Since this is a translation of an overseas article, there may be mistranslations.
https://www.avpasion.com/generacion-z-abandona-televisor-mitad-movil/
Gen Z Says Goodbye to TV: Almost Half Already Consume Content Only on Mobile
Several studies show a worrying consumption trend focused on YouTube and TikTok.
It was already anticipated, but as we enter 2026, the trend of Gen Z pushing TV aside and choosing smartphones as their primary content consumption device is becoming increasingly apparent.
What do they prefer most? YouTube and TikTok. In fact, several studies indicate that they even prefer to watch movies and series (and game streaming) on mobile rather than on TV. Mobile has now become an extension of themselves and their individuality.
Brands are also aware of this and are responding accordingly. LG's StanbyMe and Samsung's The Sero, which supports vertical mode, are examples of such devices. Operating systems are also strengthening social network and vertical video service functions within them, or incorporating cloud gaming functionality into TVs. All these efforts aim to turn the tide when generational change occurs and get them to look back at TV instead of mobile.
Gen Z abandons TV, opting for mobile as their preferred consumption device.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are now entering adulthood and starting to live independently. This usually led to establishing a residence and choosing TV as the central hub of home technology. At least, that was the case for previous generations where leisure time revolved around TV. However, this situation has fundamentally changed for Gen Z and subsequent generations. Their leisure center is their smartphone.
For example, Deloitte's research shows that for this generation, mobile is the cornerstone of digital life, with social media and YouTube content consumption already surpassing movie consumption. As a result, movie consumption has been relegated to a secondary position, taking place on auxiliary devices like TV.
Furthermore, Gen Z spends an average of 50 minutes more per day watching content created by others on social platforms than consuming TV content (not to mention regular broadcast channels). Moreover, over half of them consider social media content more important than newly released movies or typical films.
Reports from GWI and S&P Global Market echo these findings. According to these reports, 30% of Gen Z have TV channels practically non-existent in their lives (consumption level 0), while social media and similar multimedia content consumption time already exceeds 5 hours per day on average, with TV content consumption continuing to decline.
Reasons for Shunning TV: Lack of Personalization and Static Nature
The reasons for this change are diverse, but looking at Generation Z helps us understand them well. They perceive TV as a disconnected, outdated relic that doesn't resonate with them. It's not portable, its operating system is static, and it's full of generic ads (they have a point here).
Mobile devices, on the other hand, offer interactivity and relevance. As mentioned earlier, they see their smartphones as extensions of themselves, forming much more personal connections with content creators on YouTube or TikTok than with Hollywood stars. Just like with the devices (TV vs. mobile), one symbolizes something impersonal, rigid, and static, while the other represents personalization, fluidity, and quick adaptation to individual preferences.
Moreover, the very concept of 'watching TV' has disappeared (which is unfortunate for movie fans like me). This applies not only to physical TV sets but also to movie theaters. Have you ever seen young people taking out their smartphones less than three minutes into a movie to text or reply on social media? Social media has shattered concentration.
This relates to the dynamism mentioned earlier. They find static things boring and crave short, personalized, dynamic stimuli – something that movies and TV currently struggle to provide.
▶ Original source: https://www.avpasion.com/generacion-z-abandona-televisor-mitad-movil/
