Generational battles are so funny to me, but I’m fascinated by them all the same.

For fun, I decided to do a deep dive into Millennial and Gen Z internet culture, and their respective impacts.

Millennials, we get credit for pioneering the age of social media and laying the foundation for the internet as we know it today. But Gen Z is here to claim their territory on the internet as we know it today, and they’re not just following in your footsteps — they’re carving their own path. But so am I, and so is everyone else. Thanks to scarily-accurate algorithms and dopamine deficits, all generations are shaping their own experiences on social media.

Still, both generations have their own legacy. Let’s take a look at generational social media milestones and uncover the differences between these two generations, as they continue to mold and reshape the internet landscape.

The millennial era of social media started in the later “wild west” days on the internet, then slowly evolved as demand for short-form content grew.

MySpace: Remember the good old days of MySpace, where we agonized over the perfect profile song and Top 8 friends? Millennials turned the internet into a digital canvas, personalizing their online space with glittery backgrounds and custom HTML. And don’t get me started on the music. MySpace helped bands like Panic! at the Disco and Paramore rise to stardom.

Xanga: Like Livejournal, Xanga promoted online journaling. Before the term “blogger” was mainstream, Millennials were busy chronicling their lives on Xanga. This platform gave them a space to share thoughts, feelings, and the occasional angsty poem while connecting with like-minded individuals.

Tumblr: Tumblr was the ultimate playground for Millennials to explore their interests and dive into a world of GIFs, memes, and fandoms. This platform’s microblogging format made it easy to share and discover content, nurturing niche communities that thrive to this day.

Instagram: When IG entered the scene, it made us feel like professional photographers with its iconic filters. Millennials curated picture-perfect profiles, marking the beginning of the influencer era, with whipped cream-topped Starbucks fraps and #OOTD posts dominating our feeds. Gen Z, on the other hand, prefers hasty candids and the kind of authenticity you’d only get using a Poloroid camera.

Vine: short-form videos and viral challenges Vine introduced us to the instant gratification world of 6-second videos, where creativity entered a new era. It was the birthplace of viral challenges and catchphrases that still live on in our hearts (and on TikTok). RIP, Vine — gone but never forgotten.

Early YouTube: The early days of YouTube were a wild west of amateur creators sharing everything from cat videos to makeup tutorials. My old friends and I posted video game reviews and casual chats. Millennials witnessed the rise of the first YouTube stars, paving the way for a new generation of content creators and internet celebrities. Saying “I wanna be an influencer when I grow up” is definitely a rising goal among Gen Z (and even Gen Alpha) as a result.

Ice Bucket Challenge: Who could forget the summer when everyone from your next-door neighbor to A-list celebrities were dousing themselves in ice-cold water for a good cause? The Ice Bucket Challenge was one of the most prominent viral trends at the time, raising awareness and funds for ALS research. This shaped the future for TikTok trends.

Gangnam Style: Psy’s catchy tune and unforgettable dance moves took the world by storm, becoming the first YouTube video to hit 1 billion views. The iconic horse dance was inescapable, and Gangnam Style remains a symbol of the Millennial era of social media.

Instagram Filters: Yep, Gen Z absolutely roasts Millennials on their heavy sepia-toned images with harsh vignettes. While filters have certainly gotten more advanced, the use of premade filters has gone toward the wayside across generations.

As with all things, some platforms and trends lost their luster and faded into the background. MySpace, Xanga, and Vine eventually lost their appeal as newer, shinier platforms emerged. But the spirit of the Millennial era lives on, immortalized in screenshots and nostalgic conversations.

Millennials were the pioneers of social media as we know it today, and with that came a strong emphasis on aesthetics and creating a perfectly polished online presence. Platforms like Instagram became a showcase of carefully curated, filtered images that depicted seemingly perfect lives (narrator: their lives were not perfect). This emphasis on perfection extended to content creators and influencers, who built their brands on aspirational lifestyles and flawless visuals.

Now that we’ve discussed the impact Millennials had on social media as we consume it today, it’s time to note the even bigger impact Gen Z has had.

YouTube in its current form: content diversification and mainstream adoption YouTube has come a long way since the days of cat videos, deep-fried memes, and low-resolution vlogs. Gen Z has expanded the platform’s horizons, embracing content diversity that ranges from uniquely educational videos and in-depth analyses on niche topics (@NicoleRafiee). And with authentic vlogs and niche audiences, we’re now seeing an intimate view of people and their lifestyles like never before.

TikTok: The app that seemingly took over the world overnight has become Gen Z’s go-to platform for short, addictive bursts of content. From dance challenges to life hacks, TikTok is an endless source of inspiration and entertainment. It has also given rise to a new generation of short-form influencers, as well as pushing established content creators to adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Snapchat: Snapchat pioneered the concept of disappearing content. Gen Z’s desire for privacy and ephemerality in their online interactions is perfectly embodied by Snapchat. With disappearing messages and temporary Stories, Snapchat allows users to share moments without the pressure of permanence. Its fun filters and features have also made it a popular choice for casual conversations and creative expression.

Instagram Reels: In an attempt to keep up with TikTok’s explosive growth, Instagram introduced Reels, a feature for users to create and share, you guessed itm short-form videos. While it may not have dethroned TikTok, Reels has provided Gen Z with yet another outlet for their creativity and helped Instagram maintain its relevance in the ever-evolving world of social media.

Growing awareness of ad placement: Gen Z is often more acutely aware of the commercial side of social media, often being critical of influencers who promote products in a less-than-transparent manner. This skepticism has fueled their desire for genuine connections and authentic content that is free from hidden agendas.

Preference for real, genuine content: A perfectly curated feed is no longer the goal for many Gen Z users. Instead, they appreciate raw, unfiltered glimpses into the lives of their peers and favorite creators. This shift in preference has given rise to “finstas” (fake Instagram accounts used for more personal, less polished content) and a greater focus on candid moments. Emma Chamberlain is a fantastic example of genuine authenticity in this respect.

Trend of “low-quality,” chaotic content: In stark contrast to the Millennial penchant for carefully edited, high-quality images, Gen Z has embraced the charm of grainy, low-resolution photos and chaotic content. This trend is a form of rebellion against the overly curated aesthetic of previous generations and a celebration of imperfection and realness.

Gen Z has gravitated toward authenticity and relatability in their social media use. They’re more likely to embrace raw, unfiltered content that reflects the genuine ups and downs of real life.

This generation values genuine connections with others and is often skeptical of the overly polished, commercial side of social media. They’re drawn to creators who are open about their struggles and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable online. I will say, as a Millennial, I relate to this kind of content more than any other.

The ever-evolving world of social media is a testament to the power of each generation to shape and redefine the way we connect, create, and consume content online.

As we look to the future, I can’t help but wonder what the next generation will bring to the table and how Gen Alpha will continue to reshape the digital landscape. One thing is certain — the internet is ever-evolving, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.