Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through social media? You're not alone. The year 2026 might just be the turning point when we collectively ditch our doomscrolling habits, according to experts. But what's driving this potential shift? Let's dive in.
Cade Diehm, head of research at the World Ethical Data Foundation (WEDF), predicts a significant change on the horizon. His analysis of global data and user trends suggests that social media platforms are losing their grip. The combination of several factors is making these platforms less appealing.
One major culprit? Low-quality content generated by artificial intelligence, often referred to as "AI slop." Add to this the influence of partisan figures pushing their agendas, intrusive advertising, and the growing concerns about mental health, and it's easy to see why users are starting to tune out.
Diehm believes this could lead to the "return of editorialisation," where curated content and trusted sources regain prominence. Evidence supports this: Deloitte Australia has observed a drop in overall media engagement, with a noticeable decline in social media use directly linked to low-quality AI content and mental health concerns. And this is the part most people miss...
Global analysis indicates that social media usage peaked around 2022 and is decreasing in many regions, particularly among younger users in Europe. The US, however, is still heavily engaged.
But here's where it gets controversial... The WEDF, an independent non-profit based in the Netherlands, is at the forefront of addressing the ethical and practical challenges of technology worldwide.
Recent research from video-editing company Kapwing reveals that over 20% of the videos shown to new users by YouTube's algorithm are low-quality, AI-generated content. Media analyst Adam Cunningham correctly identified the rise of "AI slop" as a defining trend in 2025. C21 has been consulting with industry experts to understand the trends and challenges ahead.
What do you think? Will you be breaking your doomscrolling habit in the coming years? Do you agree with the prediction that social media's dominance is waning? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
