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] 2026 will mark the rise of algorithmic witnessing - a movement that uses AI not to replace journalists, but to extend the reach of the communities they serve. Nieman Lab
• [New] In 2026, anticipate that more philanthropic funders and impact investors will become interested in food waste from a social impact perspective-food insecurity, food affordability, consumer savings, and more. Food Logistics
• [New] If Mexican workers should ever achieve genuinely independent unions, not only would they have more economic strength, but they could become a social force and a political power. International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine
• [New] Under the socio-cultural pillar, the Philippines will champion responsible AI use to enhance healthcare, education, and youth empowerment by broadening access to essential services. Asia Media Centre | Helping New Zealand media cover Asi
• [New] Indigenous communities in Canada face suicide rates that reflect generations of systemic harm - residential schools, forced relocation, cultural suppression, and ongoing inequities in housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Emotions Therapy Calgary
• [New] The degree to which young people successfully engage with their respective work and civic engagement at large will positively play a key role in determining the future progress of Bangladesh. The Daily Star
• [New] Social media success in 2026 will depend on adaptability, intelligence, and human connection. Social Lady
• [New] In 2026, AI will be embedded into nearly every social media workflow. Social Lady
• [New] Follower numbers will matter less in 2026 than community engagement and loyalty. Social Lady
• [New] In 2026, creators will focus more on cultivating a loyal community through thoughtfully crafted content, rather than chasing virality. Digiday
• [New] As consumer trust in brands continues to dissipate, audiences will gravitate toward individuals and communities that feel more human and transparent. LOCALiQ
• [New] Over half of social media users plan to spend more time on emerging, community-driven, and creator-driven platforms in 2026. LOCALiQ
• [New] Social commerce sales in the US are forecast to break the $100 billion barrier in 2026 (up from $85 billion in 2025). Wiserreview
• [New] Worldwide social commerce sales are expected to represent over 17% of total online retail sales. Wiserreview
• [New] Social Commerce is anticipated to be worth $908.5 billion in 2026, a 10.7% annual increase. Wiserreview
• [New] Another 2026 influencer marketing prediction is that social commerce will hit its stride as a standard way people shop online. Stack Influence
• [New] Social commerce reaches full adoption Social media advertising will continue expanding rapidly in 2026, with projected industry growth of over 18% for the year. Influencer Marketing Blog
• [New] What's new The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center warned that AI-assisted fraud schemes, including synthetic voice impersonation and AI-generated social engineering messages, are increasing. TECHMANIACS.com
• [New] American literature - in particular literature for young people - is threatened by a scourge of self-appointed, self-righteous culture police. The Conversation
• [New] The National Alliance to End Homelessness warns of a forceful shift in community apportionment in funds towards less long-term housing programs and solutions, towards more transitional or temporary shelters, housing, or new Support Services Only initiatives. CVOEO
• [New] The Australian legislation banning social media for under-16s (passed late 2024) will act as a blueprint for European policymakers in 2026. GamesIndustry.biz
• [New] There will be fallout from Australia's ban of under-16s on all social media. Jane Friedman
• [New] In 2026, social media will no longer be an advertising channel for website traffic, but rather the place where the entire customer journey takes place. Lookfamed English

Last updated: 12 January 2026