Yoo-Kyoung Seock, professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences’ textiles, merchandising and interiors department, spoke with The New York Times about Facebook Marketplace’s popularity among Gen Z.
While younger people may prefer to spend their social internet time on Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, many 20-somethings find themselves on Facebook to purchase secondhand items on the network’s buy-and-sell service. From small kitchen appliances to décor, users without a lot of disposable income can find deals on items they wouldn’t normally be able to afford.
“Facebook Marketplace is often referred to as ‘the internet’s garage sale’ and is a modern-day counterpart to eBay and Craigslist,” said Seock. “The platform’s remarkable success is largely due to the trust users place in it, which is a result of its unique connection to Facebook’s social network.”
Gen Z is generally known to be environmentally conscious and prefers to shop secondhand, making Marketplace increase in popularity.
“Young people, including students and young professionals, are increasingly drawn to used goods,” Seock said, adding that faster inflation has helped to make secondhand purchases more practical.
