iWorld
Role of social media in shaping the buying behavior of Gen X and Gen Z
Mumbai: In the fast-paced world of today, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing various aspects, including how we shop. Two generations, in particular, have been significantly impacted by this digital revolution – Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012). In this essay, we’ll explore the role of social media in shaping the buying behavior of these two distinct generations and understand how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have transformed the shopping experience.
Understanding social media’s influence:
Social media platforms serve as virtual gathering spaces where individuals from different corners of the world connect, share, and engage. For Gen X, who grew up in a world before the digital explosion, the impact of social media is more nuanced compared to the digital-native Gen Z. However, both generations have embraced these platforms, and their shopping behaviors have evolved accordingly.
Discovery and awareness:
Social media serves as a vast marketplace where products and brands are showcased. Gen X and Gen Z often discover new products through sponsored ads, influencer endorsements, and shared posts. The constant stream of content on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest introduces them to a plethora of choices, influencing their awareness and preferences.
Influencer culture:
Influencers, individuals who have gained credibility in specific niches, play a crucial role in shaping purchasing decisions. Gen Z, in particular, gravitates towards influencers who resonate with their values and lifestyle. Authenticity and relatability become key factors in swaying opinions and driving product recommendations.
User reviews and recommendations:
Both generations rely on social media for product reviews and recommendations. Whether through Facebook groups, Instagram comments, or dedicated review platforms, the experiences shared by others significantly impact the decision-making process. Gen Z, being digital natives, tends to trust online reviews and peer opinions more readily.
Visual appeal and aesthetics:
The visual nature of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat has a profound impact on buying behavior. Gen Z, in particular, values aesthetics and experiences, often making purchasing decisions based on how visually appealing a product or brand is portrayed on social media.
Engagement and interaction:
Social media allows brands to engage directly with their audience. Gen X and Gen Z appreciate personalised interactions, such as responding to comments, hosting live sessions, and running polls. This engagement fosters a sense of connection and loyalty, influencing repeat purchases.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):
Both generations experience FOMO, and social media amplifies this feeling. Limited-time offers, flash sales, and exclusive deals shared on platforms create a sense of urgency, prompting quick decisions and purchases.
Filter bubbles and echo chambers:
The algorithms used by social media platforms often create filter bubbles, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. This can result in a narrow view of available products, hindering informed decision-making.
Privacy concerns:
The collection of personal data for targeted advertising raises privacy concerns. Both generations need to be aware of how their data is used and take steps to protect their privacy online.
Impulse buying:
The constant bombardment of advertisements and promotions can lead to impulse buying. It’s crucial for individuals to develop awareness and make conscious decisions rather than succumbing to the pressure of online trends.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of social media in shaping the buying behavior of Gen X and Gen Z is undeniable. These platforms have transformed the way products are discovered, evaluated, and purchased. From influencer culture to user reviews and visual aesthetics, social media plays a multifaceted role in influencing the choices of these two generations. However, it’s essential for individuals to navigate this digital landscape mindfully, considering the potential challenges and making informed decisions that align with their values and preferences. Social media has reshaped the shopping journey, and understanding its impact empowers consumers to make choices that resonate with their unique needs and aspirations.
The author of this article is Digidarts founder & CEO Siddhartha Vanvani.
iWorld
Applause Entertainment partners with Story TV for premium microdramas
Collaboration to produce and adapt content for mobile-first audiences starting 2026.
MUMBAI: Applause Entertainment just shrunk the drama screen because when stories fit in your pocket, even the biggest plots feel like a quick binge. Applause Entertainment, the Aditya Birla Group-backed content powerhouse behind hits like Black Warrant, The Hunt, Criminal Justice and Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, has entered an exclusive partnership with Story TV, India’s leading microdrama platform, to create a slate of premium short-form series for mobile-first viewers.
Under the agreement, the two companies will co-produce new-age microdramas across multiple genres. Story TV will also acquire rights to Applause’s romantic-thriller series Hello Mini and adapt it into a vertical microdrama format.
Story TV, which launched in July 2025, has quickly become a dominant player in the microdrama space with a library exceeding 1000 titles in romance, thriller, action and family drama across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The platform ranks as the second most downloaded entertainment app worldwide, according to Sensor Tower data.
Story TV founder and CEO Saurabh Pandey said, “As an early entrant into microdramas in India we are at the forefront of blending storytelling and technology to expand this emerging format into mainstream territory. Our partnership with Applause Entertainment will further expand the audience of microdramas with a focus on premium storytelling that is yet to be seen in the Indian entertainment industry.”
Applause Entertainment chief business officer Prasoon Garg added, “At Applause, our focus has always been on building strong stories across formats. As newer storytelling formats like microdramas gain momentum, we see value in engaging with them through meaningful collaborations. Our unique partnership with Story TV enables us to explore this emerging space alongside a platform that has demonstrated strong understanding of the format and its audiences.”
The tie-up positions both companies to capitalise on the rapid rise of bite-sized, vertical content tailored for smartphone consumption, where attention spans are short and global reach is instant.
In a screen-sized world where stories now race against the scroll, Applause and Story TV aren’t just making microdramas, they’re proving that the smallest screen can still deliver the biggest emotional punch, one vertical episode at a time.
