintain close relationships become harder to sustain over time. Yahoo
• [New] The free training modules will support the British workforce from entry-level employees to senior leaders and policymakers - helping people across all communities gain access to the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven economy. IBM UK Newsroom
• [New] The bigger question is whether AI will mainly improve efficiency inside WeChat or begin to reshape how users interact within a relationship-based social platform. China Trading Desk
• [New] The European Commission is working on its own regulations to protect young people from social media across Europe, and it will have a say on whether the French bill respects existing EU legislation. Pierstone
• [New] If a business is not using SEO, GEO, social media, Google Ads and online branding, it will lose customers to competitors. igmGuru
• [New] Healthcare and social assistance is projected to be the fastest-growing major U.S. industry through 2034, while healthcare occupations are expected to generate approximately 1.9 million openings annually. Dino Health Staffing
• [New] Healthcare and social assistance is projected to be the fastest-growing major U.S. industry sector from 2024 to 2034, with employment projected to increase by 8.4%. Dino Health Staffing
• [New] Communities across Myanmar are not only living under the constant threat of violence but are also coping with the profound and lasting impact of what they have endured. UN News
• [New] Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative The mission of TORI is to guide and empower ex-offenders to maximize their potential and increase their opportunities for successful reintegration into society. Tarrant County TX
• America is not going to pass a law that bans social media. The Guardian
• The NPA, which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, called for patients with several repeat prescriptions to have more reviews so that medicines that were no longer needed could be identified. The Guardian

Last updated: 24 August 2026