Gen Z has become lonely and antisocial. We have only ourselves to blame.
Over the past several years, it has become apparent that Gen Z is pulling back from many of the social habits of previous generations.
In part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in part because of other cultural forces, Gen Z is rapidly becoming a more reclusive generation, and one that socializes differently. But now, it is becoming clear that young people are going out less and staying in more, in part because we are less inclined to drink alcohol.
The decision for Gen Z and all Americans to cut back on drinking isn't a bad thing, but young people need replacements for the social interactions that going to a bar or house party provides. We're becoming too isolated.
Opinion: Gen Z's risk-averse behavior makes love elusive. Are we all going to die alone?
Gen Z does consume less alcohol, but we're also far less social
Americans are drinking less overall. While there are conflicting reports about Gen Z's unique habits, it is clear that we were ahead of the curve. While other age groups have seen declines in the number of people who say they drink over the past year, this decline has been consistent for those under 35 since the pandemic.
I am one of those young people who forgoes drinking on a typical basis. I'll indulge here and there on special occasions, but I am far from a frequent drinker. Health reasons drive my decision-making, as they likely do for many sober-curious individuals out there. More Americans are realizing just how bad alcohol is for you, with Gen Z leading the charge.
Opinion: Gen Z is a lonely generation that is drinking less. This could be bad.
Still, I try to tag along with my friends even when they are drinking and I am not. Young people need to be more secure in their decision not to drink, rather than removing themselves from the situation altogether.
Gen Z has to find ways to become more social
Generation Z, born between 1997 to 2012, is dealing with loneliness and anti-dating epidemics. I don't think we need to drink more, but we have to stop pulling back socially. We're missing out on social settings, choosing instead to stay home.
We all know the likely causes. The crosswinds of the pandemic, work-from-home culture and a pullback from the bar scene have turned us into homebodies. What we don't know are the solutions. But we have to find some.
Young people need to become more involved in activities, whether that be community organizations or just doing something regularly with friends. Something has to fill the void that is left by our withdrawal from the bar and party scene. Something as simple as going out for a group dinner with friends, or doing something active with others, can go a long way.
Believe me, I understand that the bar scene is unattractive to many of us, and that trying to cut back on alcohol is a virtuous decision, but something has to replace the positive social benefits that alcohol provides. We can't all be homebodies – otherwise, the loneliness problems that our generation faces are likely to worsen.
Young people are approaching their social lives differently, but right now, it's hurting us. We all need to put in more effort in order to change that dynamic for the better.
Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY and a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in political science.
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