Edinburgh Napier University
Gen-Z Social Study: Exploring Digital Habits and Well-Being
Understanding the Scroll: A UX Research Deep Dive into Social Media Behavior
This project provides a research-driven foundation for designing more empathetic digital experiences for young adults. It uncovers the motivations, emotional triggers, and behaviours shaping Gen-Z’s social media use.
Using mixed methods, the study highlights how users engage, self-regulate, and seek healthier digital habits—offering actionable insights for teams focused on balance, well-being, and user trust.
As part of my MSc UX Design dissertation, I led independent mixed-methods research and translated findings into UX recommendations.
Research Goals
The study explored:
• Triggers behind prolonged Gen-Z social media use
• Features that drive addictive behavior
• How users self-regulate their habits
The aim: uncover design opportunities that promote digital well-being beyond just restriction.
Methodology
To explore these questions, I used a mixed-methods approach:
-User Interviews: 6 students (ages 18–26) shared insights on habits and emotional triggers.
-Surveys: 100 responses revealed patterns in screen time, platform use, and self-regulation.
-Competitor Analysis: Reviewed Flipd, Freedom, and Stay Focused to identify gaps and limitations.
Participants were gender-balanced, with full ethical compliance.
Key Insights
1. Triggers for Overuse
• 68% cited endless scrolling as the main cause
• Algorithmic content extended sessions unintentionally
• Likes and notifications created emotional hooks
• Many used social media to procrastinate or cope
2. Addictive Features
• Instagram Reels & TikTok led due to short, varied content
• FOMO drove frequent app checking
• Personalised feeds increased time spent
3. Self-Regulation Tactics
• Set usage limits or reminders
• Temporarily uninstalled apps
• Silenced notifications to avoid temptation
4. Platform Usage Trends
• Instagram and TikTok each preferred by 40% of users
• 57% used social media 3–6 hrs/day; 14% >6 hrs
Competitor Analysis
Flipd, Freedom, and Stay Focused were evaluated to understand existing tools aimed at screen time reduction.
Findings:
• These apps are effective at tracking and blocking, but fall short in addressing emotional or behavioral triggers.
• Most rely on restriction models, rather than empowering users through insight, mindfulness, or habit-building.
• There’s a missed opportunity to build community-based support and education within these tools.
Competitor Audit
I evaluated Flipd, Freedom, and Stay Focused to understand how existing tools approach screen time management.
-Flipd stood out for its gamified approach and customizable features—best suited for users who want motivation without pressure.
-Freedom offered powerful cross-device control and scheduling, ideal for professionals—but some users experienced sync issues.
-Stay Focused was strongest on Android, with features like strict mode and Pomodoro timers—but lacked flexibility across platforms.
Challenges Faced
-Recruiting a balanced group of participants in a narrow age range
-Navigating self-reported data and emotional responses
-Distilling qualitative and quantitative findings into clear design actions
What I Took Away
This project sharpened my understanding of behavioural UX. I saw how small design choices—like a notification or scroll mechanic—could deeply influence how people feel and act.
Most participants didn’t want to be locked out of apps. They wanted tools that helped them build better habits, not punish them. That insight stayed with me.
Design Opportunities
-Use soft prompts to encourage breaks, not abrupt blocks
-Add natural stopping points in content feeds
-Offer self-set limits with positive reinforcement
-Focus on content that matters — not just what’s trending
Conclusion
Gen-Z’s relationship with social media is emotional, functional, and conflicted. Overuse is real, but so is the desire for control.
This research isn’t just about cutting screen time — it’s about creating experiences that work with users, not against them.