49% of US Gen Zs avoid dancing from fear of appearing on social media

49% of US Gen Zs say they avoid dancing out of fear of appearing on social media, according to a new study.

In a recent survey of 1,000 US adults from psychiatric care provider LifeStance Health, 30% of respondents said they avoid dancing in public over fears that they could be filmed or otherwise featured online. Among Gen Z respondents, this figure climbs to nearly half, with 72% adding that this fear "affects their desire to leave the house or attend events."

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Among all generations surveyed, 47% said that concerns about an unwanted viral moment would prevent them from relaxing in public, 20% said they avoid social gatherings with friends, and 19% have avoided bars or nightlife.

"Our findings suggest an interesting shift in the role social media plays in everyday life," says LifeStance Health's Vice President of Clinical Excellence and Innovation, Dr. Jennifer Park. "While it was once associated with ‘FOMO,’ or the fear of missing out, social media is now contributing to a different concern: the fear that everyday behaviours and experiences may be captured and shared online."

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"This fear can make it more difficult for individuals to be fully present or even feel comfortable leaving the house," she continues. "Over time, these concerns can create barriers to social connection and belonging and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to poorer mental health outcomes."

You can read LifeStance Health's full study here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, get in touch with her here.