# Why 55% of Americans Have Stopped Posting on Social Media New research reveals a fundamental shift in social media usage patterns. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-07-13 - **Topic:** [Marketing](https://brifing.si/c/marketing) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ab863299-467a-48e1-bd36-a7b5a277488e ## Social Media Now Feels Like Work According to Incogni's survey, 55% of Americans post less frequently than they did five years ago. Most participants report that maintaining a social media presence now feels like a chore. Generation Z emerges as the demographic most affected by this shift in perception. ## Generational Divide Becomes Apparent The research highlights significant differences between age groups. While 60% of Gen Z finds social media usage stressful, only 38% of Baby Boomers share this sentiment. Generation X appears to be the group that feels most relieved by distancing themselves from social platforms. ## Political Content Drives Users Away 44% of survey respondents cite political content as a reason for disengaging from social media, with this number rising to 48% among Gen Z. The prevalence of political debates has become a significant factor reducing user engagement across platforms. ## Digital Detox Gains Popularity Participants evaluated the potential emotions associated with quitting social media entirely. Overall, positive feelings like relaxation and peace outweighed negative ones like anxiety and FOMO. However, this trend reverses among Gen Z, who find the idea of being without social media more stressful. ## Security Concerns Motivate Departures Over half of users say security concerns could make them quit social media completely. Nearly one in two participants would consider leaving due to harassment or hate speech. Time-wasting and mental health risks from doomscrolling also emerge as important factors. ## The Rise of Digital Minimalism The research indicates a growing trend toward 'less but more intentional' social media use. Users are becoming more selective, reducing their posts while tightening privacy settings. This shift reflects a broader search for healthier relationships with digital platforms. ## Sources covering this story - https://tech.slashdot.org/story/26/07/13/0548235/why-55-of-americans-stopped-posting-on-social-media?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._