Jessica Lees
Generation Z (Gen Z) has claimed the title of the stay-at-home generation, making their preferences clear by swapping a busy nightlife for a cosy evening inside.
Up to 71 percent of Gen Z has cut down on going out, with only 25 percent being interested in hitting the town.
This unexpected trend has taken people by surprise. After all, young people are supposed to thrive off going out.
So, why are Gen Z such homebodies?
From Cost Of Living To Covid-19
An accumulation of situational and economic effects is to blame. Both the cost-of-living crisis and the continued aftermath of Covid-19 are key players here.
It is no secret that the pandemic and its repercussions have changed our way of life. Especially for Generation Z, who had their typical partying years quashed by lockdown restrictions.
The Rise Of Sobriety
Restrictions on clubbing during the pandemic has led to a rise of young people choosing to be sober. Others have heavily decreased their drinking habits compared to previous generations.
“This generation prioritises their own personal enjoyment over what is expected of them.”
This decreasing or mindful approach to alcohol consumption has quite likely affected interest in nightlife culture. In the UK, it’s been reported that five night clubs close a week.
Potential clients prefer themed events and music experiences instead. These offer a more well-rounded array than the singularity of drinking and clubbing. The TikTok trend ‘Cowboycore’ saw 11.4 million searches, alongside a surge in country music and line dancing.
“Neglecting these social opportunities could arguably mean that we are wasting our youths.”
This generation prioritises their own personal enjoyment over what is expected of them. Going out is no longer considered the pinnacle of true youth, fun, and freedom. Individual agency means young people choose what they want to do without considering the crowd.
However, despite the positives of staying at home, the issue of isolation plagues our generation.
Generation Social Isolation
Generation Z already has the highest rates of mental health issues compared to other generations. Studies show there is a direct link between social isolation and these mental health complications. Today, 70 percent of 18-24-year-olds feel lonely.
The isolation and hermit-like behaviour resulting from the overuse of digital devices points to the idea that young people are wasting their youth. The little responsibility and increase in freedom that young people have should mean more opportunities for social experiences and new relationships. Now is the time to have adventures.
Clubbing and drinking is one of these shared experiences which binds us together through the creation of new memories. It also opens us up to music, culture, and nightlife. Therefore, neglecting these social opportunities could arguably mean that we are wasting our youths.
Difficulties In Flying The Nest
The choice to stay inside coincides with a rise in young people in the UK who live with their parents.
Sophie, a 24-year-old researcher said: “I feel as though I’ve lost my independence since coming back home after university, I went straight back to living with my parents for financial reasons and with that, I also stopped seeing my friends as much. I don’t go out now as we mostly just speak through social media.”
“Many young people are struggling to afford the basics, leaving little room to spend on social activities.”
The cost-of-living crisis and the decline of graduate jobs have made it so that many young people are struggling to afford the basics, leaving little room to spend on social activities.
Others have decided that due to this economic situation, it would be better to save the money they have. This leads to free or budget-friendly activities, such as gaming and streaming shows. Most choose to cook at home rather than dine out.
Alex, a third-year English literature student, said: “I don’t have much money to do anything and neither do my friends, to be honest. I wouldn’t mind going out but the cost of it is crazy. My flatmates and I tend to just sit in and chat most weekends.”
The balance between staying inside for personal enjoyment and ensuring a healthy social life proves difficult. Unless economic and situational factors change, is it likely that the stay-at-home generation is here… to stay.
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