The Future of Social: Dazed Studio Research
Research report from Dazed Studio for brand strategists and cultural teams examining Gen Z and youth social behaviour. Based on a 600-respondent global survey (ages 18–24), seven qualitative interviews, and five expert consultations, it shows TikTok and Instagram dominate attention while young people prioritise wellbeing, authenticity, and private or creator-led spaces. The report surfaces nine emerging patterns and practical implications for brand strategy
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- 75
- Slide 1: THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
- Slide 2: Social media has transformed youth culture
- Slide 3: Ian Bogost: social media compared to smoking
- Slide 4: Today: key research questions
- Slide 5: Section header introducing the study's mixed-method research approach used
- Slide 6: Research mix: survey, audience interviews, expert consultations
- Slide 7: Audience voices: Gen Z participants
- Slide 8: Why social media? Why now?
- Slide 9: Social media is one of the most influential forces within youth culture
- Slide 10: Gen Z reported using every social app less: except for TikTok
- Slide 11: The golden age of social media
- Slide 12: Youth are prioritising personal wellbeing and real, intimate connections
- Slide 13: They are questioning the value & integrity of social media
- Slide 14: As are political powers
- Slide 15: Going back to basics
- Slide 16: Social media is becoming harder to define
- Slide 17: Youth have mixed feelings
- Slide 18: Are we going back full circle?
- Slide 19: Social media is becoming more homogenised
- Slide 20: The big players are competing to keep creators on their platforms
- Slide 21: How are young people using social media now?
- Slide 22: 54% of Gen Z spend 4+ hours a day on social media
- Slide 23: Gen Z is concentrated on video-first apps: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok
- Slide 24: Entertainment over communication: short-form video rules
- Slide 25: Why Gen Z uses social media: information, inspiration, income, connection
- Slide 26: Behavioral differences: Millennials vs. Gen Z
- Slide 27: Youth express fatigue with social advertising and inauthentic influence
- Slide 28: They're influenced to shop but rarely buy directly on-platform
- Slide 29: Post-peak influencer: de‑influencing and declining trust
- Slide 30: Users hacking the algorithm: Algospeak and #wrongfyp
- Slide 31: Youth cultural practices on TikTok: irony, memes, comfort content
- Slide 32: Pausing for a sec
- Slide 33: Proceed with caution: limited evidence on effects
- Slide 34: Negative effects: productivity, depression, addiction, polarisation
- Slide 35: An anti-social-media movement is emerging
- Slide 36: A map of alternative social platforms by niche
- Slide 37: New youth priorities: connection, ownership, participation, safety
- Slide 38: What is next? Nine emerging patterns to watch
- Slide 39: Private spaces will re-emerge: Kesvani, Wired 2021
- Slide 40: Decentralised futures: enter the Fediverse
- Slide 41: Decentralised futures: enter the Fediverse
- Slide 42: Gaming social networks and in-game commerce
- Slide 43: The Finsta Era: embracing anonymity
- Slide 44: Anonymity, alternate identities, and AI risk
- Slide 45: The Closed Network Clique: back to 'social' media
- Slide 46: Private, interest-based platforms are rising
- Slide 47: ESEA Sisters: a Discord case study
- Slide 48: The rise of live social video
- Slide 49: Live video: interactive, global, and growing
- Slide 50: Live social shopping: commerce meets streams
- Slide 51: New paths to purchase
- Slide 52: In search of authenticity
- Slide 53: Authenticity: cultural signals and examples
- Slide 54: Trending behaviours: cringe culture and photo dumps
- Slide 55: Creators cite social platforms as inspiration and archival research tools
- Slide 56: Re-appreciation of long form
- Slide 57: Gen Z is seeking slower, higher-quality engagement; platforms are opening
- Slide 58: Face-to-face: the best interface
- Slide 59: Nothing beats the real thing
- Slide 60: Fandoms are monetizing passions and gaining political and social influence
- Slide 61: Fandom power: fan communities as influencers
- Slide 62: What does all of this mean for brands?
- Slide 63: 'The biggest risk is becoming a slave to the algorithm'
- Slide 64: Five pragmatic lessons: hand control to creators, prioritise human creativity
- Slide 65: The metrics need to change
- Slide 66: Positions social media as one touchpoint in a broader mix:PR
- Slide 67: Cultural examples: SSENSE, Gucci, Hilton
- Slide 68: Shitposting and follow-up content: Lululemon & Hugo Boss
- Slide 69: Words of wisdom from Hatti Rex
- Slide 70: Brands' questions answered by Hatti
- Slide 71: Closing slide that includes Dazed Studio contact for further insights
- Slide 72: Appendix header marking the start of supplementary material
- Slide 73: First page of the bibliography listing research, news, and industry
- Slide 74: Continued bibliography with citations from Brookings, Forbes, NPR, Morning Consult
- Slide 75: Final references page including The New York Times, YPulse, Texarkana
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