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] More concerning still, rhetoric that frames immigration as a problem risks eroding the very social cohesion that distinguishes Canada. SenCanada
• [New] If the civil law system is able to guarantee certainty, Indonesia will not only be attractive to investors but also respected as a sovereign state governed by the rule of law. Opinion Nigeria
• [New] Without strengthening civil law, Indonesia risks becoming trapped in clauses that are detrimental to national interests. Opinion Nigeria
• [New] Countries with strong contractual systems, credible civil courts, and effective judgement enforcement mechanisms will command greater respect in the global arena. Opinion Nigeria
• [New] The worst-case scenario is a disintegration of central control in Tehran over major cities that leads to armed factions creating rival fiefdoms that pose a serious risk of civil war and national fracturing. CNN
• [New] Social commerce revenue is projected to hit $6.2 trillion by 2030, growing at 32% annually between 2023 and 2030, reflecting the rapid expansion of social media retail and its increasing role in consumer behaviour. Los Angeles Times
• [New] Understanding that the world is today a more dangerous place does not mean that electorates fully grasp what preparing will mean in terms of rewriting the social contract. Friends of Europe
• [New] Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and net interest are projected to represent roughly 73% of total outlays by 2036 and absorb nearly all federal revenues. Reason.com
• [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

Last updated: 09 March 2026