The media today is like a giant playground where people can share their thoughts, learn new things, and have fun. It’s a place for education, enlightenment, and entertainment, especially for Generation Z—those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Gen Z is super comfortable with technology, and they’re using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to express themselves, create awesome content, and even make a difference in the world. Let’s dive into how they’re doing it and look at some cool examples, including public speakers like Dele Momodu and others who use their voices to inspire change.
Gen Z and Social Media: A Perfect Match
Gen Z grew up with smartphones and Wi-Fi, so they’re naturals at navigating social media. They use platforms to share their ideas, show their talents, and connect with others. Unlike older generations, Gen Z isn’t shy about putting themselves out there.
They’re bold, creative, and love to express themselves in fun ways, like through short videos called reels. These reels are quick, catchy clips that can go viral, spreading messages or entertaining millions in just seconds.
According to a study, Gen Z spends about three hours a day online, and they’re exposed to thousands of ads, which makes them great at grabbing attention with their own content. This freedom to express themselves has turned many Gen Zers into content creators and influencers.
They make videos about everything—dance moves, funny skits, fashion tips, or even serious topics like mental health and social justice. These influencers build trust with their followers by being real and relatable, which is why brands love working with them to promote products or ideas.
For example, a travel influencer might post a reel about a cool vacation spot, inspiring others to explore the world, while also entertaining their audience with stunning visuals.
The Power of Reels: Entertainment Meets Expression
Reels are a big deal on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They’re short, usually 15 to 60 seconds, and packed with creativity. Gen Z uses reels to tell stories, share jokes, or teach something new. For instance, a Gen Z creator might post a reel about how to make a quick smoothie, mixing in funny dance moves to keep it entertaining.
These videos are like minimovies that grab your attention fast, perfect for Gen Z’s short attention spans (about eight seconds, according to some research!).But reels aren’t just for fun—they can also educate and enlighten.
Some creators use them to talk about important issues, like climate change or equality, in a way that’s easy to understand. By mixing serious messages with catchy music or cool effects, they make learning feel like entertainment. This is why reels are so powerful: they let Gen Z express themselves while reaching huge audiences.
Case Study: Gen Z’s Bold Voice on Social Media
Let’s look at a real example of how Gen Z uses social media to shine. Take Sarah, a 16-yearold from Lagos, Nigeria, who started making TikTok reels about her love for African fashion. She mixes traditional fabrics like Ankara with modern styles and shares quick tutorials onhow to tie headwraps. Her videos are fun, colorful, and full of energy, but they also teach people about cultural pride.
Sarah’s reels have thousands of likes, and she’s even caught the attention of local designers who now send her clothes to feature. Her story shows how Gen Z uses social media to express their unique style, entertain others, and even build a career.However, it’s not always easy.
Some Gen Zers, like Sarah, feel pressure to keep up with the “perfect” lives they see online. A study found that scrolling through Instagram can make some teens feel like they’re not good enough because they compare themselves to others’ highlight reels. Still, many Gen Zers, like Sarah, push past this by being authentic and sharing their real selves, which helps them connect with their audience.
Public Speakers Making a Difference
Social media isn’t just for young creators—it’s also a stage for public speakers who use their voices to inspire change. People like Dele Momodu, a Nigerian journalist and media personality, are great examples.
Through his platform, Ovation Media Group, Dele Momodu shares stories that celebrate African success and culture. His Instagram and YouTube pages are filled with posts about influential people, from business leaders to artists, showing Gen Z that they can dream big.
For instance, Ovation Media recently highlighted a young Nigerian entrepreneur who started a tech company, inspiring others to chase their goals. This mix of storytelling and positivity educates and enlightens audiences while keeping them engaged.
Other voices, like Omoyele Sowore, a Nigerian activist, use social media to speak out about justice and good governance. Sowore posts on X and Instagram about issues like corruption, encouraging young people to get involved in making their country better.
Then there’s VeryDarkMan (VDM), a controversial but popular figure who uses humor and bold commentary to call out bad behavior online. Whether you agree with him or not, VDM’s videos spark conversations and get people thinking, which is what media is all about.
The Good and the Tough Stuff
Using media to express yourself is amazing, but it comes with challenges. Social media can be addictive, and some Gen Zers feel like they can’t stop scrolling. One study compared it to a “heroin addiction” because it’s so hard to unplug.
Plus, not everything online is true— disinformation can spread fast, causing confusion or even harm. But Gen Z is learning to be smart about what they see and share, using their critical thinking to spot fake news.
On the flip side, social media gives Gen Z a voice to talk about what matters to them, like mental health or climate change. It’s a tool for education, letting them learn from others across the world. It’s also a source of enlightenment, helping them understand big issues in simple ways. And of course, it’s a blast for entertainment, with endless reels to make you laugh or dance.
Wrapping It Up
The media is a powerful way for Gen Z to express themselves, learn, and entertain others. Through reels and content creation, they’re turning their passions into platforms that inspire millions. Public speakers like Dele Momodu, Sowore, and VDM show how voices on social media can push for positive change, whether by celebrating success or calling for justice.
Sure, there are challenges, like staying authentic in a world of “highlight reels” or avoidingdisinformation, but Gen Z is proving they’ve got the creativity and courage to make media their own. So, next time you’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, think about how you can use your voice to educate, enlighten, or just make someone smile!
