Dancing & gaming among top skills Gen-Z pick up from social media – see full list

DANCING and gaming are among the top skills Gen-Z are picking up from social media.

A poll of 500 teens aged 13-17 and their parents found budgeting and meditation also made the list of new skills they’ve picked up.

While core life skills such as cooking (66 per cent) and cleaning (62 per cent) are still being passed down from parents, 35 per cent of teens say they’re more likely to turn to social media for quick tips and tutorials.

It found almost three-quarters (72 per cent) agree social media is a good place for learning new skills, and 10 per cent have used platforms to try out techniques like mindfulness.

A further 35 per cent would be willing to try meditation or mindfulness (33 per cent) to relax.

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.

Val Richey, global head of outreach and partnerships – trust and safety, at TikTok, said: “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.

“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.”

The research found two-thirds (66 per cent) said it’s important to know when to switch off, while 50 per cent agree that trying a new skill improves creativity and builds confidence (49 per cent).

And 35 per cent said it makes people feel happier.

At the same time, 25 per cent of parents are impressed by their child learning new skills through social media.

More than half (58 per cent) say they start exploring a topic simply after coming across it while scrolling.

And 91 per cent are likely to use social media as a place to learn new skills in the future.

TikTok 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.

Val Richey 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.”