The Rise and Fall of Digital Media Outlets and Gen Z’s Complex Relationship with Social Media

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The decline and closure of digital media outlets such as Vice, Gawker, BuzzFeed News, and The Huffington Post mark the end of an era for these once-dominant voices in digital journalism.

Jezebel, a pioneering feminist blog founded by Gawker, played a significant role in shaping the digital media landscape, challenging traditional portrayals of women in media and pushing boundaries in political and social commentary.

Gen Z's relationship with social media is complex, with both positive and negative impacts on mental health. While social media can lead to FOMO and poor body image, it can also provide valuable social connections, self-expression, and access to mental health support.

One in four Gen Z respondents globally reported a decline in mental health over the past three years, with female Gen Zers almost twice as likely to report poor mental health compared to males. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between social media use and mental health among young people.

Social media use is not limited to younger generations, with baby boomers in some countries also spending significant time on these platforms. The relationship between social media use and mental health remains complex, with studies showing varying impacts on well-being.

The iconic digital media outlets that flourished during the past decade, such as Vice, Gawker, BuzzFeed News, and The Huffington Post, are now struggling or have shut down entirely.

This decline marks the end of an era for these once-dominant voices in digital journalism.

Gawker, for example, shut down in 2016 and was briefly revived before shutting down again in February.

BuzzFeed News closed last month, while Vice is reportedly nearing bankruptcy.

These outlets, which started as alternative voices to the mainstream media, gained traction and influence during the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Jezebel: A Pioneering Force in Digital Journalism

Jezebel, a blog founded in 2007 by Gawker founder Nick Denton, played a significant role in shaping the digital media landscape.

The site’s founding editor, Anna Holmes, infused Jezebel with a feminist perspective, challenging traditional portrayals of women in media and pushing boundaries in political and social commentary.

Jezebel’s influence extended beyond its core audience, with mainstream media outlets citing its statistics and perspectives.

However, the site’s writers also experienced the volatile nature of online backlash, as their candid approach to journalism occasionally sparked controversy.

Gen Z’s Complicated Relationship with Social Media

A recent McKinsey Health Institute survey reveals that Gen Z’s relationship with social media is complex, with both positive and negative impacts on mental health.

On one hand, social media can lead to FOMO (fear of missing out) and poor body image. On the other, it can provide valuable social connections, self-expression, and access to mental health support.

The survey, which included more than 42,000 respondents from 26 countries, found that Gen Zers are more likely to report negative feelings about social media and poor mental health than other generations.

However, they are also more likely to use digital wellness apps and mental health programs, indicating that technology can provide important resources for this age group.

Jezebel, a blog founded in 2007 by Gawker founder Nick Denton, played a significant role in shaping the digital media landscape.

Mental Health Challenges and Social Media Use

Globally, one in four Gen Z respondents reported a decline in mental health over the past three years, with female Gen Zers almost twice as likely to report poor mental health compared to males.

In most countries, a higher proportion of Gen Z respondents reported poor mental health compared to other generations.

While the underlying cause of Gen Z’s mental health struggles is not clear, factors such as developmental stage, engagement with healthcare, and societal attitudes may play a role. 

Further research is needed to understand the relationship between social media use and mental health among young people.

Social Media Engagement Across Generations

Although Gen Zers and millennials are the most active social media users, baby boomers in some countries also report spending significant time on these platforms.

More than 75% of respondents across all age groups use and check social media for at least ten minutes a day.

The relationship between social media use and mental health remains complex, with studies showing varying impacts on well-being.

While passive social media use may be linked to declines in subjective well-being, other research suggests that the nature of an individual’s relationship with social media may have a greater impact on mental health than the time spent on these platforms.