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] Around the world, countless girls are learning to use their voices in schools, youth programs, and community projects, shaping the kind of confidence that one day might lead to diplomacy. Meer
• [New] DISPUTES As influencer marketing continues to shape consumer behaviour, particularly in the beauty sector, companies are entering 2026 facing heightened scrutiny of influencer claims, disclosures, and emerging litigation risks tied to social media-driven advertising strategies. / UK JD Supra
• [New] With the Growth of Businesses and Communities By 2026, messaging apps will have new functionality beyond social engagement. https://www.uniindia.com/news/press-releases/story/3751
• [New] In 2026, scrutiny of energy use, supply chains, data ethics, and social impact will continue to intensify. dotmagazine - joining the dots in the Internet industry
• [New] Immigrants already living in the United States were subject to detention only if they were deemed a flight risk or a danger to society. Brennan Center for Justice
• [New] Psychologists do not classify social media addiction as an official diagnosis, but researchers have documented the harmful consequences of compulsive use among young people, and lawmakers around the world have repeatedly voiced concern about social networks' addictive potential. The Guardian
• [New] If implemented without careful consideration, the US social media travel policy could unintentionally reduce tourism and economic activity while discouraging international visitors. Travel And Tour World
• [New] CBP officials highlight that the proposed US social media travel policy is designed to strengthen border security measures and protect the U.S. from terrorism and other safety threats under Executive Order 14161. Travel And Tour World
• [New] By 2026, the combination of enhanced physical capabilities and social AI will enable more natural and less intimidating interactions, paving the way for broader adoption in homes and healthcare facilities. Robot Magazine
• [New] $1trn will be needed, with $400 billion for energy-sector rehabilitation, $300 billion for housing and urban infrastructure, $200 billion for transport corridors and logistics, and $100 billion for social services and public institutions. Cadtm
• [New] By 2026, social media platforms will be the largest shopping mall. Circle Aims
• [New] Public AI could take many forms - regulated utilities like electricity, community-managed efforts like Wikipedia, or government-owned platforms and services, such as public banks or highways. IFTF
• [New] Philips is driven by the desire to improve people's health and wellbeing through meaningful innovation, with an ambitious goal of improving 2.5 billion lives per year by 2030, including 400 million in underserved communities. / Netherlands Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & A
• [New] Japan and Australia lead adoption, and China - even with its entrenched tea culture - is showing early signs of potential. BeverageDaily.com
• [New] There is no doubt that Europe needs to reinforce its military capabilities to confront immediate risks, but its long-term security will also depend on social resilience. Elcano Royal Institute
• [New] At any given level of AI capability, a society is going to be able to exploit it, and distribute its fruits to its population, effectively if it enjoys the governance quality of Japan or Switzerland. Technocracy News
• [New] Gabon has suspended some social media platforms, citing concerns that posts could undermine social cohesion and threaten the stability of institutions and national security. FDD
• [New] The European Commission has launched a €785,000 pilot call for proposals to strengthen social cohesion and improve understanding of online political polarization, recognizing the growing threat that digitally amplified division poses to democratic resilience in the European Union. CRC
• [New] By 2026, the most popular and influential type of content on social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts & Facebook will be Short Form Videos. Wisconsin Scorpions
• If guided by social responsibility, local adaptation, and long-term planning, autonomous vehicles could gradually transform Indian mobility for the better. thestatesman.com
• As generative systems flood the world with content, democratic societies face risks from deepfakes and disinformation. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com
• Urban extreme heat is an escalating climate risk across the Asia-Pacific region, driven by climate change, rapid urbanization, and existing social and economic vulnerabilities. Indico.UN (Indico)

Last updated: 02 March 2026