As a trailblazer in the digital world and a voice for Gen Z, magazine founder and Snapchat star Dai Time has amassed over 1.5 million followers across various social media platforms. Known for her candid approach to tackling issues like mental health, acne struggles, and the pressures of social media, Dai is leading a movement that speaks directly to the challenges and experiences of her generation.
In a recent interview with What’s Trending, Dai discussed her role as “The Voice of Gen Z,” her approach to navigating the pressures of online fame, and her passion for elevating diverse voices in the media.
Becoming “The Voice of Gen Z”
The title “The Voice of Gen Z” is a significant honor for Dai, but it’s also a responsibility she takes seriously. “From a young age, I’ve always wanted to create a space that inspires and appreciates my peers,” she said. “As I’ve grown older, that mission has only become more important to me.” She explained that her platform, Dai Time Magazine, was born out of a desire to provide a space where young people can freely express themselves and pursue their best versions of themselves.
Being recognized as a voice for such a diverse generation is both humbling and motivating for Dai. “I’m just one person, but I’m proud to represent the values of my generation, pushing for growth and authenticity while making room for young people to thrive,” she shared.
Navigating Social Media and Mental Health
With a massive online presence comes the pressure to constantly stay active and engage with followers. Dai, who’s been in the social media space for almost a decade, has seen the highs and lows of digital fame, from viral moments to burnout and cyberbullying. “I’ve definitely been through a lot—there are days when it’s overwhelming, but I’ve learned that taking breaks is key,” she said. “Even though I love social media, I’m still a regular Gen Z girl who needs to step away from it sometimes.”
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Dai uses her breaks to recharge by playing her favorite game, The Sims 4, doing hot yoga, or spending time with friends. “When I take time for myself, I feel like I can return to my work and my platform refreshed and ready to be a positive influence for my followers,” she explained.
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The Challenges Facing Gen Z
For Gen Z, social media can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it offers a platform for self-expression, but on the other hand, it creates unrealistic expectations that can lead to negative mental health outcomes. Dai is particularly concerned about the “false realities” presented on social platforms. “People post lifestyles that are carefully curated and often unattainable,” she said. “It creates this pressure to compare ourselves, which is damaging, especially for younger people.”
Dai has been open about her own struggles with acne, an experience that resonated with many of her followers. “There was a time when I felt very isolated because I didn’t see anyone else talking about acne, even though it’s so common. I decided to be open about it because I wanted others to feel seen and understood,” she said. By posting unfiltered photos and sharing her skin journey, Dai created a space for vulnerability and connection on her platform.
Dai encourages her generation to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed. “It’s okay to ask for help. There’s a stigma around struggling, but it’s crucial to recognize that taking care of yourself is not a sign of weakness,” she said. “Self-care and mental health should always come first.”
Empowering Diverse Voices in Media
Dai’s partnership with Snapchat’s 523 Accelerator program has been a pivotal moment in her career. Through this collaboration, she created her own show, It’s Dai Time, which has been running for six seasons. “Partnering with Snapchat in 2022 was a dream come true,” she shared. “It allowed me to create content that resonates with my peers while also tackling serious topics like body-shaming and online harassment.”
She’s proud to use her platform to elevate underrepresented voices, especially within the context of media and entertainment. “It was important for me to be part of the 523 Accelerator because it focused on growing diverse voices,” Dai said. “Being able to bring Gen Z perspectives into big spaces has been so fulfilling.”
Balancing College and Career
Despite her growing success as a content creator, Dai has managed to balance her digital career with being a full-time college student. “Hosting events like Ebony Magazine’s HBCU Yard Fest was a dream because I’m a college student myself,” she said. “It’s so energizing to be in that space, surrounded by students and their enthusiasm. I’ve always had a love for hosting, and it was amazing to connect with such a vibrant community.”
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Dai’s passion for education is evident in her commitment to her studies. She graduated high school two years early and is now preparing to transfer to her dream school to pursue a degree in journalism. “I’ve always been a scholar. I love academia, and I can’t wait to apply everything I’m learning to my work and platform,” she said.
Supporting Young Creators in the Entertainment Industry
As a young creator, Dai has a unique perspective on how the entertainment industry could better support emerging talent. “The entertainment industry could do more to applaud new ideas and creativity,” she said. “My generation is incredibly creative, and if the industry embraces that, it could evolve in exciting ways.”
She also believes there should be more mental health support for young creatives in the industry. “It’s tough to be a young person working in entertainment. There’s a lot of pressure, and sometimes, we need resources to help us manage that,” Dai explained.
Looking Ahead: Season Six and Beyond
As Dai works on the sixth season of It’s Dai Time, she is also planning for the future. “I’m always thinking of new projects to keep my peers engaged, and I love hearing what they want to see,” she said. “Season six will continue to bring the latest Gen Z news, but we’re also going deeper into important topics that affect our generation.”
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In addition to her ongoing projects, Dai is gearing up for a new chapter in her academic journey. “Next year, I’m transferring to my dream university to pursue journalism,” she said excitedly. “I’m really looking forward to how I can use my new skills to enhance my content and platform.”
Dai’s ability to balance her career and education, all while advocating for mental health and empowering her generation, is a testament to her passion and dedication. As she continues to grow, she’s committed to using her platform to inspire and support young people everywhere.
