SerpApi.Org
It makes common sense that grandparents would use different social media platforms than their grandchildren do, but what does that breakdown actually look like? Several surveys, one on Gen Alpha and the other on Boomers, reveal a wide generation gap when it comes to what social media they use. However, there is one platform that both generations use at about the same rate.
Gen Alpha vs. Boomers on social media usage
A pair of studies using data from 2026 show that while Gen Alpha would rather use TikTok, Instagram, gaming platforms, and streaming services online, Boomers would much rather stick to Facebook and Pinterest. That said, both generations spend a lot of their time on YouTube, though of course they might not be watching the same types of videos on the platform.
A survey conducted by PwC based on responses from 1,000 children asked them what streaming platforms and social media they use the most, with them being able to select up to three options. For Gen A, or children aged 7 to 14 in the study, the overall results have YouTube right at the top of the pile:
- YouTube – 68%
- Gaming platforms – 54%
- Streaming services – 49%
- TikTok – 29%
- Facebook – 16%
- Instagram – 13%
- Snapchat – 10%
- Discord – 4%
The study notes one major shift in usage between children aged 10-12 and 13-14. Where children 10-12 used streaming services at 53% and TikTok at 27%, that flips for children 13-14 who used streaming services at 35% and TikTok at 46%. Overall, Gen A spends 3.6 hours of recreational screen time daily, which comes to 25.2 hours a week (not counting their time spent online for school).
Meanwhile, a separate survey on Boomers, which it defines as those aged 65 and above, by AWISEE reports that they engage intentionally with Facebook the most, though YouTube is a close second.
- Facebook – 78%
- YouTube – 67%
- Pinterest – 40%
- Instagram – 32%
- Linkedin – 31%
- X (Twitter) – 26%
- WhatsApp – 13%
- Reddit – 8%
- Snapchat – 5%
- Tumblr – 3%
- TikTok – 2%
The report notes that “discussions about social media often exclude older audiences” and that this is “a mistake.”
Boomers primarily use these platforms to stay connected with family, watch videos, read news, and research products. This generation spends roughly 13 hours a week on social media and is 19% more likely to share content than any other age group.
The post Gen A and Boomers Have Vastly Different Social Media Usage Except When it Comes to One Platform appeared first on Momtastic.
