Surprising Trends in Social Media: How Generation Alpha and Gen Z Are Adopting Apps Like X, Reddit, and Facebook

Surprising Trends in Social Media: How Generation Alpha and Gen Z Are Adopting Apps Like X, Reddit, and Facebook
Image credit: Pixabay 

Young Children Increasingly Using X and Other Social Media Platforms

A significant portion of Generation Alpha, specifically 7- to 9-year-olds, are using X (formerly known as Twitter), according to a new report by Qustodio, a parental control software provider. The report, released on Monday, reveals that over 30% of children in this age group have an X account, while 44% already own a tablet to access various apps and games.

Why Are Children Drawn to X?

Despite X primarily featuring content on politics, breaking news, and Elon Musk’s political views, Qustodio theorizes that children’s use of X is likely driven by curiosity. The platform's integration with Google Search, which displays X posts in search results, may be attracting young users. Children might discover X through Googling topics of interest, inadvertently leading them to discussions on X. Meanwhile, parents may overlook blocking X, viewing it as an "older" platform compared to apps like TikTok or Snapchat, which they are more likely to restrict.

Parental Oversight and Risks on Social Media

Qustodio's analysis indicates that the early access to social media apps, including X, Reddit, and Facebook, could expose young children to harmful content. According to the report, X could expose children as young as 7 to inappropriate content, such as hate speech, pornography, and disinformation. Alarmingly, it notes that 13% of all X posts contain adult content, raising concerns about the platform’s suitability for young users.

Insights from Qustodio’s Real-World Data

What makes Qustodio’s findings particularly compelling is the use of real-world app usage data from 180,000 families, rather than relying on surveys. The report highlights that 31% of 7- to 9-year-olds have access to X, while 28% use Reddit, and 26% are on Facebook. This early access to social media platforms underscores the need for increased parental vigilance.

Qustodio report for 7-9 years old social media usage 
Image credit: TechCrunch 

As children grow older, their usage of social media expands. By age 10, 42% of U.S. children have their own smartphone, with 40% using TikTok for an average of 121 minutes per day. Among 10- to 12-year-olds, the most popular apps are Roblox (62%) and YouTube (59%). However, X usage jumps to 41% in this age group, with Reddit and Facebook usage also increasing.

Qustodio report for 10-12 years old social media usage
Image credit: TechCrunch 

Shift in App Preferences Among Teens

As children transition into their teenage years, their app preferences evolve. For 13- to 15-year-olds, the use of Roblox decreases, while Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Shopping become the top apps. X and Reddit remain popular, each used by 44% of this group, while Facebook follows closely behind at 42%. TikTok also remains a significant presence, with 47% of teens using the app for an average of 127 minutes daily.

Qustodio report for 13-15 years old social media usage
Image credit: TechCrunch 

Gen Z’s Evolving Social Media Landscape

Among the older Gen Z demographic, aged 16 to 18, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon continue to dominate as the most popular apps. Additionally, 42% of this group use TikTok for an average of 108 minutes per day, while Instagram commands 72 minutes of their daily screen time. Communication apps like Discord and Snapchat are also widely used, with 40% and 39% of teens using them, respectively. X and Reddit maintain their popularity, each used by 40% of teens, though Facebook slightly surpasses them with 43% usage.

Qustodio report for 16-18 years old social media usage
Image credit: TechCrunch

Implications of the Data and Parental Control

Qustodio’s data suggests that the actual usage of platforms like X, Reddit, and Facebook may be even higher in households without parental control software. This trend indicates that parents may not prioritize blocking these apps, potentially exposing children and teens to unmonitored content on social media.