Jason Dorsey Featured in CNBC on Gen Z’s Emerging Social Media Shift
CGK President Jason Dorsey was recently featured in CNBC discussing an emerging behavioral shift among Gen Z: a growing number of young adults are intentionally stepping back from social media.
The trend may seem surprising for the first true generation of digital natives, but it reflects a deeper conversation happening across Gen Z about balance, control, and mental well-being in a hyperconnected world.
Why Some Gen Zers Are Pulling Back
In the CNBC feature, Jason shared insights from CGK’s ongoing State of Gen Z® research, explaining that several factors are contributing to this shift.
Many Gen Zers cite concerns about:
- Online negativity and divisiveness
- Constant social comparison
- The impact of social media on mental well-being
As a result, some members of Gen Z—and even younger Millennials—are choosing to take intentional breaks from platforms or limit how much time they spend online.
Interestingly, much of this conversation is happening on social media itself, where Gen Z openly discusses strategies for creating healthier digital habits.
A Generation Highly Aware of Digital Influence
Another factor shaping this trend is Gen Z’s awareness of how social media platforms operate.
As the most advertised-to generation in history, Gen Z understands that many platforms are designed to capture attention and monetize engagement through targeted ads and algorithm-driven feeds. This awareness has made some Gen Zers more intentional about how and when they participate online.
Why Leaders Should Pay Attention
This emerging shift has implications far beyond social media habits. It offers insight into how Gen Z is thinking about control, trust, technology, and well-being—all themes CGK has been tracking for years through our research and in Jason’s bestselling book, Zconomy.
As conversations around social media usage continue to evolve—and as governments around the world explore regulations such as minimum age requirements—this is a trend leaders, brands, and policymakers should watch closely.
We’re grateful to CNBC for including Jason’s perspective in this important discussion, and we look forward to sharing more discoveries from our ongoing research at CGK.
