Why Gen Z Can’t Quit Social Media Despite It Causing Anxiety & Stress To Them

In a world where Wi-Fi is stronger than most friendships, Gen Z finds itself on a digital treadmill, endlessly scrolling through TikToks, Instagram reels, and Facebook feeds. While these platforms provide a quick escape from reality, they also introduce a paradox: the more connected they feel, the more isolated they become.

A recent study by Talker Research, commissioned by LG Electronics, dives deep into this issue, revealing the complex and often troubling impact of social media on the mental health of today’s youth. The survey, conducted online between June 20 and June 24, gathered insights from 2,000 American Gen Z social media users.

Spoiler alert: It’s not all sunshine and selfies, folks.

Negative Emotions and Loss of Control

For Gen Z, social media is like that one friend who’s fun to hang out with but leaves you feeling exhausted afterward. According to the study, 49% of young users often experience stress and anxiety after spending time on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

And it doesn’t take long — just 38 minutes of scrolling can make you feel like you’ve just run a mental marathon, minus the endorphins. It’s like signing up for a relaxing swim and finding out you’re in the deep end with no lifeguard in sight.

What’s causing all this stress? The usual suspects: content featuring physical violence, political debates that escalate faster than you can say “unfriend,” and sexually explicit material.

And here’s the kicker — 54% of respondents feel they have as much control over their feeds as a cat has over its owner. Translation: not much. This lack of control not only fuels frustration but also traps users in a cycle of doom-scrolling, where their feeds seem more like a horror movie than a social hangout.

Why Gen Z Can’t Quit Social Media

Despite the mental toll, Gen Z seems to be in a committed (and somewhat toxic) relationship with social media. The study found that boredom is the number one reason they keep coming back, with 66% of users admitting they log in because they have nothing better to do. It’s like opening the fridge for the tenth time, hoping a gourmet meal has magically appeared since your last check — spoiler, it hasn’t, but hey, why not check again?

But boredom isn’t the only factor. Nearly 59% of users turn to social media to laugh or smile, 55% need a distraction, and 49% want to stay updated on what’s happening in the world — because nothing says “escape” like doomscrolling through global crises, right?

It’s a vicious cycle, one that many recognize as unhealthy but feel powerless to break. It’s like being on a diet and finding yourself elbow-deep in a bag of chips — only these chips are memes, and the bag never runs out.

Louis Giagrande, Head of US Marketing at LG Electronics, notes that while social media offers a smorgasbord of content, it often leaves users feeling more drained than a marathon of reality TV.

He suggests a “feed reset” — liking and engaging with positive posts to trick the algorithm into showing more feel-good content. It’s like telling your fridge you want veggies, not junk food, but in this case, you have to eat the veggies.

The Potential for Positive Change

But it’s not all doom and gloom — or should we say gloomscrolling? Despite the challenges, the study reveals a ray of hope for the future.

Around 38% of Gen Zers believe that social media platforms could become more like a wellness retreat than a haunted house over the next five years. It’s the kind of optimism that suggests they haven’t given up on the idea that social media can be fun and good for you — kind of like banana chips that taste good.

Moreover, 80% of respondents associate social media with positive effects on their mood, especially when the content involves comedy sketches, cute animals, or beauty tips.

Who knew that a cat video or a well-placed contour could turn your day around? 65% reported that social media has the power to flip a bad day on its head — proof that a well-timed meme can be more effective than a cup of coffee.

Interestingly, the study also found that 70% of Gen Zers are more likely to scroll through their feeds when they’re in a good mood, suggesting that happiness is contagious, even online. And 44% of respondents believe that social media has a positive impact on their outlook on life — proving that, when used wisely, these platforms can be more like a supportive friend than an emotional vampire.

As Gen Z continues to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, the need for balance becomes more critical than ever. Social media isn’t going anywhere, but how it’s used — and how it affects mental health — is something that can and should change.

With a bit of awareness and some strategic feed resets, maybe the next time they log in, Gen Z will find more reasons to smile and fewer reasons to stress. After all, in a world that’s constantly online, a little positivity can go a long way — like finding kale chips that don’t taste like cardboard.

Originally published at https://edtimes.in on August 28, 2024.