COLUMNS: Unfiltered truth: Social media shaping Tanzania Gen Z

IN an era where likes, shares, and viral trends dictate social currency, Generation Z is growing up in a world vastly different from any before it.

Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this cohort has never known life without the internet, and social media is as natural to them as breathing.

But beneath the glossy filters and carefully curated feeds lies a troubling reality: social media is profoundly shaping and often harming Gen Z’s mental health.

While these platforms offer connection, creativity, and information, they also breed comparison, anxiety, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

The unfiltered truth is that for all its benefits, social media is a double-edged sword, and its impact on young minds cannot be ignored.

From the moment they wake up to the second they go to sleep, Gen Z is bombarded with images of perfection flawless skin, extravagant vacations, and seemingly effortless success.

Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat create an illusion that everyone else is living their best life, while the viewer is left scrolling in silence, measuring their own reality against someone else’s highlight reel.

Studies have repeatedly shown a correlation between heavy social media use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among young people.

The constant pressure to look a certain way, act a certain way, and even think a certain way is exhausting.

And because social media is designed to be addictive, breaking free from this cycle is harder than ever. One of the most damaging aspects of social media is its role in fostering unrealistic beauty standards.

Filters and editing apps allow users to alter their appearance with a few taps, smoothing out imperfections, slimming faces, and enhancing features to an unattainable degree.

For young people still forming their self-image, this creates a dangerous disconnect between reality and fantasy.

A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents admitted to feeling worse about their appearance after spending time on social media.

The rise of “Snapchat dysmorphia” a phenomenon where people seek cosmetic surgery to resemble their filtered selves is a disturbing testament to how deeply these platforms warp self-perception.

Beyond physical appearance, social media also distorts perceptions of success and happiness.

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Viral influencers flaunt luxury lifestyles, while motivational posts preach that anyone can achieve greatness with just enough hustle.

The message is clear: if you’re not thriving, you’re failing. But what these posts don’t show are the behind-the-scenes struggles, the privilege that enabled success, or the sheer luck involved.

For Gen Z, already burdened by economic uncertainty and climate anxiety, this relentless pressure to perform is crushing.

The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives many to overextend themselves, leading to burnout before they even hit their twenties.

Perhaps the most insidious effect of social media is its impact on real-world relationships.

While it promises connection, it often delivers the opposite superficial interactions that leave users feeling lonelier than ever.

A like or a comment is not the same as a meaningful conversation, yet many young people mistake digital validation for genuine connection.

The rise of “cancel culture” and online shaming has also made social media a minefield, where one wrong post can lead to public humiliation.

This constant fear of judgment forces Gen Z to selfcensor, presenting only the most polished version of themselves rather than embracing authenticity.

Yet, despite these harms, social media isn’t going anywhere and it’s not all bad.

For marginalized communities, it offers a platform to amplify voices that were historically silenced. Mental health advocacy and social justice movements have gained momentum because of these platforms.

Many young people also use social media to explore creativity, build careers, and find like-minded communities.

The key lies in mindful usage: setting boundaries, recognising curated content for what it is, and prioritizing real-life connections over digital approval. So where do we go from here? Parents, educators, and policymakers must take action.

Digital literacy should be taught in schools, helping young people critically evaluate online content. Social media companies must be held accountable for their algorithms that prioritize engagement over well-being.

And most importantly, Gen Z needs to hear this truth: their worth is not defined by followers, likes, or trends.

The unfiltered reality is messy, imperfect, and beautiful and no amount of scrolling should make them forget that.