Beyond Likes and Followers: How Teens Are Changing How We Use Social Media

We’ve all been there: endlessly scrolling, comparing ourselves to others online, and refreshing our feeds. But over the past few years, a shift has been happening. While many older generations see social media as a platform to catch up on recent events with friends, Gen Z is taking it in a whole new direction. We’re using our platforms to express who we are, educate ourselves and others, organize, and even build real-life communities. It’s time we talk about how teens are redefining social media, making it a space not just for entertainment, but for empowerment.

Social Media as a Tool for Change
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media became way more than just a place to post selfies. It became a platform for activism. Teens used X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to bring attention to important causes like climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, voting, education, feminism, amd mental health awareness. And the list goes on. Movements like these prove that social media is a powerful tool for change. Teens are raising awareness about issues that matter to them, connecting with others who share their passions, and even starting petitions that gain real traction. What was once seen as a casual tool for fun has evolved into a space for advocacy, self-expression, and social impact.

The days where the goal of social media was to simply rack up likes and followers are gone. Today, teens are curating their feeds to reflect who they truly are. Whether it’s posting about body positivity, sharing personal growth journeys, or supporting underrepresented creators, we’re choosing to align our online presence with our values. Instead of posting for approval, teens are using social media to tell their own stories. It’s not about perfection — it’s about authenticity.

Building Community, Not Just Followers
One of the biggest shifts in teen social media culture is the movement away from chasing followers for the sake of numbers. We’re now focused on building smaller, tighter-knit communities based on mutual respect and shared interests. Whether it's through niche groups, Instagram chats, or just posting TikToks, the goal is to create connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. These spaces allow teens to discuss issues, share advice, and support each other in ways that feel real and meaningful.

Setting Boundaries and Protecting Mental Health
While social media has opened up endless opportunities for connection, it’s also important to acknowledge the impact it can have. Many teens are taking steps to protect their well-being by setting boundaries. This might mean limiting screen time, unfollowing toxic accounts, or taking social media breaks to focus on real-life activities. In fact, “social media detoxes” have become a popular way to refresh mentally and emotionally, proving that teens aren’t just using social media — they’re learning how to manage it healthily.

The Future of Social Media is Gen Z
Teens aren’t just the next generation of social media users; we’re also the ones shaping its future. As we continue to navigate social media, we should look to change it into a space that reflects our values, amplifies our voices, and connects us to a world of possibilities.