Gen Z Pulls Back from Social Media – Except TikTok

A March 2026 Harris Poll report, “TikTok Troubles: The Platform Gen Z Can’t Quit (But Doesn’t Trust),” reveals that Gen Z (born 1997–2012) is increasingly stepping away from most social media platforms in favor of offline activities. Yet TikTok remains a dominant daily habit – despite growing skepticism and fatigue.

The survey found that over half of Gen Z respondents want to spend more time working out, while 42% prioritize hanging out with friends and family, 42% pursue hobbies, 39% explore cooking or baking, 36% seek outdoor time, 34% focus on side hustles, and 19% are recommitting to dating. Only 26% still view social media as a form of self-care. Many admit to “lurking” – passively scrolling without posting, liking, or commenting – a behavior more prevalent among Gen Z than any other generation.

Amid this broader retreat, TikTok stands out. Approximately 65% of Gen Z users access the app daily, and 37% turn to it first for pop culture, entertainment, and local trends – nearly double the rate of any other platform. However, trust is eroding: 60% say they trust TikTok less than before, 74% are more cautious about engagement, and 51% perceive increased censorship. Ownership changes have heightened data privacy concerns for 64%, while 28% worry about free speech under its current U.S.-influenced structure.

Nostalgia is a factor. 79% miss TikTok’s early days of simple, authentic content – viral dances, unfiltered posts, and minimal commercialization. Respondents cite frustrations with ads (41% want fewer brands), influencer culture (27%), and TikTok Shop dominance (33%). Mentally, 43% find the app draining, 40% overwhelming, and many note a staged or overly commercial feed (72% and 53%, respectively). A third feel the algorithm is less personalized since ownership shifts.

Despite these criticisms, TikTok’s pull remains strong: 32% of Gen Z users plan to use it even more. The platform continues to dominate short-form video and cultural discovery, even as Gen Z seeks balance through offline priorities and reduced social media reliance overall.