Gen Z and the Digital Realm: Navigating the Pros and Cons

Social media and the digital world have a significant and unique influence on Generation Z (Gen Z), while there is no universally agreed-upon date range for Gen Z, the cohort born roughly between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. This makes them the generation that came of age during the early 21st century.

In 2019, I had the opportunity to delve into the topic “How internet is influencing the young generation” and wrote an article on it which got published in The Tribune. At that time, I explored how social media was shaping the lives of the digital-native generation. Now, as a part of the digital industry, it's essential to revisit this topic and provide updated insights on how the digital world continues to impact Gen Z.

The insights gathered in a recent survey among Gen Z individuals aged 18 to 24 not only reaffirm some of the trends we discussed in my previous article but also reveal fascinating new dimensions of this intricate relationship. It's a journey of exploration that started in 2019 and has now evolved into a comprehensive understanding of how social media impacts the lives of the generation that came of age during the early 21st century.

A survey was conducted among a sample of Gen Z’s, with questions focusing on their social media habits, mental well-being, and perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

Key Findings:

Pros:

Entrepreneurship (44%): Social media platforms have become a fertile ground for entrepreneurial pursuits. Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners recognize the potential of these platforms for marketing and brand promotion. Social media offers cost-effective marketing strategies, allowing businesses to reach a broad and targeted audience. Users can set up business profiles, advertise products or services, and engage with potential customers directly. The low barrier to entry and extensive reach make social media an attractive choice for those looking to start or expand small businesses, showcasing their products, and connecting with potential clients.

Information Access (65%): Many individuals turn to social media platforms as a primary source of news and educational content. Social media has evolved into a significant news distribution channel, with users following news outlets and journalists to receive real-time updates on current events. Additionally, educational content is readily available through posts, videos, and live streams, allowing users to broaden their knowledge on various subjects. This ease of access to information has democratized learning and news consumption.

Supportive Communities (72%): Online communities and groups on social media platforms offer a sense of belonging and support, particularly during challenging periods. These digital communities bring together people with shared interests, experiences, or struggles. Whether it's parenting advice, mental health support, or hobby-based groups, users find solace and assistance in these communities. They provide a safe space for discussions, mutual aid, and emotional well-being, making them vital resources during difficult times.

Global Connectivity (78%): Social media has become a crucial tool for maintaining connections with friends and family, particularly when they are separated by long distances. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp enable users to communicate in real-time, share updates, photos, and videos, bridging geographical gaps. This global connectivity has transformed the way people stay in touch, making it easier to nurture relationships with loved ones regardless of where they are located.

Cons:

Cyberbullying (36%): Cyberbullying refers to the use of digital communication tools, such as social media, to harass, threaten, or demean others. The statistic indicates that over a third of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying or online harassment, which had a negative impact on their mental health. Cyberbullying can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression in victims. It is essential to address and combat cyberbullying to create a safer online environment.

What we can do is to familiarize yourself with what constitutes cyberbullying. Encourage users to report any form of cyberbullying promptly.

Example: If you witness cyberbullying, report it to the platform and support the victim.

Privacy Concerns (58%): More than half of the respondent’s expressed concerns about their privacy when using social media. These concerns often revolve around issues like data collection, information sharing, and identity theft. Users worry that their personal information may be misused or exploited by third parties, including social media platforms and advertisers. Heightened awareness of privacy issues has led to calls for increased transparency and data protection measures on social media platforms.

We can review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control what information is shared.

Example: Limit who can see your posts or access personal information.

Digital Addiction (71%): The majority of respondents acknowledged spending more time on social media than they initially intended, which had adverse effects on their productivity and sleep. This phenomenon is indicative of digital addiction or overuse. Excessive social media use can lead to procrastination, reduced productivity, and disrupted sleep patterns. The constant need to check notifications and scroll through feeds can become compulsive, impacting individuals' daily routines and overall well-being.

Set your time limits by using built-in screen time management tools on your devices to set daily limits for social media usage and plan offline breaks during the day to reduce digital addiction and stress.

Example:

• Allocate 30 minutes a day for social media, then log out when the time is up.
• Take a 10-minute walk or practice deep breathing without your phone.
• Try the 20:20 rule - for every 20 minutes on screen, take a 20-second break to look 20 feet away. It curbs compulsive scrolling, reduces eye strain, and boosts productivity.

Mental Health Impact (82%): This statistic highlights that a significant portion of respondents admitted to feeling anxious or stressed because of comparing themselves to others on social media. Social media often presents an idealized version of people's lives, where they showcase their best moments and achievements. When individuals constantly compare themselves to these curated images, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and anxiety. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "social comparison," and it can have a detrimental impact on mental well-being.

Be critical of content and images on social media. Understand that people often share only the highlights of their lives.

Example: Instead of feeling inferior when seeing others' vacation photos, remind yourself that you're seeing their best moments, not their everyday life.

In conclusion, social media is undeniably a powerful and multifaceted tool that has transformed modern communication and connectivity. It serves as a global platform for staying in touch with loved ones, accessing information, building supportive communities, and even pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours. These positive aspects have made it an integral part of our lives, enabling us to bridge distances, learn, find emotional support, and explore new opportunities.

However, it's important to acknowledge that social media also presents challenges, such as the mental health impact of social comparison, cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and digital addiction. These negative aspects highlight the need for responsible and mindful social media usage, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, online etiquette, and self-awareness.

In essence, social media's potential for both positive and negative impacts underscores the significance of using this tool consciously, harnessing its benefits while safeguarding our mental well-being and privacy in an increasingly digital world.