Mx3’s NextGen Panel, created specially to help media leaders better understand Gen Z, is proud to launch its latest report – Media’s Influence on Gen Z Wellbeing. It comes at a crucial time for Gen Z who represent 25% of the global population and yet are the first demographic to be fully immersed 24/7 in digital media.
Welcome back to the NextGen Panel!
In case you missed the debut – the NextGen Panel is a group of creative Gen Z professionals from Norway, France, Germany, England, and South Africa. Together, we’re on a mission to bridge the gap between Gen Z talent and industry leadership, offering unique insights into generational trends, values, and perspectives within the evolving media landscape.
Inside Gen Z’s Media Universe and Its Impact on Mental Health
For our second report, the NextGen Panel turns its focus on the relationship between Gen Z’s media consumption and its impact on mental health. In an era defined by 24/7 digital connectivity and media omnipresence, our panel explores how the media ecosystem shapes perceptions, affects well-being, and contributes to a much wider conversation around mental health.
The NextGen Panel invites you once again to be part of the conversation – join our discussions by sending your questions to our international panelists so they can provide you with their perspectives and creative solutions.
What Defines the Media Consumption Patterns of Gen Z?
As the first generation to come of age in a digital world, Generation Z’s relationship with media goes far beyond entertainment—it’s a defining aspect of their daily lives. From the instant they open their eyes to the final scroll before bedtime, media consumption is an immersive experience that influences their perceptions and mental wellbeing.
Moreover, mass media and social media platforms have arguably taken over as the key influence on Gen Z lives, superseding their primary group (families and friends) as well as secondary groups (school, government and religious institutions). This significantly alters the way Gen Z perceives the world compared to previous generations.
Gen Z’s media universe allows for infinite choices, ranging from social platforms to streaming services, and much more besides. The question that then emerges is not just how much media Gen Z consumes but rather, how and why they engage with it. Key amongst this is the time spent on social media platforms, communication apps, as well as gaming.
In addition, the dynamics of media consumption among Gen Z have evolved significantly in recent years. Short-video formats on social media platforms, designed to keep viewers hooked, have become particularly influential. Ominously, these platforms use sophisticated and ever improving algorithms to encourage addictive behavior, something that young brains are ill equipped to deal with – a point that Dr Francis E. Jensen’s New York Times’ bestseller, The Teenage Brain makes all too clear.
The all-consuming nature of a 24/7 digital culture, with addictive AI programming baked in, is a significant societal step change, with Gen Z as the testing ground. Worryingly, issues of mental health are soaring, with the World Health Organization reporting that one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder globally.
Yet the negative impact of high media usage is no secret to most of Gen Z. Many individuals recognize the need to reduce their screen time and social media usage, seeking ways to balance their lives. Nevertheless, the journey towards mindful consumption is challenging, and despite sincere intentions, a significant number find themselves unable to detach from using their phones and screens.
From the stress of FOMO to the challenges of online toxicity, hate speech, and the influence on body image—media has a profound impact on mental health. Research underscores the toll that extended periods across various media platforms can take on mental wellbeing.
However, it is crucial to look at both the positive and negative aspects, and extend our focus beyond consumption to the tangible affects on mental health. This exploration in particular reveals the complex relationship between social media and the mental state of Gen Z.
Media’s Influence on Wellbeing – How does media impact the mental health of Gen Z?
While the discourse around mental health predominantly centres on the effects of social media on mental health, there is a broader perspective to consider. Not only social media but several diverse media formats like traditional TV and news play distinct roles in shaping various aspects of mental health concerns.
Despite a shift towards more genuine content, beneath the surface of what may seem like spontaneous and casual content often lies a detailed process. This requires exploring the balance between curated content and the desire for genuine, unfiltered expression.
Yet, media has its upsides too. Beyond the widely discussed concerns, it serves as a platform for open dialogues about mental health, spreading awareness across various media channels. This dual role doesn’t just shape awareness; it also nurtures supportive communities within the evolving landscape of mental health discussions.
However, the exposure to potentially harmful content, particularly explicit images of self-harm or drug abuse, raises significant concerns about the platforms’ responsibility in safeguarding user well-being.
In examining Gen Z’s media interactions, we uncover various impacts on mental wellbeing—from the distressing effects of FOMO and online toxicity to the potential for positive change. However, amidst our awareness of mental health issues, what steps can we take to address and navigate these challenges effectively?
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Shaping a Positive Digital Experience – What strategies can contribute to a mentally healthy space for Gen Z?
Looking ahead to the future of media and mental health, it’s clear that creating a positive online space is crucial. Media companies play a key role in this, tasked with shaping a digital environment that not only provides entertainment but also prioritises mental wellbeing. But how can this vision be translated into reality?
Cutting down on media use emerges as a crucial strategy to ease its negative impact on mental wellbeing. Social media, designed to attract more users, often makes people feel like they’re missing out or not doing as well as others. The constant push for more likes and followers can create a culture where everyone is comparing themselves to others, setting up unrealistic expectations.
But what actions can media companies take to contribute to mental wellbeing? Some companies have already started addressing mental health issues, for example, Snapchat has launched a series of wellbeing features in collaboration with Headspace, offering guided meditations and mindfulness practices within the app a while ago. But how effective are such initiatives in promoting mental health?
But what are some other innovative approaches and ideas that media companies can explore to further contribute to mental wellbeing beyond the initiatives already in place?
In the realm of technology and mental health, there is a growing conversation about the potential for AI interventions to positively impact wellbeing. AI tools could go beyond content moderation, tracking users’ moods and prompting them to take breaks when signs of stress or mental fatigue emerge. This intersection of technology and mental health could create a supportive environment that not only identifies potential risks but actively promotes user well-being by connecting individuals with relevant mental health resources and support.
Looking ahead, making online spaces positive involves considering how effective current efforts are. To turn this vision into reality, media companies need to keep exploring and coming up with new ways to support mental wellbeing.
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Key Takeaways
Amidst the ongoing challenges, here are some key insights we’ve discovered:
As we navigate the relationship between Gen Z’s media consumption and its impact on mental health, the NextGen Panel invites you to actively engage in this ongoing conversation down below:
In partnership with Mx3, the organisation and production of the NextGen Panel was handled by Pierre Caulliez, a consultant specialising in Gen Z media insights. The panel session was moderated by Anna Sophie Herrmann, who also wrote this NextGen report.
If you would like to know more about the NextGen panel, please contact jez@mediamakersmeet.com or pierre@yoofagency.com.
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