Global Scans · Lifestyles · Weekly Summary

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] By 2026, 17% of all online sales are expected to occur through social platforms, with livestream shopping projected to reach $70 billion in the U.S. alone. Wiserreview
• [New] Economic uncertainty will continue to shape behaviour in 2026, and customers are already scrutinising purchases more carefully than ever. Adrian Swinscoe | Customer and Employee Engagement | Im
• [New] In 2026, websites and marketing platforms will increasingly utilize AI to personalize content, messaging, and user journeys based on behaviour, intent, and real-time data. Web Ascender
• [New] Aside from Melbourne being rich in culture, infrastructure, shopping, schools, and parklands, the median dwelling price in Melbourne is forecast to rise 5% -7% in 2026. Woodards Real Estate
• [New] With nearly two-thirds of shoppers already asking AI models for product research instead of searching, the era of agentic shopping, where AI decides which brands deserve trust and attention, will be fully mainstream by Black Friday 2026. Triton Digital
• [New] For organizations willing to embrace governance as a strategic priority, 2026 offers unprecedented opportunities to build AI systems that are not only powerful and innovative but also trustworthy, ethical, and aligned with human values. Unified AI Hub
• [New] In 2026, the next phase of innovation will focus on hyper-personalization, moving from tailored suggestions to whole-body digital twins with dynamic models reflecting an individual's physiology, lifestyle, and clinical history. Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare
• [New] As Generative AI matures, 2026 will mark an important stage in consumer adoption and use of large language models, with implications for online behaviour and content ecosystems. London Business School
• [New] In the coming years, confident online shopping will not be a luxury feature. The AI Journal
• [New] By 2026, interfaces will dynamically adjust based on user behaviour, preferences, location, and past interactions. Medium
• [New] In 2026, the design of websites and applications will be guided by user behaviour patterns, emotional intelligence, accessibility, practicality, and most importantly how effectively UX design with AI delivers personalized value. Medium
• [New] Improved Payments and Shopping Experiences: WhatsApp Pay and shopping features are expected to mature significantly in 2026, enabling faster transactions, wider merchant integration, and safer in-chat buying experiences. Analytics Insight: Latest AI, Crypto, Tech News & Analy
• [New] AI in 2026 is no longer perceived as disruptive technology but as essential infrastructure supporting modern lifestyles. Intellitron Genesis -
• [New] Communities near the new Dubai Metro Blue Line stand out, proving that ease of access and thoughtful planning now influence both lifestyle and long-term investment potential. What's On
• [New] In 2026, AI will be used more for hyper-personalised planning, such as suggesting itineraries based on passion pursuits, moods, values and more to create more meaningful trips. Euronews
• [New] Key Insight: Florida leads US UHNW growth at 8.8% annually, driven by favorable tax policies, remote work trends, and lifestyle appeal, adding nearly 9,000 ultra-wealthy residents by 2030. DataGlobeHub
• [New] By removing the ideological requirements of the previous administration, the White House hopes to foster a truthful and neutral AI ecosystem that prioritizes American values and national security over social engineering. FinancialContent
• [New] Customer behaviour in 2026 is expected to exhibit a preference for experiencing immediacy, hyper-personalization, and trust in a world of AI. Wiserreview
• Consumers will increasingly blend entertainment and shopping through platforms like livestream shopping, which is projected to reach $50 billion in the US alone. Netguru
• About 70% of fashion retailers plan to increase AI investments within the next two years to strengthen personalization and tech-driven shopping experiences. Fashion Theory Magazine

Last updated: 08 January 2026