Gen Z's Social Media Usage Polarizes into 'Search' and 'Unfiltered Reality'! Z-SOZOKEN Releases First Insight Summary on the Different Reasons for Supporting #1 'Instagram' and #2 'BeReal'.
Z-SOZOKEN, operated by Fiom LLC, released an insight summary regarding Gen Z's social media usage based on a survey of 300 youth. The report reveals a polarization where Instagram is primarily used as a 'search engine', and BeReal is utilized for 'unfiltered reality'.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (17h 39m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 09:29 (475h 50m after Collected)
Z-SOZOKEN (Generation Z Creativity Research Institute), a think tank operated by Fiom LLC (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Partner: Yohei Takeshita), a creative company for Generation Z, where Gen Z individuals themselves analyze realities and values, has independently released its first insight summary deeply analyzing trends in the SNS category. This is based on the latest research report of the 'Brand Ranking where Generation Z's Image Soared,' conducted on 300 Generation Z individuals (18 to 24 years old) nationwide across 19 categories including food, cosmetics, apparel, and entertainment.
In an era where social media broadcasting can instantly sway a brand's image, corporate marketers constantly rack their brains over 'how to increase engagement with Generation Z.'
However, superficial imitation of trends ignoring the context of each platform, or easy horizontal expansion of promotions, are often treated as 'noise' by Gen Z, and there are scattered cases where they do not lead to deep brand trust or purchasing behavior.
Given this background, 'Z-SOZOKEN,' a research institute specializing in Generation Z, picked up the 'SNS Industry,' which is most closely connected to the daily lives of Gen Z, from the overall ranking results of all 19 categories.
We will analyze and present, from a novel and unique perspective, the actual situation and underlying psychology of how SNS, which once prioritized 'aesthetics (Bae)' and 'connections,' has clearly polarized and changed for modern Generation Z into 'practical search engines' and 'places for sharing unfiltered reality.'
[Download the full research report]
## Deciphering Unique Insights into 'Gen Z's SNS Brand Evaluation'
From the SNS category of this survey, the reality became clear that Generation Z finds completely different 'values' and 'roles' for each SNS platform.
- 'Instagram', the cornerstone of information gathering, takes a commanding 1st place (Image improved: 37%)
The brand whose image improved the most was Instagram. It has moved beyond a mere photo-sharing app, solidifying its position as a 'search engine' for finding cafes, cosmetics, and fashion.
- 'BeReal', the unfiltered reality, is in hot pursuit in 2nd place (Image improved: 33%)
Coming in a close second was the SNS 'BeReal', which intentionally prohibits editing. It has established itself as a new infrastructure for sharing unadorned daily life with close friends, serving as a receptacle for 'social media fatigue.'
- 'TikTok', the origin of trends, and 'X (formerly Twitter)', prioritizing real-time
'TikTok' followed in 3rd place (11%), and 'X (formerly Twitter)' in 4th place (8%). A clear distinction in usage is progressing: TikTok for killing time and accidental encounters with new trends, and X for supporting favorite idols/characters or real-time information gathering during disasters.
## [Research Report Explanation] Details and Deep Insight of the 'SNS Category' Ranking
Based on the data in the main report, the real values Gen Z holds for each SNS, and how companies...
In an era where social media broadcasting can instantly sway a brand's image, corporate marketers constantly rack their brains over 'how to increase engagement with Generation Z.'
However, superficial imitation of trends ignoring the context of each platform, or easy horizontal expansion of promotions, are often treated as 'noise' by Gen Z, and there are scattered cases where they do not lead to deep brand trust or purchasing behavior.
Given this background, 'Z-SOZOKEN,' a research institute specializing in Generation Z, picked up the 'SNS Industry,' which is most closely connected to the daily lives of Gen Z, from the overall ranking results of all 19 categories.
We will analyze and present, from a novel and unique perspective, the actual situation and underlying psychology of how SNS, which once prioritized 'aesthetics (Bae)' and 'connections,' has clearly polarized and changed for modern Generation Z into 'practical search engines' and 'places for sharing unfiltered reality.'
[Download the full research report]
## Deciphering Unique Insights into 'Gen Z's SNS Brand Evaluation'
From the SNS category of this survey, the reality became clear that Generation Z finds completely different 'values' and 'roles' for each SNS platform.
- 'Instagram', the cornerstone of information gathering, takes a commanding 1st place (Image improved: 37%)
The brand whose image improved the most was Instagram. It has moved beyond a mere photo-sharing app, solidifying its position as a 'search engine' for finding cafes, cosmetics, and fashion.
- 'BeReal', the unfiltered reality, is in hot pursuit in 2nd place (Image improved: 33%)
Coming in a close second was the SNS 'BeReal', which intentionally prohibits editing. It has established itself as a new infrastructure for sharing unadorned daily life with close friends, serving as a receptacle for 'social media fatigue.'
- 'TikTok', the origin of trends, and 'X (formerly Twitter)', prioritizing real-time
'TikTok' followed in 3rd place (11%), and 'X (formerly Twitter)' in 4th place (8%). A clear distinction in usage is progressing: TikTok for killing time and accidental encounters with new trends, and X for supporting favorite idols/characters or real-time information gathering during disasters.
## [Research Report Explanation] Details and Deep Insight of the 'SNS Category' Ranking
Based on the data in the main report, the real values Gen Z holds for each SNS, and how companies...