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] After digital money spreads widely throughout society and the automation value of smart contracts is recognized, the next thing to come into view will be a world where accounting operations are almost fully automated, with near-zero human touch. ABeam Consulting Ltd.
• [New] The future of social media marketing in 2026 will be defined by smarter technology, more authentic connections, and data-driven creativity. Social Lady
• [New] In 2026, social commerce revenue is predicted to increase to $919.3 billion globally, and must be firmly cemented in brands' ecosystems. Digital Voices
• [New] The global community has agreed to increase adaptation finance for developing countries to US$ 1.3 trillion by 2035. TV BRICS
• [New] TikTok will become more similar to American-owned social media applications when it comes to access to data and how it's monetized. Los Angeles Times
• [New] Users there who normally exchange tips on finding locally sourced products are increasingly paranoid that they are going to be banned from the U.S. social media platform they are currently using to communicate. Gizmodo
• [New] Digital channels are projected to grow 12% in 2026, led by CTV, social media, video and creator marketing. Insideradio.com
• [New] Perhaps most fundamentally, global AI governance frameworks will require broad-based participation from countries worldwide and diverse stakeholders across academia, civil society, and industry to achieve legitimacy and effectiveness. Default
• [New] Threat actors in 2026 have embraced agentic AI as a powerful weapon in their arsenal, creating sophisticated AI agents designed to autonomously discover vulnerabilities, conduct social engineering at scale, and execute multi-stage attacks faster than human defenders can respond. DEV Community
• [New] In 2026, the most innovative companies will treat their communities as distributed R&D engines. Grazitti Interactive
• [New] Sensory overload, unpredictable environments, and lack of clarity can make routine activities inaccessible, limiting where autistic Australians and their caregivers feel comfortable participating in community. FinExtra
• [New] Gaming and social media platforms could soon be required to comply with stricter child protection laws in New York state, aimed at preventing companies from profiting off the exploitation of children. Brooklyn Paper
• [New] Animal rescues and people feeding feral or community cats often choose dry food over wet food because it's the most cost-effective option and will not spoil when left out for a day or two. Business Insider
• [New] The actions of the Emirates are a violation of the World Heritage Convention treaty, which established that signatory nations must not take any deliberate measures which might damage directly or indirectly the cultural and natural heritage. Ediciones EL PAIS S.L.
• [New] Social media creator revenue will increase 16.2% in 2026 to $20.6 billion. eMarketer
• [New] Prediction: By 2026, social influence will no longer be a nice-to-have but will become the main differentiator between creator platforms. RootData
• [New] The social media advantage in 2026 will not come from posting more, but from listening better. The Drum
• [New] Oxford research identified misinformation as a major threat to society and public health, with social media significantly contributing to its spread and global reach. Forbes
• [New] Social commerce sales are going to cross $1 trillion by 2028. WebBee Global
• [New] WORKFORCE Mental health takes center stage: CEOs elevate it above gender equality and work conditions A worldwide priority: CEOs across the US, Europe, and Japan rank mental health as one of the top three social issues they will prioritize in 2026. The Conference Board
• [New] Prediction: A new generation of decentralised EU-based social media platforms with user-centric values will emerge to challenge US tech dominance, and most of them will be ignored. Media Diversity Institute
• [New] In 2026, general-purpose AI systems will begin to transform major economies and societies in more tangible, noticeable, and irreversible ways than we have seen before. Just Security

Last updated: 26 January 2026