Gen Z is turning to live chat apps to hang out with their friends. Recently launched live group chat apps like Houseparty, Fam, and Tribe are catering to teens’ desire for a more spontaneous, less staged form of online socializing, and driving the trend of “live chilling” where teens leave the apps open to casually spend time with friends. While some believe the new apps are replacing physical interaction, often teens are live chilling when they would otherwise be along (homework time, etc.) and for some it’s also replacing “zombielike screentime,” with one user saying she’ll turn off her TV and turn on Houseparty “because that’s just better.” (The Wall Street Journal)
