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Which Social Platforms Does Gen Z Think Are Cringe, Addictive, or AI Slop?

Gen Z doesn’t feel the same about every social media app, and it shapes how they use them—or don’t…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Apr 7 2026
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Facebook is the top social app Gen Z thinks is cringe
Gen Z is divided on which platforms are “AI slop” as AI-generated content spreads across all their feeds
More Gen Z see TikTok is as addictive than YouTube, which they’re more likely to see as helpful

Gen Z isn’t using every social media app in the same exact way. Even though platforms constantly borrow features from each other—think TikTok-style Reels on Instagram or X-style text forums on Threads—Gen Z often approaches each app with a specific purpose in mind, and those reasons come from the emotional connections they have with them. TikTok is where they go to unwind, enjoying quick laughs and content that feels relaxing to engage with. On the other hand, YouTube is where they go for a reliable source of entertainment, one that’s comforting thanks to the creators they’ve known all their lives....