Our Scans · (ZY.4.18) Media Studies · Weekly Summary

• [New] By 2027, AI chatbots will handle 80% of all customer inquiries on social media. HyScaler
• [New] Ultimately, social media in 2026 rewards the deliberate, and brands that favor automated shortcuts over community building risk being permanently ignored by a more selective, skeptical audience. Sprout Social
• [New] Social Media: TikTok Shop appears set to move from novelty to necessity, and we expect platforms to enforce built-in paid partnership / commercial content offerings in short video and live shopping more aggressively. National Law Review
• [New] Under INTERPOL coordination, law enforcement agencies will move quickly to disrupt operations at source - freezing bank accounts, shutting down communication channels and carrying out coordinated raids to bring scam networks to justice. GOV.UK
• [New] Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting advanced media technologies as investments in digital infrastructure and content delivery networks expand, creating opportunities for both local and international broadcasters to enhance content quality and distribution capabilities. openpr
• Average daily media consumption per U.S. consumer is projected to reach 13.1 hours, accounting for 40.5% of their day. SQ Magazine
• Digital media revenues are expected to surpass $1.25 trillion, exceeding 40% of total industry income. SQ Magazine
• Marketers who stay proactive, attend industry events, invest in new skills, and maintain close relationships with technology partners will be best prepared to navigate the fluid landscape of media buying in 2026 and beyond. Wisconsin Scorpions
• In 2026, the social media world will face a fundamental realignment: artificial intelligence and algorithms will automate almost every aspect of social media marketing, while users will simultaneously crave more authenticity. infludata
• Data privacy risk is reaching critical mass in 2026 as zombie privacy claims, tougher state laws, and everyday AI use converge to create significant liability for companies. Los Angeles Business Journal
• From NYX to Urban Outfitters to Primal Kitchen to Anthropologie to Levi's to Primark, savvy brands have been linking up with the social media platform to build data-driven experiences that turn Pinterest Predicts trends into real-world touchpoints. Event Marketer
• Growth in 2026 will depend on media accountability and clear measurement. USIM
• Social media platforms have transformed into indispensable tools for businesses worldwide, offering unparalleled opportunities for advertising, community building, and commerce. Qubit Capital
• FTC Warns of AI Voice Cloning Fraud in Social Media Ads. Articsledge
• By 2030, 82.9% of total social media ad spending will be generated through mobile. AFFiNCO
• Digital media buying in India is expected to capture 61% of total marketing spend by 2026, up from 49% in 2024. AFFiNCO
• Spending on retail media advertising is projected to hit $130 billion by 2026. AFFiNCO
• US retail media advertising spend excluding Amazon-specific search is projected to reach approximately $30 billion in 2026, with Walmart Connect, Target's Roundel, Kroger Precision Marketing, and Instacart Ads accounting for the majority of non-Amazon retail media volume. TechBullion
• Social media advertising in the United States is projected to reach approximately $108 billion in 2026, driven primarily by Meta's platforms, TikTok's continued expansion, and YouTube's growing commercial surface area within the social video category. TechBullion
• Social commerce in the United States is expected to exceed $100 billion in revenue by 2026, reflecting the increasing number of consumers who shop directly through social media platforms. Zarsh Solutions
• The future of social media marketing in the United States will continue to be shaped by technological innovation and evolving consumer behaviour. Zarsh Solutions
• The ACCC's focus on manipulative and false practices will not be restricted to large social media platforms or app stores. National Law Review
• A continuous improvement milestone in 2026 will be to modernise the emergency communication processes relied on during emergencies and incidents. GOV.UK

Last updated: 26 March 2026