Gen Zs are turning to the likes of TikTok and Instagram to learn new hobbies – including extreme makeup, roller-skating and ghost hunting
Research polling 1,500 18-25-year-olds found 72 per cent have been inspired to take up a new interest as a direct result of watching clips on popular social media channels.
Of those with a hobby, more than half (53 per cent) spend at least four hours a week watching them on their phones – equating to a whopping 208 hours per year.
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Hide AdVideos of past times such as ASMR, tie-dying and coin collecting have a loyal following among young adults, as do ‘how-to’ clips featuring interests like meditation, photography, and extreme couponing.
Commissioned to mark the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, the study found more than four in 10 have stepped behind the camera themselves to share their hobbies on social media.
Annika Bizon, marketing and omnichannel director for the tech firm, said: “After two years of various lockdowns where our creativity could have been stiffened, it’s no surprise we’ve seen an increase in awesome and unconventional hobbies coming from this generation.
“This audience craves expression, turning to social media outlets like never before, to watch, create and share their content.”
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Hide AdOf those who post their own content on social media, 86 per cent said it has been well received – and so much so, they’ve seen their followers increase by 21 per cent.
Motivated to learn new skills
Key motivators for sharing include showing off their new skills (26 per cent), personal enjoyment (25 per cent), connecting with others (24 per cent), while 23 per cent do it to learn new things.
A fifth said it took them three months to perfect their content – to ensure followers would like it.
And on average, the content creators among those polled spend an average of four hours a week filming and editing to ensure it’s up to scratch.
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Hide AdAs a result of their popularity online, 48 per cent have even turned their social media accounts into a business venture.
When asked what they think of their hobbies, four in 10 described it as ‘awesome’ and 32 per cent described it as ‘underrated’.
While almost a fifth said their interest makes them feel ‘liberated’ and 37 per cent it makes them feel ‘proud.’
Of those with a hobby, 72 per cent said it was here to stay, while 22 per cent reckon it’s only a matter of time before they see a new one on social media and move on to that instead.
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When asked about the magic formula for good social media content almost half (46 per cent) of content creators said it was down to good editing.
Humour (43 per cent), a good camera (44 per cent), length of video (38 per cent) and authenticity (35 per cent) were also identified as key factors in the research carried out through OnePoll.
Samsung has partnered with urban-dwelling roller-skater, DeVante Walters, 27, from London – he said: “There has been a significant rise in the roller-skating community in the past twelve months.
“Being without the gym for so long meant we had to adapt and find new interests that made us feel alive!
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Hide Ad“For me, roller-skating has always been a passion, so I took to social platforms like TikTok to share my moves, tips, and tricks - including dance routines.
“Above all else, it is so important to connect with others, through inspiring them to join in, discover their inner talents and have fun with it.”