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Growing Up “Constantly Online”: What Teens’ Online Lives Really Look Like | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Paola Flores-Marquez and Emmy Liederman · March 9, 2026 · 29 min

Summary

This episode explores the digital lives of teenagers, focusing on their online behaviors, device usage, and interaction with social media and AI. It highlights why this demographic is crucial for the future of social commerce and provides foundational knowledge for ecommerce operators aiming to engage Gen Z effectively. Understanding these digital natives is key to tailoring successful marketing strategies and product experiences.

Key takeaways

Themes

dtc strategybrand & contentai & automationconversion & cro

Topics covered

teen digital habitsgen z online behaviorsocial commerce adoptionai use among teenssocial media landscape for gen zmobile usage by teenagersinfluencer marketing to gen zfuture of digital marketing for teens

Episode description

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss teens’ online behavior: which digital activities they engage in on which devices, why this could be the cohort to take social commerce mainstream, what a teen’s life on social media looks like, how these young people use AI, and more. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with analysts Paola Flores-Marquez and Emmy Liederman. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-growing-up-constantly-online-what-teens-online-lives-really-look-like-behind-numbers © 2026 EMARKETER Rokt helps marketers reach high-intent customers in the Transaction Moment™—when they’re actively completing a purchase online. Powered by AI and first-party data, Rokt Ads connects your brand with over 400 million global shoppers and delivers outcomes you can count on. Learn more at rokt.com/emarketer to get started today.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Gen Z's comfort with online transactions makes them a prime demographic to drive social commerce mainstream; brands should invest in social selling features and strategies.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Teenagers are early adopters of AI tools for daily tasks and creative endeavors; integrate AI-powered experiences into your platform to resonate with this tech-savvy group.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Understanding specific platform preferences and content consumption habits of Gen Z is crucial for effective influencer marketing and content strategy; generic approaches will not suffice.
What does this episode say about conversion & cro?
Mobile-first strategies are paramount, as teenagers heavily rely on smartphones for diverse online activities, from social media to content consumption and shopping.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Brands looking to connect with Gen Z must prioritize authentic, value-driven content and experiences over traditional advertising, given their discerning nature and constant online exposure.

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