Understanding the social media landscape
If you're not spending time on TikTok, Snapchat, or Twitch, the digital lives of young people might feel like a black box—full of noise, acronyms, and trends that change faster than you can say "delulu." For parents, educators, and anyone trying to connect with Gen Alpha, social media isn’t just a distraction—it’s their hangout spot, creative studio, and community center rolled into one.
In 2024, around 80% of Australian kids aged 8 to 12 were using social media, often well before the official age requirement of 13. The top platforms? TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat—and don’t forget Twitch, where gaming meets livestreaming. Let’s break down what these platforms are, what kids actually do on them, and how their language and culture might look totally foreign to the rest of us.
TikTok: Short Videos, Big Culture
What it is: TikTok is the beating heart of Gen Alpha internet culture. It's a platform where users create and scroll through short-form videos—think dances, memes, edits, storytimes, or chaotic comedy clips.
Why kids love it: It’s endlessly entertaining and algorithmically addictive. Many kids aged 10–15 are clocking more than two hours a day here.
Lingo to know:
“Delulu” = being delightfully delusional (usually about love or fame)
“It’s giving ___” = this looks/feels like something stylish or on-trend
“Bestie” = can refer to literally anyone, affectionately
What they’re doing: Participating in viral dance challenges, lip-syncing, creating skits, and diving into absurd trend culture like "Italian Brainrot" (yes, that’s a thing—it's random animation + chaotic humor).
Instagram: The Curated Social Feed
What it is: Instagram’s a photo and video sharing app with Stories and Reels features that mirror TikTok’s vibe.
Why kids use it: It’s where they document life, follow creators, and curate their aesthetic (even if that aesthetic is blurry mirror selfies and BeReal screenshots).
Lingo to know:
“OOTD” = outfit of the day
“FOMO” = fear of missing out
“TBT” = throwback Thursday (yes, still a thing!)
What they’re doing: Sharing selfies, memes, keeping up with school friends, and following creators or influencers—some teachers even use Instagram to post classroom content.
Snapchat: Fast, Ephemeral Messaging
What it is: Snapchat is all about quick, disappearing messages—photos, videos, and chats that vanish after viewing.
Why kids love it: It feels private, informal, and real-time. Plus, there’s a gamified layer: keeping “streaks” by snapping daily.
Lingo to know:
“Streaks” = daily snap exchanges with friends
“SFS” = shoutout for shoutout (basically a promo swap)
“LMK” = let me know
What they’re doing: Sending goofy selfies, maintaining streaks like digital pen pals, and exploring content via Discover stories.
Twitch: Where Gaming and Community Collide
What it is: Twitch is a live streaming platform, originally for gamers, but now home to creators across music, art, and “Just Chatting” streams.
Why kids love it: It’s interactive. You’re not just watching gameplay—you’re part of the stream, chatting, reacting, and building inside jokes with streamers.
Lingo to know:
“Pog” = excitement or hype
“GG” = good game
“Lurking” = watching but not chatting
What they’re doing: Watching Minecraft streams, live esports, speedruns, or just vibing in chill community chats. Many also stream their own content with a small group of friends.
Why This Matters
For adults outside these platforms, it can feel like kids are speaking another language. But understanding these digital spaces is the first step toward engaging with young people authentically—and safely. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or digital product designer, it’s worth stepping inside the black box.
📌 Want to go deeper? Check out the eSafety Commissioner's guide for more stats and safety tools.