Gen Z’s social media usage dominates their relationship with the news. TikTok, YouTube and Instagram are the demographic’s conduits for current events, much like the nightly news does for older generations. While these social media platforms influence younger consumers to shop and learn about trends, they also shape their media and opinions. With a U.S. presidential election in full swing, the social media habits of Gen Z are an even more pressing topic to explore.

There are signs that Gen Z has a love-hate relationship with social media and the news. About half of Gen Zers wish TikTok and X, formerly Twitter, didn’t exist, according to a recent Harris Poll. But half of Gen Z teens also get their daily news from social media feeds, according to a Deloitte Insights survey.

At 12:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 25, Ad Age hosted a virtual roundtable with members of Gen Z to hear how they are consuming their news during this election year and what their thoughts on news and politics mean for marketers.

Panelists included Aaliyah Joseph, an art director at Ogilvy; Blake Lew-Merwin, a multimedia producer at The Skimm; and Andrew Yohanan, an insights and strategy associate at Kantar.

Follow the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

This virtual roundtable is part of Ad Age Gen Z Voices; subscribe to Ad Age to get the latest perspectives.