Coresight Research, a leading provider of market intelligence, has released a groundbreaking study on the evolving landscape of social media usage. The report sheds light on the growing trend of social media fatigue, where users are increasingly turning away from platforms in favor of more personalized and private experiences. At the forefront of this shift is Facebook, the social media giant that has long been synonymous with social media usage. According to data from the Pew Research Center, only 47% of Americans aged 18-29 use Facebook, a decline of 22% since 2018.
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, has faced intense scrutiny over the past year, with numerous high-profile data breaches and concerns over the platform's handling of user data. The company's decision to introduce a paid subscription model, Facebook Pay, has also been met with skepticism by many users, who see it as an attempt to monetize their personal data. Despite these challenges, Facebook remains one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world, with over 2.7 billion monthly active users.
However, the report suggests that Facebook's dominance is beginning to wane, as users increasingly turn to alternative platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. According to Coresight Research, TikTok has seen a 50% increase in user engagement over the past year, while Instagram has seen a 30% increase. These platforms offer a more personalized and private experience, with features such as end-to-end encryption and algorithmic feeds that prioritize content from users' closest friends.
Facebook's struggles to adapt to changing user behavior have significant implications for the broader social media industry. Companies such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest are also feeling the pressure, as users increasingly turn away from platforms that prioritize advertising over user experience. According to a recent survey by the market research firm, eMarketer, social media advertising revenue is expected to decline by 10% in 2023, as users become more skeptical of targeted advertising.
Research communities are also taking notice, with many experts warning that the decline of social media usage has significant implications for the spread of misinformation and the amplification of extremist ideologies. According to a recent study by the University of California, Berkeley, social media platforms play a critical role in the spread of misinformation, with 70% of users reporting that they have seen false information on social media at least once a week. As social media usage continues to decline, researchers are warning that the spread of misinformation may become even more difficult to contain.
The decline of social media usage is part of a larger trend that has been building over the past decade. The rise of the gig economy, the growth of online shopping, and the increasing popularity of streaming services have all contributed to a shift away from traditional social media platforms. According to a recent report by the market research firm, Gartner, the global digital marketing spend is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, with a significant portion of that spend going towards alternative platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Why it matters: this intelligence reflects a shift that researchers and analysts should follow closely.
Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson is the founder and host of Banking With Billy, an independent financial intelligence platform covering markets, stocks, AI, crypto, and world news. Billy operates a 24/7 live AI radio and Stock TV platform, hosts a growing Discord community, and produces daily content on YouTube @BankingWithBilly.
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