Global Scans · Lifestyles · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Digital lifestyles are on the rise around the world and AR and VR will likely see us all using wearables, head-mounted displays and smartphones in almost everything we do. And, most of us will be living in cities too with full amenities close by.

• [New] While OpenAI continues innovating with shopping features, group chats, and advanced reasoning models, mounting legal challenges over mental health risks signal the need for more robust safety measures. The Tech Buzz
• [New] Structured lifestyle changes can significantly improve cognitive performance in older adults at risk for decline. Fingerlakes1.com
• [New] Lower gray matter volume at baseline predicted higher reward-seeking behaviour two years later, suggesting a meaningful link between early brain development and later behavioral tendencies. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• [New] Consumer behaviour is expected to shift considerably in the coming years, driven by heightened awareness of environmental issues. Joindecker
• [New] 2025 sees a push towards Continuous Adaptive Trust, where authentication is not a one time event but a continuous assessment of risk based on behaviour, location, and device health. DeepStrike
• [New] Customers are increasingly using AI as a starting point, as 17% of unique online shoppers say they will begin their holiday shopping with an AI platform such as ChatGPT or Perplexity, and 30% plan to start with Google search, which is now also AI-enabled. / USA Bain
• [New] In 2025, forward-looking real estate firms are using AI to score leads, predict buyer behaviour, and tailor outreach. Medium
• [New] AI-driven traffic to U.S. retail sites is expected to increase nearly eightfold from last year, Adobe said, when AI-driven shopping companions like Walmart's Sparky or Amazon's Rufus did not exist. CNBC
• [New] In 2026, AI models will map each local store-cluster, SKU-variant, and regional behaviour. Synovia Digital
• [New] The 2030s will witness the mass adoption of artificial intelligence in retail and the widespread implementation of experiential shopping approaches. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] As Gartner reports, by 2026, 25% of people will spend at least one hour per day in the metaverse for work, shopping, education, or entertainment. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] With holiday spending patterns shifting toward value-conscious shopping and local support, in 2025 presents unique opportunities for small retailers to connect with customers who want authentic, personalized shopping experiences. Fora Financial
• [New] In 2025, mobile commerce will dominate online shopping - with more than 75% of Black Friday eCommerce sales happening on smartphones. Webcreta Technologies
• [New] Adobe's 2025 holiday shopping insights, released in April, predict a surge in mobile commerce and early deals, with AI playing a central role in adapting to evolving behaviours. WebProNews
• [New] The 2040s will mark the transition from conventional retail approaches to quantum-optimized operations and fully immersive shopping experiences. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] While still speculative, by the late 2050s we may see the emergence of integrated commerce ecosystems that seamlessly connect shopping, entertainment, and social experiences. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] While still speculative, by the late 2050s we may see the emergence of integrated retail ecosystems that seamlessly connect shopping, entertainment, social interaction, and lifestyle management. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] The 2040s will mark the transition from conventional retail approaches to quantum-enhanced operations and fully immersive shopping experiences. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• Success in the AI century will require more than technological prowess - it will demand wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to human values. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu

Last updated: 11 December 2025