Healthier Social Media Use – Gen Z are Leading the Way - Salt 106.5

Healthier Social Media Use – Gen Z are Leading the Way

It's encouraging to see the younger generation leading the way in finding a path towards healthier interactions with technology.

By Salt 106.5 Network Wednesday 31 Jan 2024CultureReading Time: 2 minutes

Though they’re the first to admit that their screentime is too high, Gen Z are powering towards a future where technology contributes to, rather than detracts from, our mental health.

For almost half of us (47%), social media is damaging our mental health, according to a McCrindle survey.

80% of Gen Zs use their phone in the moments before they go to bed – and 74% in the first moments of each day. It’s no wonder that 56% of Aussies are saying they struggle with spending too much time on screens.

“While Gen Z (those born 1995-2009) are more accustomed to using their social media for connection and relationship, this generation is also becoming acutely aware of the impact this is having on their mental health,” Ashley Fell, McCrindle social researcher says. “Moderating their use may be the best way forward for these young Aussies.”

“…this generation is also becoming acutely aware of the impact this is having on their mental health.”

Many of us are relying on our phones as alarms at night, so we’re keeping them on our bedside tables. And with the added drawcard of providing connection with friends, it’s no wonder that for many of us, our phone is the last thing we see at night, and the first thing we see in the morning. Hence, McCrindle’s survey has found that 67% of us are trying to curb our screentime – with Gen Z leading the way.

“It is clear that young Aussies are aware of their social media and screen usage and the impacts this is having on them personally. While social media provides many benefits for connection and relationship, these generations are also trying to actively pursue life beyond screens,” Ashley said.

“While social media provides many benefits for connection and relationship, these generations are also trying to actively pursue life beyond screens.”

Young Aussies are leading the way in being aware of the issue, with 74% of Gen Z and 72% of Gen Y indicating they struggle spending too much time on screens and technology (compared to 53% Gen X and 28% Baby Boomers) and that it’s having a negative impact on their health (70% compared to 56% Gen Y, 44% Gen X, 21% Baby Boomers).

And while these numbers may well reflect older generations having healthier screen use habits, with 79% Gen Z, 74% Gen Y compared to 66% Gen X, 51% Baby Boomers actively working to reduce their screen time, it’s encouraging to see the younger generation leading the way in finding a path towards healthier interactions with technology.

The future is in good hands.


Feature image: Photo by Canva Pro