From Scrolls to Study Sessions: Social Media in Education for Gen Z

Gen Z is redefining learning by turning platforms like YouTube and Instagram into digital classrooms. Discover how social media in education is creating a more flexible, inclusive, and peer-driven learning culture.

As the first generation to grow up fully immersed in technology, Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is reshaping what learning looks like in the digital age. For them, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok are not just distractions or entertainment; they are powerful tools for education.

In fact, social media in education has become second nature to Gen Z. Whether it’s a microlearning video on history, a subreddit for coding, or a peer-led discussion on Discord, Gen Z is transforming these online spaces into dynamic, decentralized classrooms.

Education That Goes Viral

Unlike older generations who used the internet to supplement traditional learning, Gen Z often turns to it first. According to a 2018 Pearson study, 59% of Gen Z students prefer learning from YouTube videos over textbooks or lectures. The appeal is clear: instant access, bite-sized content, and the ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch.

Rigid classroom formats often feel outdated in comparison. Instead, platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Instagram offer flexibility, peer interaction, and multimedia-rich learning experiences. A Barnes & Noble College study further supports this, showing that 80% of Gen Z students prefer collaborative learning, something that social media fosters organically.

From Consumers to Creators

What sets Gen Z apart is not just how they learn, but how they teach. They’re not passive recipients of knowledge. Armed with digital fluency, they simplify complex ideas into short, engaging formats: a science trick on Instagram, a finance tip on TikTok, or a meme that explains history.

They’re also building their own learning ecosystems, via open-source notes, peer-run webinars, and educational channels. For Gen Z, authenticity outweighs traditional credentials. As highlighted in Gen Z Explained: The Art of Living in a Digital Age, they’re more likely to trust a relatable peer than an expert at a podium.

Breaking Language and Geographic Barriers

One of the most transformative aspects of social media in education is its power to localize learning. Influencer-educators are now teaching economics in Tamil, coding in Malayalam, and financial literacy in Bengali, making education more inclusive and accessible.

This regional and culturally relevant approach empowers first-generation learners, especially young women, to gain knowledge in their native language. It’s a quiet revolution against English-dominated academia, opening doors where formal systems have struggled.

Navigating the Pitfalls of Online Learning

However, the same platforms that democratize learning can also dilute it. Gen Z faces an overwhelming stream of algorithm-driven content where a thoughtful physics explainer is sandwiched between memes, ads, and distractions.

The risks of misinformation, shortened attention spans, and content overload are real. That’s why some educators are cautiously integrating social media in education, not to replace classrooms, but to help students critically engage with the platforms they already use.

The Future of Learning is Digital and Democratic

Gen Z isn’t rejecting education, they’re rewriting its rules. They’re turning scrolls into study sessions, influencers into educators, and memes into micro-curricula. They’re blending formal and informal learning to make it more inclusive, peer-driven, and real-time.

Yes, challenges persist, but so does their drive for authenticity, collaboration, and creativity. In Gen Z’s hands, social media in education is not just a trend. It’s a movement, shaping a learning culture that’s as flexible and diverse as the generation itself.

By

Sirinikitha. B | Senior Executive, Communications

From Scrolls to Study Sessions: Social Media in Education for Gen Z