The Gen Z Perspective: Marketing Insights from a College Intern

Momtalk Maryland

Ever wonder what Gen Z really thinks about your social media presence? This eye-opening conversation between Claire Duarte and Emma, The Columbia Mom's first college intern, pulls back the curtain on the significant generational divide in digital marketing and social media usage.
Fresh from her freshman year at Salisbury University where she studies communications with a marketing minor, Emma offers a rare, unfiltered perspective on what makes Gen Z tick online. Her verdict? TikTok reigns supreme while Instagram Reels are decidedly "millennial." The authenticity gap between platforms becomes increasingly apparent as Emma explains why her generation posts so sparingly on Instagram compared to their millennial counterparts.
The discussion explores fascinating territory around content creation philosophies, with Emma emphasizing that nothing turns Gen Z away faster than obviously staged content pretending to be spontaneous. The conversation takes an especially illuminating turn when addressing social media burnout - having used these platforms since age 10, Emma describes the exhaustion of constant comparison that leads many in her generation to periodically delete apps altogether.
For business owners and marketers feeling increasingly disconnected from younger audiences, this conversation provides invaluable insights into creating content that actually resonates rather than repels. From understanding platform preferences to recognizing the supreme importance of authenticity, Claire and Emma bridge the generational digital divide in a way that's both entertaining and immensely practical.
Ready to rethink your digital marketing strategy through fresh eyes? Listen now and discover what your business might be missing when trying to connect with younger audiences.

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to MomTalk Maryland — where community, connection, and conversation collide!

💻 Visit us at thecolumbiamdmom.com

📧 Join our newsletter for episode updates, exclusive content, and local happenings: Subscribe!

📲 Follow along on Instagram: @the.columbiamom

🗣️Got a topic idea, guest nomination, or want to sponsor an episode? Let us know!

🎬 Watch behind the scenes of the podcast on YouTube: Subscribe to the MomTalk Maryland Podcast Playlist

🎧 Like what you heard? Leave a review & share with a friend who needs this convo in their life!

Chapters

1. Meet Emma: The Columbia Mom's First Intern (00:00:00)

2. Social Media Face-Off: TikTok vs. Instagram (00:05:45)

3. Millennial Cringe: What Gen Z Really Thinks (00:12:15)

4. Content Creation Authenticity: What Works & What Doesn't (00:21:50)

5. Social Media Burnout and Platform Differences (00:30:30)

6. Marketing Insights and Career Learning Opportunities (00:38:15)