Gen Z turning their backs on social media except for this one app, survey finds

"Gen Z - those born between 1997 and 2012 - is starting to pull back from social media, taking breaks not just to detox mentally, but to live more offline. Over half of those surveyed said they want to spend more time working out, while 42 percent want to hang with friends and family. Others are exploring creative pursuits as 42 percent want to dive into hobbies, and 39 percent are trying cooking or baking."

"About 31 percent admit they scroll out of habit, even when it's exhausting. Twenty-nine percent said they feel better when they unplug, and 24 percent admitted to getting hit with guilt over all that time spent scrolling."

"When it comes to culture and trends, TikTok remains the MVP. Roughly 65 percent of Gen Z use the app daily, and 37 percent say they hit TikTok first for pop culture, entertainment, and local vibes - almost double any other platform."

Gen Z is withdrawing from social media platforms overall, seeking more time for offline activities including fitness, socializing, hobbies, cooking, outdoor time, and dating. However, TikTok remains central to their daily lives, with 65 percent using it daily and 37 percent turning to it first for pop culture and entertainment. Despite heavy usage, Gen Z expresses low trust in the platform. Many users engage in passive scrolling without posting or commenting, admitting they scroll habitually despite finding it exhausting. While some still view social media as self-care, significant portions report feeling better when unplugged and experience guilt over screen time. This reflects a complex relationship where Gen Z maintains TikTok dependency while simultaneously seeking digital detoxification.

Read at The Independent