From Digital Natives to Digital Captives: The Pursuit of Unplugging
First, we saw how the internet changed Gen Z. Now, we see how Gen Z'ers can take back control.
MARCH, TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-FOUR
We left off Digital Captives Pt. 1 by asking Gen Z “If you could change anything about social media, what would it be”?
47% of Gen Z responded that they wish that social media was easier to disconnect from.
Disconnecting may not be as simple as “unplugging”
The spaces originally designed to connect us, have now left us with an unmet desire to disconnect from them.
In a world where screens dictate our every move, disconnecting is not just a luxury—it is a lifeline for Gen Z. It is a rebellion against the constant noise, a stand for mental health in the face of digital overload.
Disconnecting is about regaining control.
This report delves into the promise of disconnecting, scrutinizing the barriers Gen Z encounters in fulfilling it and reassessing the concept of unplugging altogether.
Ultimately, it challenges us not just to reconsider, but to find solutions to build a better relationship with technology and to shape the future we want to see.
Part One: How the Internet Changed Gen Z
Not too long ago, the internet was a novelty.
Little did we think about what it would do to a generation born alongside it - and even less about what it would mean to grow up with its rapid change.