SOCIAL MEDIA –
What Gen Z Really Feel About It (It’s not all bad…)

Central to Gen Z’s identity and their daily interactions is their complex relationship with social media platforms. While the risks associated with social media are well-known and daunting, the prevailing assumption that its negatives outweigh the positives is challenged by Gen Z’s - who largely feel that the benefits make navigating the risks worthwhile.

YDx’s Panel – Youth Matters – delved deeply into uncovering the reasons behind Gen Z's willingness to embrace the challenges that come with social media.

Quintessential of this generation, they are quick to give the negatives a platform of recognition:

42% of our panel have experienced the known challenges that come with social media, facing issues like cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and the pressure to curate a perfect online image. This constant connectivity often blurs boundaries between online and offline life, affecting mental health and well-being.

Further fuelling these challenges is that  86% find social media addictive.

Albeit recognizing that being addicted to social media is concerning, they also feel it is not the most detrimental addiction to have in today’s world and seem to have it under control. 56% have chosen to take breaks, or regularly do so from social media, but yet nearly 100% ricochet back to its regular use, which is very indicative that it must house more positives than we think…

Did you know that 91% attribute social media for having a positive impact on their mental health? 

They actually deemed it “cheaper and more effective than traditional therapy”!

Gen Zers rely on social media as a tool to maintain their mental health. Connecting with supportive communities, accessing mental health resources, and finding platforms for self-expression and stress relief – all serving as a vital outlet for seeking and sharing emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting positive mental well-being through creative expression and engagement with like-minded peers.

Over 75% express a range of positive associations when using social media, with feelings of belonging, support, inspiration, and joy being the most prominent.

Social media is so much more communication and entertainment to Gen Z, it offers them unprecedented opportunities for self-empowerment, creativity, activism, and learning. They use these platforms to grow, express their opinions, showcase talents, and connect with communities that share their interests and values. Moreover, social media provides avenues for advocacy on issues such as climate change, social justice, and mental health awareness, reflecting Gen Z's strong sense of social responsibility and desire for positive change

What we know is that, Gen Z acknowledges the myriad of negatives associated with social media, but they will persist in using these platforms for their substantial positive impacts, ultimately believing that the benefits outweigh the inevitable drawbacks. Their awareness of the potential pitfalls serves as a guide for responsible and mindful engagement, underscoring the importance of informed use in navigating the digital landscape.

Perhaps it's time to approach our interactions with Generation Z on social media with greater sensitivity and understanding, by recognizing the emotional value they place in these platforms. We should respect the fact that they largely see social media as a “safe space”, and in turn foster a supportive environment that aligns with their needs and expectations. By doing so, we can not only contribute more positively to their digital experience, but forge more meaningful and long-lasting connections with them.

Written by,

Jessica Lyne
YDx Research Analyst