Photo by Mia Turnbull
By Mia Turnbull
Gen z is known for being less willing to go out at night – but why?
In fact, some members of Gen Z – the people born between 1977 and and 2012 – admitted that they stay home for days at a time, rarely venturing outdoors and almost never going into nature, according to the Telegraph.
Part of the reason is that as teenagers and uni students, they spent a whole year in lockdown, missing out on social events and making friends. They’re used to staying inside – and why change something that’s not a problem?
Sam, 24, a computing student, spent most of his first year of uni by himself in the student halls. He’s not alone: statistics show that 70 percent of Gen Zs reported some level of loneliness during lockdown, having gone weeks, in some cases, without much contact with other people.
After lockdown
So it makes sense that once lockdown rules were lifted, Gen Zers didn’t socialise as much as before, especially in a club atmosphere which after lockdown probably seemed overwhelming.
“Gen z is scared and their mental health isn’t good,” says Psychology Today. The rise of social anxiety and other mental health issues probably plays a huge role in how infrequently they go to nightclubs and participate in night life in general.
Money is another issue. The vast majority of Gen Zers are in education, or have just started their first jobs, so they don’t have as much disposable income as the older generations. Add the cost of living crisis, and few Gen Zers have money to go out as much as they would like.
Staying home: the new normal
Gen Zs like the comfort of home. They might hang out with their friends in lower cost environments such as a house parties, stay in and watch Netflix and chill, attend a meetup at a coffee shop, or go out to brunch.
Sixth-former Ava Turnbull, aged 18, tends go to house parties and the pub rather night clubs because of how expensive it is compared to other options.
“We normally, instead of going to the pub, get drinks from the person holding a party,” she said, referring to the relatively new concept of “pres”.
Mia (the author) and sister Ava (selfie)
Gen Z is known for being a more health and wellness conscious generation, so this could also be a factor in why they aren’t going out at night, as self care and wellness becomes more of a priority. Many want to avoid environments where drugs and alcohol are present, or at least not drink as much if they do go out.
Growing trends that are popular with Gen Z include matcha and self care such as skin care, probiotics, getting consistent sleep and spending time in nature. According to Intenza Fitness, one of the top five fitness trends for Gen Z is the gym, as 65 percent of gym memberships are accounted for by Gen Z and millennials.
In fact, 37 percent of Gen Zers view spending time at the gym as a way to socialise with friends – not just a way to get fit.
Photo by Mia Turnbull
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