What do you see as the primary way social media impacts Gen Z?
The primary way social media impacts Gen Z is through its influence on their social and mental development. Sure, when we all think of social media, the first words that come to our mind are probably “fun” and “relaxing”. Social media definitely has its benefits, such as allowing users to stay in touch with their friends and acting as a platform for them to laugh or unwind when they’re bored. However, these impacts can be achieved through many other alternatives like spending time offline with friends, reading a book, or playing a sport. Social media also has its benefits of spreading current political news, but most Gen Z users aren’t drawn to it for that purpose.
The real problem comes from social media’s algorithms, which make these apps as addictive as they are. Social media platforms are designed to keep users hooked and interested in the content provided. Its algorithms learn exactly what catches people’s attention and keep showing them more of it. Social media companies care mostly about traffic, not the quality of the content itself, because more clicks and views mean more money. This is especially dangerous among Gen Z users because they are more likely to be unaware of these design tactics and naturally have lower self-discipline compared to adults, therefore younger users can get easily addicted and even misled. Social media platforms also contain many idealized lifestyles and edited photos, encouraging Gen Z users to compare themselves to others constantly, which can ultimately lead to insecurity and feeling “not good enough”. These mental health impacts are usually irreversible, which is why social media has such a large impact on its Gen Z user base.
Last year, the Federal Trade Commission released a report on data collection practices among social media and video streaming platforms. They concluded that, “Many Companies collected and could indefinitely retain troves of data from and about users and non-users, and they did so in ways consumers might not expect”. How does this finding impact the way you see social media’s impact on Gen Z?
Social media could have a more dangerous impact on Gen Z as it collects huge amounts of their data and keeps it. Most teenagers and children don’t understand how data collection works, so they share photos, thoughts, or even personal information without considering the long-term consequences. Once something is online, it basically stays there forever, so these posts could potentially affect these users’ future opportunities or privacy.
The data is also used to shape what Gen Z sees on those social media platforms like targeted ads, recommended videos, or trending content. All of these could substantially influence a youth’s opinions, interests, and even behaviors. This then links to the addictive nature of social media; its algorithms keep these users engaged, make them scroll longer, and spend time on these platforms more than they intend.
Australia is banning social media for kids under the age of 16. What do you think of this ban, and how do you see it impacting Gen Z?
I feel like the original intention of Australia banning social media is understandable because Gen Z users, especially those under the age of 16, are greatly impacted by these platforms. Because of social media’s addictive nature, teenagers often have low self-discipline, which makes it easier for them to spend hours scrolling through videos carefully designed by platform algorithms. This leaves them with less time for extracurricular activities, schoolwork, and ultimately, with a greater risk of falling behind academically.
However, there are some major disadvantages to this rule that could make it backfire. Firstly, Australia would be the only country enforcing such a ban, which could make kids feel that it’s unfair compared to kids elsewhere. Secondly, a full ban is too extreme. I can’t imagine what life would be like without social media, simply because we get so much news and information, from politics to natural disasters, through it.
Social media is also a convenient way for us to stay connected with our friends by just a few taps on our screens. Additionally, the more you try to control kids, the more they rebel and the more they are curious about social media. It’s possible that once children turn 16, in their junior or senior years, they will start using social media excessively and uncontrollably because they’ve never experienced it before. Enforcement of this legislation would also be tricky. Teens could use a parent’s account or find other ways to access platforms, potentially making the ban ineffective. Gen Z attention might shift towards figuring out how to bypass the rules rather than avoiding social media entirely.
If you could propose legislation regulating either social media companies or social media usage, what would you propose?
I wouldn’t completely ban social media; I would shift the focus to enforcing transparency and regulations among social media companies. Forcing kids not to access social media can backfire, and social media also has many convenient benefits. Especially for adolescents, curiosity and stubbornness make people want to use something even more when they’re told not to, and teens’ naivety makes them vulnerable to the dangers of social media. Instead, I would design laws that require social media platforms to prioritize educational content, or just even positive content, by directing more traffic to that content, and limit videos that promote insecurity. In addition, I would strictly ban targeted advertising aimed at minors. Most importantly, schools should teach children about the potential harms of social media, helping them learn to use it safely without forcing total restriction.
After reading the other author’s opinion on Social Media, how has your position changed or grown?
After reading Fan’s opinion, I understood Social Media’s impact on Gen Z from a more diverse and societal perspective. In my article, I primarily focused on how social media affects individuals through a psychological lens. However, Fan highlighted how social media shapes Gen Z’s role within society by encouraging their political awareness and participation in social movements online. This position made me realize how Social Media’s impact could extend far beyond someone’s screen time or personal addiction, but more importantly influence society as a whole by shaping how young people engage in social and collective actions. Their discussion of how social media acts as a lower-risk option to Gen Z users expressing their political opinions and involvement in protests made me recognize that these online platforms are not completely harmful; they also benefit and encourage younger users to engage in societal issues.