It seems travel magazines and TV shows are no longer where people look for inspiration. According to new research by the University of Georgia, social media influences travel plans across all age groups.
The researchers surveyed participants across four age groups – baby boomers, Gen X, millennials and Gen Z – and asked participants whether people looked cool, popular and unique when they posted about their trips online. They were interested in how the “coolness factor” motivates viewers to go to those same places and post about their own travels to boost their social status.
The researchers also looked at how different age groups perceive vacation destinations featured on social media. The study found millennials were the most impacted by what they see posted online, while baby boomers were less likely to base trips on social media.
Additionally, research showed which destinations people found appealing depended on their age, with baby boomers drawn to posts about mainstream destinations such as France, while younger generations, especially Gen Z, gravitated toward posts about less common locales.
The study authors concluded that “social media is entangled with how people plan and share their vacations. Not only can it give inspiration and tips for travel, but it can also motivate where people choose to go.”
Does social media influence your travel planning nowadays? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know if you have been influenced to visit a particular travel destination.
