Miami Courant

Studies show that those born in the late 1990s or later and who grew up with the use of digital technology, mainly Generation Z, are spending time online at unprecedented rates. Read about the pros and cons of increased social media use.

Now, more than ever, Generation Zers are spending time online. According to the Pew Research Center, 97 percent of teenagers use at least one major online platform, like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. 

And, whether a person spends five minutes—or hours—online, social media is shaping the everyday lives of even the youngest generations of users. Social media’s influential celebrities provide constant updates, giving followers unprecedented access to their content across platforms. 

“Social media is a platform where they can express what they like to,” said Regina Jihea Ahn, assistant professor in the University of Miami School of Communication. “They can share their thoughts, or feelings. We see it trending now more toward photos and videos,” highlighting the popularity of TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. 

Ahn pointed out the growing popularity of the social media platform BeReal, a French social media app where users are notified simultaneously to capture and share an unfiltered photo in two minutes, suggesting that Gen Zers are looking for more authentic ways to share content. “A lot of Gen Z are tired of the filters and Photoshop. They are looking for a more genuine connection when they are online,” Ahn said. 

Still, Gen Z is spending several hours a day online consuming curated content, connecting with friends, or reading news. While some research indicates that a higher percentage of teenagers report increased anxiety due to increased social media use, Ahn noted that social media can also provide feelings of belonging and community and a place to discuss mental health, body image, and wellness. 

“There are some influencer communities that get together and share their anxieties,” she said. Ahn’s research focuses on media literacy and social media, among children and Gen Z, providing critical perspectives on advertising, influencer marketing, or emerging technologies for these generations. 

University undergraduate students, who fall into the Gen Z category, weighed in on their use of social media and its influence on their generation. 

Original source can be found here.