How COVID-19 Has Impacted Media Consumption, by Generation

Media Consumption COVID-19

When the coronavirus outbreak brought the world to a standstill, one thing surged — our media consumption. As people retreated indoors, time once spent at concerts, events, or social gatherings shifted toward screens.

According to a Global Web Index report, over 80% of consumers in the U.S. and U.K. reported spending more time with media since the start of the pandemic. Traditional broadcast TV and online video platforms like YouTube and TikTok became the dominant sources of entertainment across generations.

The Rise of Screen-Based Rituals

Beyond entertainment, media became a coping mechanism — a way to stay informed, connected, and comforted. 68% of users sought pandemic updates online more than any other type of content. Yet Gen Z broke the pattern: instead of news, they turned to music and social platforms for emotional balance.

Meanwhile, Millennials emerged as the “foodie generation,” using the extra hours indoors to explore cooking tutorials and healthy recipes. Younger audiences gravitated toward mobile games, seeking interactivity and escape.

What It Reveals About Us

The Media Consumption COVID-19 data paints a clear picture: during isolation, media became both mirror and refuge. Our devices filled the social void, transforming how we relate to information and each other. What began as temporary habits have now reshaped modern digital culture — making the question of how we consume as important as what we consume.

Written by Otávio Santiago, a visual designer whose work blends clarity, rhythm, and storytelling. Between Berlin and Lisbon, he creates across print, motion, branding, and immersive 3D environments.