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] The Prediction: In 2026, the collapse of big social and mass youth abandonment of mainstream platforms will force journalism and philanthropy to rebuild civic information systems around something social media no longer provides: trust, safety, and community control. Ben Werdmuller
• [New] Social and digital platforms represent the primary growth engine for content-driven advertising, reaching US$ 413 billion in 2025 (+12.8%) before advancing to US$ 445.4 billion in 2026. Marketing-Interactive
• [New] Excessive interaction with AI could weaken children's engagement with the real world and hinder the development of essential social skills. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Given the heightened focus on social media usage amongst children and teens, it is interesting to note that six in ten 18-24 year olds - more than any other age group - say they will look to reduce their mobile screen time, while also cutting back on social media in 2026. Business Plus
• [New] Bangkok - Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has warned the public to prepare for four major scam trends expected to intensify in 2026, urging people to stay alert and avoid falling victim to online fraud. Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)
• [New] US social commerce sales are expected to cross $100 billion in 2026. Business Insider
• [New] In 2026, more boycotts, protests, and civil disobedience seem inevitable. Blitz
• [New] Youth Leads UK is calling on councils, schools, and community organizations across Greater Manchester to partner with the Civic Leadership Programme and help expand meaningful civic opportunities for young people. BusinessMole
• [New] By addressing biases, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering global dialog, society can harness AI's potential while curbing its perils. WebProNews
• [New] The way AI is used in procurement over 2026 will be defined less by technology investment and more by organisational culture. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] According to Ping Identity executives, the global expansion of government and corporate digital ID frameworks will increase public anxiety about sophisticated, AI-enabled social engineering scams. SC Media
• [New] Social media have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for children to humiliate one another, from intimate photo-sharing to the Snapchat story-immortalisation of their most embarrassing moments. Spiked
• [New] Chatbots could address conspiracy theories racing across social media, challenging misinformation around beliefs in issues such as chemtrails and the flat Earth with a stream of reasonable facts in conversation. McAlvany Financial Group
• [New] Psychedelic-assisted therapies could provide relief in costs to society in the region of US$ 150 billion in relation to SUDs (opioid, alcohol and nicotine), almost above US$ 150 billion in relation to depression and US$ 12.4 billion in relation to PTSD, for just the US and EU. Prohibition Partners
• [New] Divorced dating sites and apps in 2026 provide more than just matchmaking - they offer emotional reassurance, community, and pathways to healthy new beginnings. Humans
• [New] Children and adults of a low socio-economic status, remote or regional dwellers, Indigenous communities, and males are among the other groups that are at a much greater risk of drowning than the average Australian. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] With antisemitism growing and concern fading, Jewish Americans will feel increasingly less at home in American society. More in Common US Newsletter
• [New] Jewish Americans will feel even more left behind, even less secure in their place in American society, and even less confident about who they can trust. More in Common US Newsletter
• [New] Virginia's Senate president pro tempore filed a bill to provide resentencing relief for people incarcerated or on community supervision for certain marijuana offences as lawmakers prepare to legalize recreational cannabis sales in 2026. Marijuana Moment
• [New] Sydney's Muslim community has been told to expect counterterrorism raids in the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, as Islamic leaders reveal it has been sounding the alarm about the hate preacher connected to one of the shooters for 10 years. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] TrustX offers an assurance pathway that reduces risk for NHS and social care organizations adopting Agentic AI across clinical and operational pathways. UKAuthority
• [New] An Endocrine Society task force has established new clinical-practice guidelines that recommend screening adults for high triglyceride levels once every 5 years because of the potential risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis associated with hypertriglyceridaemia. Managed Healthcare Executive

Last updated: 29 December 2025