Social media habits are shifting rapidly among students at SAIT, with many turning away from platforms like X (formerly Twitter) amid mounting concerns about leadership, platform stability, and online safety.
The change comes at a time when Elon Musk’s leadership of X has sparked significant backlash, prompting users, particularly business owners and young professionals, to seek more predictable and reliable platforms.
“People are getting off platforms like X where it’s just too risky,” said a member of the SAIT Advisory of Social Media Committee. “The environment is unpredictable, and that poses a real threat to a business’s online presence.”
The shift reflects a broader trend in digital culture, where public trust in major platforms is deteriorating. Dr. Crystal Chokshi, assistant professor at the Mount Royal University School of Communication, says Gen Z users are becoming more discerning about their digital spaces.
“Students are getting increasingly wary of social media platforms,” Chokshi explained. “With Elon Musk now at the helm of X, and ongoing controversies around platforms like Facebook, students are starting to ask deeper questions about where and how they connect online.”
Meanwhile, TikTok continues to thrive, particularly among younger users. Its fast-paced content, opportunities for unfiltered expression, and capacity to turn everyday users into viral sensations make it an attractive alternative despite concerns around data privacy and algorithm manipulation.
Still, some students express frustration with the growing commercialization of these platforms.
“I don’t know… it feels like there are just way more ads now, and that’s kind of annoying,” one student commented. “But shifting completely to a new app is tough, especially when so many businesses are already established on the old ones.”
With fake news and digital misinformation on the rise, Gen Z continues to look for a way to engage meaningfully and safely on social media
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