A recent study shows there is growing concern about its impact among Generation Z Social media on their Mental HealthThe study, conducted by Tocker Research and commissioned by LG Electronics, reveals that 62 percent of Gen Z wish they could “reset” their social media feeds and start anew. This desire to start digitally again comes after three out of four Gen Z respondents blamed their social media experiences for their mental health struggles.

The survey, which involved 2,000 Generation Z Americans between June 20 and June 24, 2024, reveals the level of dissatisfaction many feel toward social media content. Platforms like Instagram (20 percent), TikTok (20 percent) and Facebook (13 percent) were identified as major contributors to negative sentiments. More than half of the respondents, 53 percent, expressed frustration that their social media feeds do not align with their preferences. In addition, 54 percent of those surveyed feel they have either “some”, “a little” or “no control” over the content they see.

The findings show that only 16 percent of Generation Z believe they have full control over their social media experience. This perceived lack of control leads nearly half of them (49 percent) to experience negative emotions such as stress and anxiety. Content related to physical violence (50 percent), politics (40 percent) and sexually explicit material (32 percent) were particularly associated with these adverse emotions.

Despite the negative effects, the study shows that social media remains an integral part of daily life for many Gen Zers. The primary reasons for continued use include boredom (66 percent), seeking laughter and smiles (59 percent), needing a distraction or break (55 percent), and wanting to keep up with current events (49 percent). Other reasons include socializing with friends (44 percent), connecting with others (42 percent), seeking comfort (33 percent), and seeking specific information (32 percent).

Louis Giagrande, head of US marketing at LG Electronics, emphasized the importance of mindfully engaging on social media. He said, “We spend a significant portion of our lives online, and these experiences can sometimes make us feel tired and less mentally stimulated.” Giagrande encouraged users to be more mindful of the content they engage with, advocating for a more balanced and positive social media experience. He suggested that users can improve their feeds by actively engaging with content that brings them joy, such as liking and commenting on positive posts, which can help curate a more uplifting online environment.

However, on a brighter note, 38 per cent of Gen Zers believe that social media platforms could have an impact on their mental health over the next five years. The study also found that 80 per cent of respondents associate social media with positive mood boosting, especially through comedy (65 per cent), animal content (48 per cent), beauty (40 per cent) and prank videos (34 per cent). Interestingly, 65 per cent of Gen Zers reported that social media has helped turn a bad day into a good day and 70 per cent are more likely to engage with social media when they are in a good mood than a bad mood. Additionally, 44 per cent of respondents believe that social media positively impacts their outlook on life.

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