The impact of social media on the global outlook of Gen Z in the United States
Poster Number
28
Introduction/Abstract
Generation Z ，The Oxford Dictionary defines Generation Z as a group of people born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s. Compared to past generations X and Y, they are the ones most familiar with technology and social media, having grown up with the internet and smart devices S. For Generation Z, technology is not a necessity but a way of life and an extension of oneself.Social media is playing an increasing role in shaping the global view of Generation Z. Algorithms and technology have enabled the display of content that prolongs viewing time and increases user stickiness.
In this article ,I used questionnaires and focus interviews to study.The global view is the views and attitudes of Generation Z (people born in 1995-2012) towards other countries in the world in the US. Based on the above, this paper aims to explore the influence of exposure behavior on global views through the social media exposure behavior preferences of Generation Z. The study proposes to use a combination of questionnaires and in-depth interviews, a total of 152 valid samples were collected.The impact of social media use on global perceptions is mainly in four areas:intensity of use, sources of information, preferences, and interaction with the media.
The study found that YouTube, Instagram and YikTok dominating among their favorite platform, and notably, Discord being increasingly popular with Gen Z.More varied activities, , more convenient opening hours and a greater online presence are key to attracting their attention. Social media has become the preferred channel for Gen Z to discover brands. Environmental and eco-safety awareness is on the rise,video is most powerful communication form among Gen Z. In addition, Gen Z is the generation with the most exposure to gaming among the generational groups and gaming is becoming an important part of Gen Z youth trend culture. According to the survey, A more affluent life, beautiful scenery and good food are cited as the most important factors influencing Generation Z's propensity to travel. Some of them are even more interested in the political and cultural performance of the target country when they have some economy as a prerequisite.The majority of Gen Z social media users in this survey have experienced for going abroad, even if some do not currently have the opportunity to do so, and more than half of their classmates are fluent in 2 or more languages. Growing up with a multi-ethnic and immigrant background has made Generation Z more tolerant and open-minded, with a more optimistic view of the world.
Purpose
This study focuses on both social media and global perspectives. In terms of social media, it considers what types of social media accounts and what forms of communication are most likely to be used by Generation Z to perceive globalisation issues. In terms of global perspective, the study is conducted through five dimensions of global perspective analysis, namely global awareness, knowledge base of other countries, attitudes towards other countries, initiative to participate in global issues, and tolerance of differences.
Method
Questionnaires and focus group interviews were used in this study. A total of 152 valid questionnaires were returned for the study. The questionnaire section covered five dimensions: global awareness, knowledge base of other countries, attitudes towards other countries, initiative to engage in global issues and tolerance for differences. The questionnaire provides a basic picture of Generation Z's global outlook and provides insight into how social media has influenced the global outlook of Generation Z in the United States.
Focus group interviews involve a trained facilitator talking in a naturalistic manner to a small group of respondents, usually limited to 6-10 people, and the facilitator organises the discussion to gain insight into the reasons behind Generation Z's views and perceptions of other countries.
Results
1. The results show that YouTube, Instagram and TikTok are among the top three most popular platforms, largely in line with Pew's findings. Building on this, the study found that Discord shows strong momentum, that Generation Z is the most exposed generation to gaming, and that gaming is an important part of the trending culture of Generation Z youth.
2. In terms of social media use, browsing for information and sharing links were the most frequent behaviours, along with viewing comments, liking and posting comments, indicating that social media has a greater impact on users, from following to acting.
3．Compared to news from their own country, Generation Z is more interested in, and has above average knowledge of, international and local news, and video is more appealing than pictures and text. Among politics, economics, law, military, nature and technology, sports and social news, social news is the category that interests them most.
4．In the context of globalization and the development of the Internet, the rise of social media has empowered individuals and led to a greater diversity among actors in international communication, thus changing power dynamics across the globe. Algorithms and technology have enabled the display of content that prolongs viewing time and increases user stickiness, with social media platforms favoring a 'meaningful interaction' and the production of content that accomplishes a specific cultural goal. Considering that Japan, France and North Korea are the most popular countries for Generation Z, data suggests that these views do not have a direct impact on Generation Z's travel preferences. According to the survey, the countries that Generation Z would least like to visit are Afghanistan, Israel and North Korea. A more affluent life, beautiful scenery and good food are cited as the most important factors influencing Generation Z's propensity to travel.
5. Affluent living standards are a major concern for Generation Z, but not only in terms of the economy. Some of them are even more interested in the political and cultural performance of the target country than that of the economy.The majority of Gen Z social media users in this survey have experienced going abroad, even if some do not currently have the opportunity to do so, and more than half of their classmates are fluent in 2 or more languages. According to statistics for 2019, 22% of Generation Z between the ages of 7 and 22 have at least one immigrant parent Such a family background would also make them more diverse and open-minded. In addition, the parents of Gen Z also have a relatively good educational background, with about half of them having a university education, which will also greatly help Gen Z to broaden their horizons and scientific knowledge of his country.
Significance
Generation Z is the youngest, most ethnically diverse, populous and educated generation in American history, and the first generation to grow up with the Internet. "Compared to their predecessors, younger generations in the United States have a more positive view of China and are more inclusive of multiculturalism and diverse institutions." (The Brookings Institution, 2022) Clearly, in addition to age and experience, social context and identity characteristics also have a significant impact on global views, which provides the focus for this paper. In conclusion, the study of the impact of social media on the global outlook of Generation Z is of some significance and can also inform social progress and educational reform.
Location
Library and Learning Center, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211
Format
Poster Presentation
The impact of social media on the global outlook of Gen Z in the United States
Library and Learning Center, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211
Generation Z ，The Oxford Dictionary defines Generation Z as a group of people born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s. Compared to past generations X and Y, they are the ones most familiar with technology and social media, having grown up with the internet and smart devices S. For Generation Z, technology is not a necessity but a way of life and an extension of oneself.Social media is playing an increasing role in shaping the global view of Generation Z. Algorithms and technology have enabled the display of content that prolongs viewing time and increases user stickiness.
In this article ,I used questionnaires and focus interviews to study.The global view is the views and attitudes of Generation Z (people born in 1995-2012) towards other countries in the world in the US. Based on the above, this paper aims to explore the influence of exposure behavior on global views through the social media exposure behavior preferences of Generation Z. The study proposes to use a combination of questionnaires and in-depth interviews, a total of 152 valid samples were collected.The impact of social media use on global perceptions is mainly in four areas:intensity of use, sources of information, preferences, and interaction with the media.
The study found that YouTube, Instagram and YikTok dominating among their favorite platform, and notably, Discord being increasingly popular with Gen Z.More varied activities, , more convenient opening hours and a greater online presence are key to attracting their attention. Social media has become the preferred channel for Gen Z to discover brands. Environmental and eco-safety awareness is on the rise,video is most powerful communication form among Gen Z. In addition, Gen Z is the generation with the most exposure to gaming among the generational groups and gaming is becoming an important part of Gen Z youth trend culture. According to the survey, A more affluent life, beautiful scenery and good food are cited as the most important factors influencing Generation Z's propensity to travel. Some of them are even more interested in the political and cultural performance of the target country when they have some economy as a prerequisite.The majority of Gen Z social media users in this survey have experienced for going abroad, even if some do not currently have the opportunity to do so, and more than half of their classmates are fluent in 2 or more languages. Growing up with a multi-ethnic and immigrant background has made Generation Z more tolerant and open-minded, with a more optimistic view of the world.
