Recent research shows a global decline in social media usage, with Gen Z and millennials leading the charge. The study also found fewer real users are posting, with AI on the increase.

San Francisco

Social media usage has begun to decline globally after peaking in 2022, when nearly 5 billion people were daily users of major platforms. Since then, research indicates adults are spending less time on these apps, with a notable 10% drop in average usage by 2024. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are leading this shift, with a significant portion expressing a desire to quit at least one platform and reducing their engagement overall.

The decline is also marked by a decrease in posts from real users, as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent. This trend has diminished the social aspect of these platforms, with users interacting less with friends and family. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has acknowledged this decline, noting a reduction in both cultural relevance and time spent on Meta's apps.

Adults spending 10% less time on social media, report finds

Well, it may seem like social media is everywhere these days, but the numbers suggest it's actually on the decline, and surprisingly, young people are leading the charge. Social media peaked in 2022, when close to 5 billion people were considered daily users of apps including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. That year, the average person spent 2 hours and 27 minutes per day on social media. According to research by the Financial Times, it's been all downhill since then, with adults spending 10% less time scrolling in 2024. Gen Z and millennials, who are frequently lambasted for spending too much time on the internet, are the first to switch off. A 2025 poll found that 76% of Gen Z wanted to quit using at least one of the apps, and those still on social media are engaging with it less. The number of posts by real people is declining, replaced by AI-generated images and videos. This has taken the social aspect out of social media. People are no longer interacting with friends and family, instead they are being fed content designed to maximise views. One of the people who has acknowledged the decline of social media is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. In a court case earlier this year, Zuckerberg admitted that Facebook's cultural relevance is decreasing, and the time on Meta's apps, including Instagram, has gone down meaningfully.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Monday a lawsuit against the Trump administration over plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago.

Chicago

Illinois, Chicago sue Trump over National Guard deployment

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Paris

French markets tumble after PM Lecornu resigns

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Indianapolis

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Portland

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Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

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Cairo

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Santa Teresa

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Washington

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Negotiations between Israel, Hamas set to begin

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Tokyo

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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El Cajon

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Manhattan

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Canterbury

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London

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Manchester

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Sochi

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Breakdown