Facebook has a cyber mercenary problem: Meta blocks 1,500 Facebook and Instagram accounts that targeted over 50,000 users—potentially the tip of a wider surveillance iceberg and another smear on Facebook’s reputation.

In Latin America in 2022, digital payments will make gains, consumer expectations around ecommerce will shift, corporate sustainability and social issues will come to the fore, SMBs will bank on social commerce, and retail media networks will make their presence felt.

Among US gamers, Facebook Gaming is the most popular destination for viewing live gameplay, with 42% watching esports and other gaming livestreams on the platform.

About two-thirds of US consumers want to integrate at least two of their digital activities, according to PYMNTS. Western users also seem receptive toward a bundled experience.

Confirming speculations, Meta is enabling P2P payments within WhatsApp through its digital wallet app, Novi.

The metaverse is open for business in US, Canada: Meta’s Horizon Worlds, available to users 18+, is likely to attract developers seeking an audience for apps and experiences.

Instagram’s new safety controls for teens could hurt attempts to attract them: The features are intended to halt harmful content, but teens were already losing interest in the platform, and additional limits could be counterproductive.

Instagram Stories ads will bring in $15.95 billion worldwide in 2022, more than one-quarter of the platform’s global net ad revenues.

Marketers are taking data collection into their own hands: Recent privacy changes have led brands to use incentives like sweepstakes and discounts to gain consumer info instead of relying on Big Tech companies.

The company formerly known as Facebook will face its toughest challenges ever, while viral commerce will take center stage, TikTok-style short videos will evolve, and social audio will fade away.

Even as tech companies pour money into the metaverse, space-based connectivity, and more sophisticated virtual assistants, they’ll face more pressure.

UK regulators prune Meta’s walled garden: Meta has been ordered to sell Giphy, and new ownership could bring back the GIF database’s popular ad program, without the antitrust concerns.

On today's episode, we discuss whether ride-sharing and delivery services can survive, the "choosing to live with less" movement, buying with purpose, whether Disney+ subscribers will overtake Netflix, Facebook's (Meta's) new glove, the "great big Thanksgiving quiz," what doesn't exist in California, and more. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer senior forecasting analyst Peter Vahle, analyst Blake Droesch, and principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Paul Verna.

Older generations rely more heavily on family, friends, and TV ads to learn about new products. Personal recommendations are the most powerful purchase drivers for Gen Z as well, but social media—which includes ads, videos, and online influencers—is increasingly important to product discovery.

Brand suitability tools give advertisers some power back as targeting restrictions tighten: They are no substitute for true targeting tools, but they offer marketers a bit more control over the context of their ad placements.

The past two pandemic-driven years have accelerated digital transformation and consumer behavior. Here are our top 10 trends to watch in 2022.

Across generations, US adults aren't particularly excited about Facebook's rebrand to Meta.

Gen Zers make heavy use of many social networks to create connections, consume multimedia, play games, and share content.

TikTok will surpass 1.5 billion users in 2022: Despite challenges, TikTok has proven resilient and will likely command marketers’ attention and ad spend.