Pew Research Center survey shows less user growth since last year
The noticeable short-form viral videos and images of Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok continue to gain popularity in Gen Z.
According to a Pew Research Center study, in comparison to 65% for Snapchat and about 48% using TikTok, about 71% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use Instagram. The results released Wednesday are from a recent phone survey of more than 1,500 Americans conducted from Jan. 25 to Feb.8.
Karen North, a social media expert and a professor at the University of Southern California, said the ongoing appeal of these apps is that users can express themselves through videos, photos and not just send texts and direct messages. She compares the experience to going to nightclubs.
North said that at present the young crowd are going to these apps and will stay there for a little while and party until they find something new.
Helen Wang, an associate communication professor at the University of Buffalo says Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok have features better tailored for this demographic. She said that youngsters are naturally equipped with better digital media literacy skills as they grew up immersed in rich media. They know to navigate across different platforms competently and nimbly.
Overall, YouTube (81%) and Facebook (69%) continue to be the most widely used social media platforms as YouTube’s popularity grew by 8% when a similar Pew survey was last conducted in 2019. The survey pointed out a 7 % point growth for Reddit from two years ago.
Pew’s latest social media findings come amid moves for more scrutiny and stricter law from the U.S. government to make major tech companies enforce moderation on their platforms by limiting hate speech, extremism, misinformation, election interference, and other falsehoods.
One of Pew’s lead researchers of the survey, Monica Anderson said that even though there is a rise in fake news, misinformation, and online harassment, an exodus in people leaving these apps or platforms is not seen.
Altogether, about 40% of those surveyed say they use Instagram, 31% use Pinterest, and 28% use LinkedIn. About 72% say they use at least one of 11 social networks mentioned in the study.
