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 2026, we anticipate sophisticated threat actors like ShinyHunters will accelerate the use of highly manipulative AI-enabled social engineering, making it a significant threat. ZDNet
• [New] Without the AEDG, it would be much more difficult for policymakers, researchers, community energy champions and bureaucrats to plan Alaska's energy future. Anchorage Daily News
• [New] The distress as teenagers (especially socially vulnerable ones) fear the loss of social connections and the economic consequences of losing income-earning potential from content creation (notably YouTube). American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Historic negotiations at the UN towards a Global Ocean Treaty could face unprecedented restrictions on civil society participation. Greenpeace International
• [New] AI could lose its social permission to compete for resources such as energy, for example, if it failed to generate benefits beyond a few powerful tech firms - such as the rapid development of effective new drugs. The Guardian
• [New] Advanced manufacturing, deep capital markets, and entrepreneurial culture are all expected to help the United States remain the top name in space mining operations around the world. SkyQuest Technology Consulting
• [New] Some societies will be far more intrusive, with government intervention by default - in China: People are doing, the sky is watching - while others will find new data and privacy protection equilibria. City Journal
• [New] Around 40% of global jobs will be significantly affected by AI-driven change - either enhanced, transformed, or displaced - highlighting the urgency of policy and investment choices that support communities through transition. Entrepreneur Middle East
• [New] Social commerce is projected to reach $2.9 trillion, fueled by communities that sell, recommend, and co-create directly with audiences. Grazitti Interactive
• [New] The Philippines' strong rankings for being a fun and friendly country show how tourism, entertainment, and everyday cultural familiarity can shape preference in ways some traditional metrics might miss. Brand Finance
• [New] Roughly half of U.S. states now mandate some form of age gating for adult content or social media access, and additional laws are expected to take effect in 2026. National Law Review
• [New] In 2026 nearly half (44.4%) of assemblywomen will represent historically marginalized racial / ethnic communities (that proportion is 48.4% at the end of 2025). Center for American Women and Politics
• [New] Warming is likely to exceed 2 °C by 2050, triggering severe and systemic impacts on economies and societies worldwide. Innovation Zero 2025
• [New] Australia has cancelled the visa of an Israeli social media influencer who has campaigned against Islam, saying it will not accept visitors to the country who come to spread hatred. Bridge Initiative
• [New] Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for children under 15 (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants his government to fast-track the legal process to ensure that a ban on social media for children under the age of 15 can enter into force in September at the start of 2027. Tumblr
• [New] Regional and bilateral alliances, such as the EU nuclear alliance, Nordic-Baltic cooperation, renewed Japanese investment, and civil nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and Canada, are expected to enhance cooperation. oilprice.com
• [New] The Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for Learning Fund is expected to provide £46.5m with £8.5m provided by Flintshire County Council borrowing. Deeside.com
• [New] In the age of social media, bundling live games with content tailored to younger audiences will further strengthen fan loyalty and enhance the behavioral data that powers personalized engagement, advertising strategies, and global expansion. PwC
• [New] AI could lose its social permission to consume massive amounts of electricity unless it delivers clear, real-world gains across society, including healthcare, education, government efficiency, and business performance. American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• [New] Social connection reduces inflammation, lowering the risk for mental and physical health challenges. The Foundation for Art & Healing
• [New] Jewish communities in Britain and across Europe continue to face an acute security threat from a myriad of radical Islamic terrorist elements, even as large anti-Israel street demonstrations decrease in the wake of the current Gaza truce. Counter Extremism Project
• [New] After digital money spreads widely throughout society and the automation value of smart contracts is recognized, the next thing to come into view will be a world where accounting operations are almost fully automated, with near-zero human touch. ABeam Consulting Ltd.

Last updated: 02 February 2026