Taking a stand? Gen Z's social media habits are changing for the better

Data suggests the younger crowd prefers not to overshare and values digital privacy and control.

- Nicole Chan

In 2012, Instagram's activity feed was the place to be. It was where users — primarily millennials — tracked everything from who their friends were liking to what their exes were up to. However, as tastes changed and this was seen as an invasion of privacy, Instagram got rid of the feature several years ago.

Fast forward to 2025, and the once-central feature is making a quiet return, but it's stirring a far less enthusiastic reaction from its primary user base now: Gen Z. The revival of Instagram's activity feed has sparked conversations that are less about nostalgia and more about the growing desire for privacy and control over one's digital life.

I've seen concerns raised about its impact — especially within mental health and self-improvement communities on Reddit. One user even shared that the update made them rethink engaging with Instagram Reels altogether, worried that public likes would expose personal tastes and browsing habits they would rather keep private.

TO SHARE OR NOT TO SHARE? While some people enjoy it, many Gen Z users — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are questioning the relevance of publicising their personal lives and interactions in an era where online presence is increasingly curated and intentional.

This sentiment isn't just found on Instagram, it's felt across the board. It's a reaction against the culture of oversharing that has dominated social media over the last decade.

A 2023 report by cyber-security firm Malwarebytes revealed that 62 per cent of Gen Z are more concerned about their private information being exposed online (like photos, mental health, or sexuality) than traditional cyber-security threats such as viruses or malware.