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EMARKETER

Social Trends to Watch in 2026

Brands Will Face Thorny Issues Related to AI, User Fatigue, and Regulation

Report by Minda Smiley  |  Dec 9, 2025

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
Sources
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.
Topics
Social Media Marketing
Social Media Usage
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
United States
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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