A Study Examining the Impact of Social Media Use on Gen-Z Wellbeing

Abstract

Social media have become thoroughly rooted in modern culture. The usage of social media is inevitable, as it has become an integral part in the life of every individual. Its impact is greater on the younger generation especially in Generation Z also popularly called Gen-Z. With evolving technology and increased platform retention times - Gen Z users are being influenced to an extent beyond anything we have previously discovered.

With almost 100 percent of Gen Z adults using social media, are the first true digital natives, having grown up in a world entirely connected by the internet and mobile devices with 24/7 access. Social media runs this generation, and it often seems as if with every free moment, they are on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. With this so-called social media dominance, it is important to note the positives and pitfalls that it has on the generation.

This paper tries to explore a better understanding of Gen-Z's relationship with social media and how it affects the way, they feel about physical and mental wellbeing. The research explores important topics such as mental and physical health, social comparison, negative and positive impacts occurring due to social media addiction.

Keywords: social media, Generation Z, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, addiction

JEL Classification: D60, I31, J13