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Learn More →Social Trends to Watch in 2026
Brands Will Face Thorny Issues Related to AI, User Fatigue, and Regulation
Top Trends to Watch in 2026
Need-to-Know Trends Reshaping the Digital Future
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Table of Contents
Social networks will stumble trying to sell AI features to everyday users
TikTok will no longer be the platform to beat
Lawsuits and regulations will begin to fundamentally shift how kids use social media
Platforms and brands will try to capitalize on people’s desire to spend less time on social media
Agencies will be forced to recalibrate as they adapt to AI-driven shifts across the social landscape
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Media Gallery
About This Report
For social platforms, AI hype is colliding with user fatigue and rising regulations. In the US, they face stalled engagement and tougher rules as people demand more control and more human experiences.
Table of Contents
Social networks will stumble trying to sell AI features to everyday users
TikTok will no longer be the platform to beat
Lawsuits and regulations will begin to fundamentally shift how kids use social media
Platforms and brands will try to capitalize on people’s desire to spend less time on social media
Agencies will be forced to recalibrate as they adapt to AI-driven shifts across the social landscape
Sources
Media Gallery
Social platforms enter 2026 squeezed by AI hype, user fatigue, and tougher rules. Time spent is slowing as people push for more control and more human content, forcing marketers to rethink social strategies.
authors
Minda Smiley
Contributors
- Rahul Chadha
- Director, Report Editing
- Penelope Lin
- Director, Data Visualization
- Tracy Tang
- Senior Researcher
- Matt Torpey
- Senior Chart Editor
- Emman Velasco
- Chart Editor
- Paul Verna
- VP, Content
- Max Willens
- Yoram Wurmser
- Principal Analyst
- Ali Young
- Senior Copy Editor and Manager of Content Operations
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