For years, social media has played a significant role in the daily lives of Gen Z. Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok function as spaces to socialize, follow trends, and share information. But now, something unexpected is unfolding: teenagers are shifting the way they use these digital platforms.
Recent studies show that social media usage among Gen Z is starting to decline. Whilst these platforms are still widely used, how people use them is starting to evolve. One of the biggest shifts is the move away from public posting. Instead of regularly uploading media for everyone to see, many teens now lean towards private stories and limited sharing. Close friends lists and group chats are more prevalent than ever, and social media is now less about the space to create for an audience and more about connecting with friends and family. As Kyle Chayka, an American journalist and cultural critic, says from a BBC interview, “The downsides of posting are too great and the advantages are not good enough. So, you might as well just text your friends.” As Chakya mentions, interest in producing media has decreased, and a desire to directly communicate with others has started to rise. In contrast, this increase in communication via digital platforms has also opened passages to new hypotheses. Chayka says, “I think conversations might move more into real life. I think this peak social media has created more of a desire for in-person interaction”, showing how social media could also serve as a reminder for people of the value of connecting face-to-face rather than strictly through screens. In contrast, Alina Shi ’29 said in an interview that “I think both texting and talking are fine, it mostly just depends on what I feel like and what is more efficient. I do find that I interact with people in person more, though.” Shi’s perspective shows how, even as digital communication remains convenient, many Gen Z users still gravitate towards in-person interactions.
Additionally, many Gen Z users are becoming increasingly passive on social media—instead of actively posting, they’re simply scrolling on platforms to stay informed. It's less about gaining likes and followers because, for some, social media serves more as a tool rather than a stage. On top of this, there has been a shift towards niche genres and interest-based content. Rather than focusing on what is trending for the general public, teens are curating their feeds around hobbies, fandoms, or topics they are curious about. As Shi mentioned, “I would say the videos I watch align with my interests–I watch art-related videos, and I like visual arts.” Alina’s experience highlights the broader trend that is shaping social media use around personal passions instead of mainstream popularity.
Some researchers and experts attribute these changes to a growing interest in authentic and realistic media, as people are now engaging more often with content that feels more relatable and natural. For example, casual day-to-day moments or behind-the-scenes videos are becoming more common across social media, showing a broader movement towards transparency, especially among younger audiences. This can also explain why more teenagers have moved to texting with each other, because they view communicating with each other as genuine, although mundane.
Overall, Gen Z hasn’t entirely halted their activity on social media but is rather redefining how they use it. As the pressure to always post and be active gradually fades, the focus on smaller social circles and connections is on the rise. Social media has become less about performance and more about personal interactions, which invites space for authenticity and self-expression based on one’s own terms.