The aim of the research was to indicate the differences in perception and tendencies of social media usage amongst Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) and Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) ¸ and to compare their attitudes and identify the correlation between the characteristics of each generation and their online presence and use of social networks. The paper provides a theoretical definition of the terms social network and digital communication, lists the characteristics of the most popular social networks according to the results of respondents; Facebook and Instagram, and explains the division of generations. Furthermore, the paper contains theory behind the key characteristics of both Generation X and Z. The survey was conducted online, in June 2021, on a sample of 493 respondents. A total of 249 Generation X respondents, and 244 Generation Z respondents participated. The survey found differences in the choice of the social network most used by each generation, time spent on social networks in the day, as well as the fact that members of both generations spend the most time looking at other people's posts and not engaging themselves. The conclusion compares theory and previous research to the research presented in this paper, as well as recommendations for further online communication via social networks for Generations X and Z.