Social Influence, Algorithmic Personalization, and Platform Trust Among Young Users: An Exploratory Survey
Maahir Kumar
31/08/2026
In the age of young Gen Z and young Gen Alpha, social media platforms have expanded through algorithm engagement which is created to attract users. In a society where corporations target their intended audience through certain features, I was intrigued by how various social media platforms grow rapidly compared to others. This study investigates how trust and user preferences influence the growth of social media platforms. The research is centralized on individuals ages between 10-25 in where limited research exists (in 2026) pertaining social media preferences and behavioral influences. Data was collected through a 7 question survey consisting of 6 multiple choice and 1 short answer question. Responses totaled to 67, using a convenience sampling method. Statistical models and correlation analyses were used to identify the relationship between platform usage patterns and social influences. Results indicated that social media usage and platform selection were heavily motivated by conventional norms and social circles. However, findings also suggest that concerns regarding trust may affect user engagement. Further research could ensure a globally representative sample was collected and examine different age groups and socioeconomic populations. Because participants were recruited from the researcher's personal contacts, results reflect a specific social network rather than a random or representative sample, and should be interpreted as exploratory rather than generalizable. Moreover, studying countries with stricter internet regulations and data policies could result in different social media preferences and an opposite algorithmic influence.