A significant shift is underway among Generation Z, as young adults born between 1997 and 2012 are increasingly stepping back from social media platforms, with one notable exception: TikTok. According to a recent report titled "TikTok Troubles: The Platform Gen Z Can’t Quit (But Doesn’t Trust)" by The Harris Poll, conducted in March 2026, a strong majority of Gen Z continues to engage with TikTok daily, but their trust in the app has markedly declined.
Gen Z's Social Media Detox and Offline Pursuits
Gen Z is actively seeking breaks from social media to prioritize mental well-being and offline activities. The survey found that over half of respondents aim to spend more time exercising, while 42 percent are focusing on connecting with friends and family. Additionally, 42 percent are exploring creative hobbies, 39 percent are trying cooking or baking, 36 percent desire more outdoor time, 34 percent are engaged in side hustles, and 19 percent are re-entering the dating scene. Despite this trend, 26 percent still view social media as a form of self-care, indicating a complex relationship with digital platforms.
The Scroll Loop and Lurking Behavior
Even during breaks, many Gen Z users find themselves trapped in habitual scrolling. Approximately 31 percent admit to scrolling out of habit, even when it feels exhausting, while 29 percent report feeling better after unplugging. A notable 24 percent experience guilt over time spent on social media. The report highlights that Gen Z is more likely than other generations to "lurk"—scrolling without posting, liking, or commenting—a behavior that underscores their passive engagement with platforms.
TikTok's Dominance in Culture and Trends
TikTok remains a central hub for Gen Z, with 65 percent using the app daily and 37 percent turning to it first for pop culture, entertainment, and local trends—nearly double the rate of any other platform. However, nostalgia for the app's earlier days is prevalent, as 79 percent of respondents miss the era when TikTok was dominated by simple dances and fun content, before the influx of ads, influencer promotions, and TikTok Shop. Specifically, 41 percent desire fewer brands and advertisements, 34 percent long for unfiltered and relatable posts, 33 percent miss the pre-TikTok Shop period, and 27 percent are disenchanted with influencer culture.
Growing Distrust and Data Concerns
Trust in TikTok is eroding among Gen Z users, with 60 percent reporting they trust the app less than before. Additionally, 74 percent are more cautious about their interactions on the platform, and 51 percent believe it has become more censored over the past year. Ownership changes, particularly TikTok's establishment of a mostly American-owned joint venture with ByteDance to avoid a U.S. ban, have heightened awareness: 64 percent are more conscious of their data privacy, and 28 percent express concerns about free speech under American ownership.
Mental Toll and Algorithmic Changes
The platform is taking a mental toll on users, with 43 percent finding it mentally draining and 40 percent describing it as overwhelming. Algorithmic issues are also a concern: 72 percent perceive content as staged, 53 percent view it as overly commercial, and 33 percent feel the need to "train" their feed to see desired content. Another 33 percent report that their feed has become less personalized since the ownership shift, impacting user experience.
Continued Use Despite Skepticism
Despite these challenges, TikTok's presence in Gen Z's daily lives remains strong. Even with growing skepticism, fatigue, and nostalgia for the original app, 65 percent of Gen Z users log in daily, and 32 percent plan to increase their usage. This persistence highlights TikTok's entrenched role in youth culture, even as trust wanes. The Independent has reached out to TikTok for comment on these findings.
