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 increasing demand for cash in Russian society indicates rising societal fears over internet restrictions that prevent bank card transactions amidst increasing state surveillance and fiscal policy that incentivizes Russians to use cash more often to evade rising taxes. Critical Threats
• [New] We are already a super aged society and by 2030, about one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above. ST
• [New] The World Economic Forum's skills outlook still ranks analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility, leadership, and social influence among the key capability areas employers expect to prioritize, underscoring demand outside purely technical domains. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] Even after accounting for neighborhood social fragmentation, SES deprivation uniquely predicted social functioning, indicating that specific psychosocial risks associated with deprivation - such as chronic financial stress-may impair social interactions. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Social isolation and loneliness significantly raise the risk of premature mortality. The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News |
• [New] Social isolation is one of the fourteen modifiable risk factors of dementia. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] In 2026, mental health support is expected to become embedded into everyday life through workplaces, schools, apps, wearable technology, pharmacies, and community programs. campbellhealthsolution.org
• [New] In 2026, researchers expect rising concern around social isolation, technology addiction, anxiety disorders, and emotional dependence on digital platforms. campbellhealthsolution.org
• [New] In 2026, the sheer volume and velocity of social engineering attacks will outpace the combined ability of human cybersecurity analysts to take them down. VMblog
• [New] Taiwan will have taken only 25 years to transition from an ageing society to an aged society and only 7 years to transform from an aged society to a superaged society. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Taiwan will complete the shift from an ageing to a super-aged society within a markedly compressed timeframe, leaving limited opportunity for health systems to adapt incrementally. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The European Commission announced a social plan to reinforce the rights of persons with disabilities through 2030, including EU-wide rollout of the European Disability Card, new support for independent living, and investments in accessible AI tools and technologies. Access Information News
• [New] The community groups that make up Act-LA hope the growing transit network will boost the ranks of Metro's transit ambassadors - unarmed staff members who help people find their trains and buses, deter crime by being visible at stations and even spring into action to reverse drug overdoses. The Guardian
• [New] Social fragmentation represents disruptions in social connections and community cohesion (e.g., social exclusion, isolation, lack of belonging), while SES deprivation encompasses limitations in material and educational resources (e.g., poverty, unemployment, limited educational attainment). PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Automation could extend in the coming years to broad sectors including transportation, services, and office jobs, potentially leading to significant social and economic pressures if the returns generated by AI are not redistributed. Jawlah
• [New] AI superintelligence will be so disruptive that there is a need for a new social contract. TechRadar
• [New] Digital Harms and Their Impact on Social Cohesion: Examples from Ninewa, Iraq In Iraq, social media has become a primary source of information and a key space where fear, frustration, and collective memory are expressed. Nonviolent Peaceforce
• [New] As emphasised by the United Nations, digital technologies and social media have the potential of introducing misinformation to citizens. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Vulnerable communities - particularly in Area C, East Jerusalem, and refugee camps - are increasingly exposed to a coercive environment that heightens protection risks and drives displacement. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitar
• [New] In 2026, audiences expect brands to take a stance on social and environmental issues, and to do so with authenticity. MailChimp
• [New] As real-world community noise exposure data from eVTOL demonstration flights in UK and comparable markets accumulates and public familiarity with eVTOL operations builds, community acceptance barriers are expected to progressively diminish. Mobility Foresights
• [New] The upcoming elections in Colombia and Brazil are likely to face similar challenges and increased risks of social unrest. ZeroFOX
• [New] Up to 140,000 jobs could be lost in Australia's disability and social assistance sector over four years, following major National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms. Access Information News

Last updated: 18 May 2026