A new survey reveals that Generation Z is increasingly distancing themselves from most social media platforms, yet TikTok continues to dominate their daily habits. The Harris Poll’s report, titled 'TikTok Troubles: The Platform Gen Z Can’t Quit (But Doesn’t Trust)', found that 65% of young adults still use the app daily, despite significant declines in trust.
The survey, conducted this month, shows that over half of Gen Z respondents want to spend more time on activities such as exercise (51%), socialising with friends and family (42%), and pursuing hobbies (42%). Others are turning to cooking, outdoor time, side hustles, and even dating. However, 26% still view social media as a form of self-care, and 31% admit to scrolling out of habit, even when it feels exhausting.
Many Gen Z users are becoming 'lurkers', scrolling without engaging through posts, likes, or comments—a trend more prevalent in this generation than any other. Despite this, TikTok remains the go-to platform for pop culture and trends, with 37% saying they turn to it first for entertainment and local content, nearly double that of any other app.
Trust in TikTok is waning. Around 60% of Gen Z users say they trust the app less than before, and 74% are more cautious about what they interact with. Concerns over data privacy have risen, with 64% becoming more aware of their data due to ownership changes. Additionally, 51% believe the platform is more censored than a year ago, and 43% find it mentally draining.
Nostalgia for TikTok’s early days is strong: 79% miss when it was just about dancing and fun, before ads, influencers, and TikTok Shop took over. Many want fewer brands (41%), unfiltered content (34%), and a return to a pre-shop era (33%). Yet, despite these frustrations, 32% of Gen Z users plan to increase their usage.
