Digital Comfort Zones: Why Gen Z Finds Belonging and Identity in Online Communities

For Gen Z, the internet isn’t just a pastime: it’s home. From TikTok and Instagram to Discord, Snapchat, and gaming platforms like Fortnite and Roblox, young people today spend an average of two or more hours daily online. According to global data, more than 90% of Gen Z internet users actively engage on at least six to seven platforms monthly, redefining how connection, creativity, and identity are expressed in the digital age.

Across continents, billions now share digital spaces, with about 5.3 billion social media users and over 3.3 billion active gamers worldwide as of 2025. For many Gen Zs, these spaces offer something the offline world sometimes lacks: inclusion and belonging. “It’s easier to express myself through a screen than in real life,” said Adeola, an aspiring YouTuber. For Bube, an online gamer, virtual spaces connect her to “learning, opportunities, and people who share my interests.” These interactions have evolved into real friendships, professional networks, and safe spaces where young people feel seen.

Online communities give Gen Zs the freedom to be themselves without fear of judgment. “I’ve met people I wouldn’t have met offline, and some of those connections have been genuine,” said Desmond, a university student. On platforms like YouTube and Discord, young users describe the experience as authentic and liberating, where creativity thrives without the pressure of fitting in. “It feels the least performative,” Adeola shared. “It’s authentic, inspiring, and creative. I can actually be myself online.” These communities not only foster friendships but also help Gen Zs discover careers, passions, and shared values.

But the digital world isn’t without its shadows. With global connection comes exposure to toxicity, peer pressure, misinformation, and discrimination. “People can be harsh without thinking,” Desmond noted. Constant comparison and the flood of online content can blur the lines between reality and illusion. “Being online all the time is draining. It gets hard to differentiate what’s real and what’s not,” Adeola said. Many young users are learning to filter what they consume to protect their mental health and maintain balance in an always-connected culture.

Despite the risks, Gen Z remains optimistic about the internet’s potential. For many, online spaces are classrooms, stages, and sanctuaries rolled into one. “The positives outweigh the negatives,” Bube reflected. Desmond agreed, adding, “Even though it has its downsides, it has opened my eyes and taught me things I wouldn’t have known otherwise.” In the end, the digital world offers comfort, laughter, and connection — and sometimes, that’s worth the extra screen time. For this generation, logging off doesn’t mean disconnection; it just means missing a few hundred notifications.

source: The guardian