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] When Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to ban social media for under-16s earlier this month, Spaniards could be forgiven for suspecting his real objective was not to limit children's screentime. Spiked
• [New] Human-generated content is the #1 priority for users in 2026, and 73% of consumers say they will switch to a competitor if a brand does not respond on social media. Sprout Social
• [New] Most parents across the UK will be shocked to learn that Safer Internet Day is actually funded by Snapchat and other addictive social media platforms. The Guardian
• [New] IRS warns against common scams as tax deadline approaches, cautioning against phishing emails, fake social media accounts, and fraudulent text messages related to tax credits or stimulus payments. Yahoo News
• [New] Social and Email Lead the Channel Mix: When asked which channels will drive the most business in 2026, SMB owners are betting on digital over traditional. Yahoo Finance
• [New] A portion of Russian society will use VPNs and other workarounds - something Russia has seen repeatedly when restricting platforms. www.lvivherald.com
• [New] Russian authorities, who also block or restrict social media platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, have been heavily pushing MAX, which critics say could be used to track users. NBC News
• [New] The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk. GOV.UK
• [New] Over the period 2047 to 2056, Social Security and Medicare spending will exceed the combined value of payroll tax receipts and premiums by an average of 5.2% of GDP, up from 2.7% in 2026. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] By 2026, skills like handling social media will be in strong need. Virtual Assistant Reviews
• [New] Thaksin's political clan has for two decades been the key foe of Thailand's pro-military, pro-royalty elite who view their populist brand as a threat to traditional social order. ENG.MIZZIMA.COM
• [New] Collectibles, kidults and KPop are the key trends that will shape play in 2026; with social media-driven trends, TV and Movie characters and adults' desire for escapism and psychological wellness all driving demand. Toys n Playthings
• [New] The unique selling point lies in its deep cultural immersion - every step is an opportunity to understand Cambodia's complex past and dynamic present. Bookmundi.com
• [New] The Middle East continues to see persistent threats from terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates, including al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, as recent threat assessments by the US intelligence community and the Center for Strategic and International Studies have highlighted. Middle East Institute
• [New] With 87% of shoppers saying social media influences their buying decisions, the brands that win will not be the ones with the biggest ad budgets-they'll be the ones creating authentic Valentine's fashion UGC that resonates where consumers actually shop. Social Native
• [New] The world is entering an era of cascading risks: climate disruptions, economic shocks, technological uncertainty, and social instability are unfolding in complex and interconnected ways. Mexico Business
• [New] The new Calgary-Cancun flights are expected to open up more efficient one-stop itineraries for travelers originating in northern and interior regions, including smaller Alberta communities and parts of the Canadian Prairies. The Traveler
• [New] Building on record-setting participation nationwide, Perfect Game will place a major emphasis on Illinois and Texas in 2026, two regions experiencing rapid growth and strong community engagement in youth baseball. Perfect Game
• [New] Communities could build on and expand on the largely proprietary collaboration models employed by Open AI, Anthropic, and Nvidia - which are not readily accessible to most academic and startup partners. Brookings
• [New] In 2026, the Knowledge Centre Data & Society will focus on AI literacy and maturity, digital sovereignty and digital regulation, while keeping a close eye on the technological future. EN
• [New] Unless structural reforms are undertaken to restore judicial independence, protect civil liberties, and ensure genuine competition, Uganda will remain trapped in the cycle of contested elections, a pseudo-democracy. Centre for Human Rights
• [New] Yoga's potential in American politics is undervalued, despite its deep presence in popular culture - from wellness trends to the Avatar movie universe. The Fulcrum

Last updated: 16 February 2026