Generation Z’s Views on Tech are Positive, but Downsides Exist
The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) released research exploring the use of technology and online safety tools by Generation Z. The study, Managing the Narrative: Young People’s Use of Online Safety Tools asked several cohorts, teens aged 13-17 and young adults 18-24, for how much they know regarding digital safety and what they think about online citizenship and conduct. Although their views are positive, there are feelings of over-dependence, discomfort, and fluctuating confidence in digital platforms.
- Over half (56%) of teens and young adults admit to spending too much time on social media, with 61% reporting efforts to unplug at least a few hours each week.
- When they are online, half of Gen Z users (51%) are similarly as concerned for their personal safety and the safety of their data.
- 52% find the process of managing online safety to be overwhelming.
When it comes to staying safe on the social media platforms where they spend much of their time, there were varied responses on how problematic behavior is dealt with, when to use safety features, and whether social media companies do enough to support users.
Teens and young adults tend to feel bad actors online are too big a problem for them to tackle, and eight in ten feel that digital citizenship and responsible conduct online are important.
The report also reflected a clear feeling that Gen Z is, particularly in the instance of young adults, surpassing their parents when it comes to leading the way on safety education. 61% Generation Z respondents felt that they teach their parents more than their parents teach them. Notably, this was also confirmed by parents themselves.The study was supported by Snap Inc., and conducted by The Harris Poll. Topline findings will be presented at FOSI’s 2021 Annual Conference, Recovery & Renewal: Creating a path to a new normal.
Click on the study’s link to see other interesting results.
Original Release: PR Newswire
