Teens are learning new skills from social media – and some are very random

Gen-Z is swapping traditional learning for social media, with 30 new skills being picked up by savvy teens. A survey of 500 teens aged between 13-17 along with their parents reveals that besides budgeting and meditation, coding and dance routines are trending on their list of new skills they’ve learnt.

While time-honoured life skills like cooking (66%) and cleaning (62%) are still predominantly taught by parents, an increasing number of youngsters, prefer to get quick advice and how-to lessons on social media platforms. Remarkably, almost three-quarters (72%) view social media as a beneficial way of learning new skills, and a notable 10% have used these channels to try out mindfulness and other techniques.

The research was commissioned by TikTok, which is rolling out a guided meditation experience to prompt users to wind down for the night with calming music and breathing techniques. The feature will be turned on by default for all under-18s past 10pm.

The study also uncovered that around two-thirds appreciate the importance of digital detox. Speaking on the matter, TikTok’s global head of outreach and partnerships – trust & safety, Val Richey commented: “There’s never been more opportunity for young people to discover, learn, and share their creativity. But the ability to step back and slow down is just as important.”

Richey further added: “More and more, we’re seeing teens taking an interest in finding the right balance for them, and we want to help support those decisions.”

Half of those polled agree that trying a new skill improves creativity and builds confidence (49%) and 35% said it makes people feel happier. At the same time, 25% of parents are impressed by their child learning new skills through social media.

More than half (58%) say they start exploring a topic simply after coming across it while scrolling and 91% are likely to use social media as a place to learn new skills in the future.

Val Richey from TikTok, which is also expanding its Mental Health Media Education Fund by donating over £1.7 million in ad credits to over 30 mental health organisations around the world, added: “Whether it’s learning a new skill or connecting around shared interests, young people are using platforms in creative new ways.

“Creating space for that kind of growth – online and offline – is something we’re proud to support.”