YouTube tops trust charts for Gen Z

The study specifically focused on more than 600 respondents categorised as part of Generation Z
The image shows youngsters using their phones while lying on the floor. — Freepik
The image shows youngsters using their phones while lying on the floor. — Freepik

In a recent survey conducted by Business Insider in partnership with YouGov, YouTube emerged as the preferred social media platform among adult members of Generation Z.

The study, encompassing over 1,800 Americans spanning five different generations, specifically focused on more than 600 respondents categorised as part of Generation Z, delineated as individuals born between 1997 and 2012. Notably, the survey participants were exclusively aged 18 and above.

Among the various inquiries posed to adult Gen Zers, one query sought their perceptions regarding the trustworthiness of prominent social media platforms.

YouTube secured the top spot, with 59% of individuals aged 18 to 26 from Generation Z expressing it to be somewhat or very trustworthy. Conversely, a mere 28% held the opinion that it was somewhat or very untrustworthy.

Following YouTube, Instagram claimed the second position but showcased a more divided reception: 40% of Gen Z respondents deemed it trustworthy, while 45% expressed distrust. Notably, 15% of the respondents remained undecided on their stance regarding Instagram.

Facebook, however, received the largest proportion of scepticism among adult members of Generation Z, with 60% considering it somewhat or very untrustworthy, compared to only 28% who regarded it as trustworthy.

TikTok closely trailed behind, with 57% of respondents from this demographic labelling it as untrustworthy. Yet, it fared marginally better than Facebook in terms of trustworthiness, with 30% of Gen Z expressing some level of trust in TikTok.

The findings shed light on why certain platforms ranked below YouTube in terms of trustworthiness.

Facebook, known for enduring numerous controversies, faces disengagement from a significant portion of Gen Z users who simply abstain from its usage.

Furthermore, the platform formerly known as Twitter, now X after its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022, has garnered increased scrutiny and controversy.

TikTok, widely popular among Gen Z, faced scrutiny due to security apprehensions raised by lawmakers concerning its parent company, ByteDance, headquartered in China.