Genz’s social media usage in 2025: Here’s How Gen Z is rewriting the rules of social media.

The evolution of social media has been a fascinating journey. If you look closely, one of the most influential groups reshaping the landscape today is Generation Z. The way they use social platforms is fundamentally different from that of any generation before them. It’s not just about the number of posts they share or the filters they use on their selfies; it’s about the way they communicate, express themselves, and even build communities online. It’s more than just social networking; for Gen Z, it’s an entire ecosystem of influence, identity, and social change.

I can’t help but think back to a conversation I had with a friend of mine, who’s a college student, and she had a serious passion for photography. We were discussing Instagram, well, actually, she was explaining to me her “story highlights” and how they weren’t just for fun but a curated archive of her creative journey. She joked about how much pressure she felt to make sure every picture was perfect, the right vibe, and that it resonated with her followers. It wasn’t just about the photos; it was about the aesthetic, the brand, the image she was trying to project. "It’s not as simple as just sharing a picture anymore," she said. “It’s about creating a lifestyle.”

As I listened, I started to realize how much more involved social media has become for Gen Z. They’ve transcended the typical "like-and-comment" culture into something much deeper. But here's the thing: while all of this creativity and community-building sounds great, it also has its darker side. Sometimes, to her, it felt like a never-ending competition for attention. Everyone was so obsessed with going viral or getting more likes, and it was hard to avoid comparing yourself to the carefully curated personas of others. We laughed about it. The pressure to constantly perform, to maintain an idealized version of oneself, can weigh heavily on anyone, and for Gen Z, it’s often hard to escape that.

Then there’s the rise of the "creator economy." It’s something I’m sure we’ve all heard of, but what’s fascinating is how many Gen Z individuals are using social media to make a living, whether it’s through sponsored posts on Instagram, selling products through TikTok, or livestreaming on platforms like YouTube or Twitch. It’s not just about being famous; it’s about making connections and turning those connections into opportunities. And let’s be honest, for some, that’s become a full-time job.

I guess, when I think about it all, social media for Gen Z is like a double-edged sword. It has the power to connect, to empower, and to inspire, but it also comes with its own set of pressures that aren’t always easy to bear. And maybe that’s what makes Gen Z’s social media usage so intriguing. It’s not just about the apps they use or the content they create; it’s about the journey they’re on, navigating the highs and lows of this digital world while trying to carve out a space that’s truly their own. And isn’t that something we all can relate to, no matter which generation we belong to?