ReGeneration Z: The effects of social media on Gen Z (includes podcast)

ReGeneration Z is a relatable podcast for Gen Z, providing conversations about issues that young adults experience today— including mental health, wellness, dating, social media, lifestyle, pop culture and current events.

In this first episode of “ReGeneration Z,” Florida International University student and the network’s managing editor Natalie La Roche joins the podcast to discuss the several ways social media has affected Gen Z, which includes anyone born from 1997 to 2012.

Host Nicole Ardila and La Roche discussed several issues, such as growing up during the rise of social media and smart devices, social media activism, beauty standards and plastic surgery, screen addictions and more.  

“I don’t think social media always shows the full truth,” said La Roche. “Social media can be very carefully curated to show parts of yourself and to hide parts of yourself you don’t want other people to see,” she continued. 

Social media has become a big factor in mental health issues and physical appearance alterations in young adults and children over the years. Even though it’s created stronger connections between people across the world, it’s also created division and isolation — a problem that must be resolved before it creates long-term impacts on Gen Z. 

Click the link below to listen to the episode on Spotify.

Nicole Ardila is a digital broadcasting major at FIU, also pursuing a minor in psychology. She's reported for Caplin News from Washington, D.C. for an NBCU Academy Fellowship and directed the Opinion section for FIU’s student media, PantherNOW. In the future, she hopes to become a photojournalist and producer for documentaries/film to share important stories from across the world.