The in-game social media feed in GTA VI will be integrated with the open world. After seeing posts about a character appearing in Vice City or elsewhere in Leonida, players can travel to the corresponding location to find them.
The GTA series has always used fictional cities to satirize American culture. GTA VI integrates social media into the fabric of Vice City: influencers, celebrities, tourists, and musicians move through its streets, people care about their appearance, and social platforms have become part of daily life in the city.
In an interview with Dazed, Rockstar Games stylist Gillian Carr stated that Vice City is built around a focus on appearance. Social media, celebrity culture, and the constant influx of tourists have made image important, with trends changing rapidly. Compared to GTA V's parody of social networks through Lifeinvader and Bleeter, this title further incorporates functional social media feeds.
This emphasis on image is also reflected in pedestrians. Rockstar has designed different clothing, hairstyles, body types, tattoos, and piercings for characters across Leonida, aiming to make their appearances match their respective areas, including the wealthier districts of Vice City and other parts of the state.
Trending posts in the game can also showcase character story progression. Taking Real Dimez as an example, Bae-Luxe and Roxy remain active on social media, with their music careers developing alongside viral videos. Players can learn about their experiences through these posts without directly participating in related events.
The phone itself is also an item usable by the dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, within the game world. The two can use their phones while moving; for example, one can drive while the other browses content on their phone.