A recent study by Talker Research, commissioned by LG Electronics, has highlighted significant concerns among Gen Z regarding the impact of social media on their mental health. The study found that 62% of Gen Zers expressed a desire to "reset" their social media feeds, starting afresh to regain control over what they see online. This desire stems from the widespread belief that social media has a detrimental effect on their mental well-being, with three out of four respondents attributing negative impacts on their mental health to these platforms.
The survey, conducted online between June 20 and June 24, 2024, involved 2,000 Gen Z Americans who are regular social media users. The findings pointed to Instagram and TikTok, each with 20% of respondents, and Facebook, with 13%, as the platforms most associated with negative emotions. Over half of the participants, 53%, reported frustration with the content on their feeds, stating that it did not align with their interests or preferences. Furthermore, 54% felt they had limited or no control over the content that appears on their feeds.
A concerning insight from the study was that it takes only 38 minutes of social media usage for those who experience negative emotions to start feeling bad. Nearly half of the respondents, 49%, reported that social media use left them with feelings of stress and anxiety, with 30% specifically citing these emotions. Content featuring physical violence, politics, and sexually explicit material was identified as major contributors to these negative feelings.
Despite these concerns, many Gen Z users found it difficult to disengage from social media. The study revealed that boredom was the primary reason, with 66% of respondents citing it as the main driver for returning to social media. Other reasons included the desire to laugh or smile (59%), seeking a distraction (55%), staying informed about current events (49%), and keeping up with friends (44%).
Louis Giagrande, Head of US Marketing at LG Electronics, acknowledged the significant time spent online and its potential to leave users feeling drained. He urged social media users to be more conscious of the content they engage with, emphasising the importance of fostering balance, inspiration, and happiness in their online interactions. Giagrande also suggested that users take proactive steps to "reset" their feeds by engaging more with positive content, which could encourage algorithms to show more uplifting posts.
Despite the challenges, there was a sense of optimism among Gen Z regarding the future of social media. The study revealed that 38% of respondents believed that social media platforms could improve their impact on mental health over the next five years. Additionally, 80% associated social media with positive effects on their mood, with content featuring comedy, animals, beauty, and pranks being particularly well-received. The survey also found that 65% of Gen Zers had experienced a bad day being turned around by something they saw on social media, and 44% felt that social media positively influenced their outlook on life.
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