One of the most anticipated events of the modern world – the millennium – brought many advancements and changes, including the introduction and rapid rise of social media.

While many people of all generations gained an online presence through Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, there are many differences in the way different age groups use them.
Millennials are probably the generation with the biggest social media presence, however. Gen Z is proven to spend more time browsing, scrolling and interacting – with an estimated average of over four hours daily.
There are also differences in platform preferences based on age. The older generations are more likely to gravitate towards sites such as YouTube or Facebook, while the younger users, over half of Gen Z would favour Instagram and TikTok for example, in fact, the majority of them would use TikTok as a search platform over Google.

Social media, as everything else, has its pros and cons. In the early days, there seemed to be more authenticity in what was shared. Life online was a bit more relaxed with not so much pressure involved in having to conform to a certain persona. As the prominence and popularity of these platforms increased, the agenda behind their use also started changing. They gave central stage for the widespread of public opinion, even on issues prior surrounded by stigma. This has become a blessing and a curse all in one, because awareness has risen around more difficult topics, however, it has also led to more clashes between opposing viewpoints.

Before having the ability to receive any kind of information upon a single click, people kept things a bit more private. They’d rather resort to dealing with problems, such as mental health issues, behind closed doors; and simply just “got on with life”. Now, thanks to social media, we are able to find and connect with those who are likeminded from all over the world, and as more and more share their experiences, we also become braver to do the same and find solace in the idea that we are no longer alone.

However, as free expression by all is more accepted than it ever was, we seem to forget that the world is filled with billions of humans with unique perspectives, views and ideas, resulting in silly online wars and trolling. And with this newfound oversensitivity we’re experiencing, it’s almost becoming too difficult to navigate the online medium without offending anyone or having enough respect and intelligence to understand that not everyone will think the same way as we do.

If we were able to strike a balance between sharing what we think and understanding that someone else might disagree, allowing for healthy debate, but not at the expense of purposefully insulting others to get the upper hand, the virtual world would be a much more positive and enjoyable place. In the meantime, what we can do is try not to give in to the unnecessary pressures of having to fit into a particular bracket but be the best version of ourselves.