Many difficulties emerge when it comes to finding out how the Gen Z group sees social media. Hyperconnectedness has made social media an integral part of this individual’s daily life, back from when Gen Z was born in the late 1990s and early 2010s. This group has literally grown up with the internet at their fingertips: a central means of communication, self-expression, and information gathering is what social media has become for most Gen Z. The digital landscape has its dark side, too. This leads to important questions: why social media is so addictive among Gen Z and what makes it hard to disconnect.

The Allure of Social Media

The most significant reason Gen Zers find it hard to give up social media is the feeling that it offers: a sense of being connected. That’s precisely where apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat come into the picture: they offer instant, easy ways to keep in touch with friends and family or even strangers with common interests. And with so many lived experiences conducted in digital spaces rather than physical ones, social media stands in the gap as a place for community and a sense of belonging.

Moreover, information and activism are other important plays of the use of social media. Gen Zers are seen as socially aware; through Twitter and Instagram, they create knowledge about climate racism and mental health matters. The ability to share information, garner support, or raise questions on critical topics gives Gen Z a sense of purpose and agency, perceiving social media to be an integral and irreplaceable part of their lives.

The Toll on Mental Health

As much as social media has its positive impact, research has shown several negative mental health issues social media may have on individuals. The constant comparison to other people’s idealistic lives could make one feel inadequate, anxious, and even depressed. There is a general tendency to experience pressure to maintain an idealized identity online, and thus users might feel outdone and inadequate in presenting what is going on in their lives, sometimes called “highlight reel syndrome”.

Besides, there is the issue of cyberbullying. More importantly, one should never underestimate the addictive nature of social media. Algorithms are designed to lure users into spending more time using them by feeding them content based on their interests and behaviors. This very coding feeds their dopamine rush, received from the likes, comments, and shares, making them even quickly habituating just like substance addiction. It is very hard for Gen Zers to reduce screen time, even if they know that it is causing wreckage with their mental well-being.

Why They Can’t Quit

First of all, fear of social isolation is very great. For a generation that has grown upon the internet, logging out from social media feels like logging out from society. Many fear that quitting would result in losing necessary social contact, fashions, and cultural trends, which are mainly shared and discussed on the internet.

Next is the social media use that falls into habit with the dawn of Gen Zers. Checking platforms is their morning and nighttime routine, among others. To give up thus means a radical lifestyle change—a tad easier said and done.

Lastly, there is the issue of digital identity. For many Gen Zers, their online presence is an essential part of who they are. Social media provides a platform for self-expression, creativity, and even career opportunities, especially for those involved in the provision of content, whether in marketing or other online avenues. Walking away from social media can feel like abandoning a key aspect of their identity and potential future.

The Way Forward

While most Gen Zs cannot be expected to drop social media use altogether, it is important to find balance. This can be done by setting limits—like staying off screens or at least looking at a more positive feed—which can go a long way in mitigating the negative impacts that are accrued, and meanwhile can still keep these teens connected. Cultivating live connections around them and making offline activities a priority in life also gives them a rest from tech.

Ironically, this relationship between Gen Z and social media is a two-sided affair: it is the source of both their achievements and their stress factors. Understanding that dynamic would be the first step to taking on the mental health concerns it flags and finding ways of making a healthier and balanced digital experience.