Gen Z grew up with social media, yet many now want restrictions

A recent Ipsos study has revealed a surprising shift in Malaysian attitudes towards social media and its use by children. Gen Z, often characterized as the generation that grew up online, is now leading the charge for stricter age restrictions on social media platforms. An Ipsos survey found that 81% of Malaysian Gen Z respondents believe children under 14 should be barred from using social media, up from 67% in 2024.

This represents the most significant increase among all generations surveyed. Overall, support for such restrictions in Malaysia has risen from 72% last year to 83% this year, with Gen X showing the highest support at 86%, and 85% of millennials backing the same stance. The study's findings highlight a shift in perspective among this generation of young adults, who recognize the potential downsides and new risks associated with social media, such as deepfakes and misinformation.

While Malaysia leads the trend, Ipsos found that 73% of respondents across 31 countries support banning social media for children under 14, with Indonesia following closely at 90%. The debate is evolving, focusing not just on access to social media but also on the appropriate age to begin using these platforms. Malaysia's growing concern is underpinned by data showing that 70% of Malaysian teenagers have encountered harmful online content, including exploitative material and misinformation.

Despite the potential effectiveness of age-based restrictions, Ipsos warns that these measures alone are not sufficient. The role of parents, educators, and other trusted adults in guiding children's online behavior remains crucial, along with practical challenges related to enforcement and privacy. The strong support from Gen Z, who have firsthand experience with social media, underscores a nuanced understanding of the trade-offs between technological convenience and the potential risks it poses to younger users.