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] In the UK, hundreds of teenagers will trial social media bans, digital curfews and time limits on apps under a government pilot, alongside a consultation on whether under-16s should be barred from accessing social media. The Guardian
• [New] The rise of apps such as TikTok and the popularity of video features including Instagram's Reels mean that people are consuming social media more passively and are less likely to take an active role, a change compared with how they might have behaved on platforms such as Facebook. The Guardian
• [New] Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among Black American emerging adults have received growing attention in recent years, alongside efforts to better understand the social factors that shape risk. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• [New] The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development plays a crucial role in ensuring economic and social stability, improving quality of life for citizens and mitigating social risks. / Saudi Arabia BTI 2026
• [New] There is limited data on societal trust in Saudi Arabia, but fear of government surveillance significantly shapes social interactions. BTI 2026
• [New] While Saudi Vision 2030 has introduced significant economic and social reforms, challenges to religious freedom and civil liberties remain. BTI 2026
• [New] With nearly 75% of the UK population now fully embracing digital banking, building societies, like Nottingham Building Society, recognise the need to modernise their technology to ensure maximum uptime and deliver the digital experiences members expect. FinExtra
• [New] Social media users in the UK are becoming less active on tech platforms due to the rise of video apps and fears that posts could come back to haunt them. The Guardian
• [New] Today's world is in need of urgent transformations, and few transformations will be as profound and universally beneficial as putting an end to the historical exclusion of women and girls in all areas of society. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
• [New] Settlement will no longer be automatic after five years and will instead depend on income, contribution, compliance, English language ability, and integration into UK society. UK Visas
• [New] Senate Bill 2487 (S.B. 2487) amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to impose new civil penalties for per violation for each specific act constituting a civil rights violation. JD Supra
• [New] Increased anti-Semitism and violence against Jewish communities in Europe and North America, and the divisive discourse and securitization fallout of the Israel-Gaza war, provide a combustible context that Iran could try to ignite. International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - ICCT
• [New] Senator and a candidate for U.S Senate, raising concerns among civil society groups, legal advocates, and election integrity groups that manipulated content will become increasingly present and unsettling. / USA U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner
• [New] Consumers in 2026 are more conscious of environmental and social issues, and they expect brands to align with their values. VLMS Global
• [New] Toxic exposure from informal e-waste recycling poses grave health risks to communities in Kano. Al Jazeera
• [New] Transformed children often grow up to transform their communities, creating a ripple effect of hope that impacts nations and the world. Compassion International
• [New] Social sentiment tools show a massive increase in traders expecting an immediate end to global conflicts. Sanbase
• [New] New funding will introduce a transformative career laddering program for Saskatchewan registered nurses from select communities to train to become NPs, and a new incentive will be made available to support them while learning. Government of Saskatchewan
• [New] By 2027, AI chatbots will handle 80% of all customer inquiries on social media. HyScaler
• [New] 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
• [New] Nearly every service and program is at risk of cuts in 2026, including in health care, and that reducing the size of the civil service, closing small schools and selling off provincial properties are all being considered. 650 CKOM

Last updated: 06 April 2026