Parents Think Teens Are Just Scrolling — Gen Z Says They’re Studying Authenticity

If you’re a parent, it can be easy to look over your teen’s shoulder and wonder what on earth is going on in their feed. One minute, they’re watching chaotic TikToks that seem completely random. The next, they’re laughing at something absurd that doesn’t even appear to have a punchline. But according to the teens themselves, what might look like nonsense to adults actually says a lot about what Gen Z values most: authenticity, fairness, and trust.

In a recent SheKnows Teen Council focus group, teens explained that they’re constantly reading between the lines of the content they see. They notice who’s forcing it, who’s being real, and who’s getting rewarded for reasons that don’t always feel fair. In their eyes, social media isn’t just entertainment — it’s a study in human behavior.

Try-hard is cringe, authentic chaos wins.

When it comes to creators, teens say authenticity always beats performance. “The motorcycle helmet guy… he tries to act quirky, but it just fails. It’s so bad,” one teen said, describing a TikTok creator who deliberately stages weirdness in hopes of going viral.

They can spot it instantly. To them, “try-hard” energy is the opposite of cool. They value creators who let chaos, humor, and imperfection shine through naturally — not those who plan every second for attention. Teens in the group agreed that being overly polished or pretending to be relatable feels fake, and fake is the quickest way to lose their respect. Being real is more important than being perfect.

Bias is obvious, and they don’t forget.

Authenticity doesn’t just matter online — teens see it in how society treats people, too. During the discussion, the group brought up the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship, when Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese both taunted opponents but were judged very differently.

“Caitlin Clark had 40 points and taunted the other team, and it was called competitive,” said Gary, 16. “But when Angel Reese did something similar, it was labeled as drama.”

To Gary and his peers, that moment said a lot about race, gender, and double standards. “The black community supports Angel Reese just because she is black,” Gary continued. “They hold her up high. That’s the only reason why she’s in the same conversation as Caitlin Clark. Caitlin Clark is so much better at basketball. Black people like Caitlin, too, but they support Angel because she’s black.”

For them, bias isn’t abstract — it’s visible in real time, in who the media celebrates and who it sidelines. Teens notice those patterns, and they remember them.

Authenticity extends to brands.

That same eye for authenticity shapes how teens view brands and celebrity influence. When the conversation turned to beauty, they didn’t hesitate to sort brands by credibility.

“With Selena Gomez’s brand Rare Beauty, it’s very successful. The products are great,” said Olivia, 16. She added that while the celebrity name helped at first, “it wouldn’t be as successful now if it wasn’t good, quality stuff.”

Greta, 17, agreed: “If I buy that product, I’m not thinking about Selena Gomez.”

By contrast, Olivia said she doesn’t see Kylie Jenner’s line the same way: “I don’t think of Kylie Cosmetics as good. I don’t see it as a real brand. It’s more like publicity, just getting money.”

To these teens, influence only lasts when it’s backed by integrity. They’re not rejecting fame — they’re rejecting fakery.

They’re paying attention — even when it looks like they’re not.

What might look like endless scrolling to adults is actually a form of critical observation. Teens are evaluating creators, athletes, and brands with a level of scrutiny that surprises even them. They’re analyzing who’s genuine, who’s performative, and who’s treated differently for reasons that go unspoken.

They might laugh at absurd videos or ironic memes, but they also know what those moments mean. They can decode a fake apology, spot a performative post, and sense when a creator is more interested in engagement than honesty.

So, while parents may see chaos, teens see patterns. They’re not tuning out — they’re studying the rules of a culture that rewards attention and authenticity in equal measure.

The takeaway for parents?

The next time your teen seems glued to their phone, remember: they’re not just consuming — they’re evaluating. The creators and influencers they follow aren’t just entertainment; they’re case studies in credibility, representation, and trust.

Talking to your teen about who they watch and why can lead to deeper conversations about bias, fairness, and the difference between being visible and being authentic.

Because for Gen Z, authenticity isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the currency of trust — and they’re studying it more closely than adults think.

Interested in joining our Teen Council or learning more? Email us at teencouncil@shemedia.com.