Social media is practically a lifeline for Gen Z. But is it always a good thing? A new study says nope, not really. While platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook keep us connected, they’re also stressing us out big time.
Why So Stressed?
According to research, 49% of Gen Z feel stressed and anxious after scrolling through their feeds. Why? Well, three out of four Gen Zers blame social media for messing with their mental health. A lot of the content we see just doesn’t vibe with us. Nearly 53% of us feel frustrated because our feeds don’t match our interests. And get this—54% of us think we’ve got zero control over what pops up.
The Content Problem
What’s making us feel so bad? The study found that it only takes about 38 minutes of scrolling before negative vibes kick in. Content featuring physical violence, politics, and explicit material is a huge downer. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with 20% of users reporting negative emotions, are the worst culprits.
Why Can’t We Quit?
Even though social media messes with our heads, quitting isn’t easy. The main reason? Boredom. A whopping 66% of Gen Zers said they go back to scrolling because they’re bored. Other reasons include wanting to laugh (59%), needing a distraction (55%), staying informed (49%), and keeping up with friends (44%).
How to Feel Better Online
So, what’s the fix? Louis Giagrande from LG Electronics suggests that we need to be more mindful of what we engage with online. If we interact with positive content, algorithms might just serve us more of what makes us happy. Maybe it’s time to hit that “reset” button and take control of our feeds.
Final Words
Social media has its perks and pitfalls, making it both a blessing and a challenge. But with a bit of mindfulness, we can turn the tide. By curating our feeds and engaging with positive content, we can shift the experience to one that uplifts and inspires, rather than drags us down.
