Gen Z drinking less because they're broke, Dutch study says
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(NewsNation) — Experts studying why Gen Z is drinking significantly less than previous generations have offered up several potential factors, including health concerns and the influence of social media.
A Dutch banking company offers a much simpler reason: Gen Z is broke.
Rabobank last month published an analysis that explored whether Gen Z's lower consumption of alcohol is due to a life stage or a generational shift. Gen Z is described by Time magazine as anyone born between 1997 and 2012.
'The stigma has decreased': Behind Gen Z's alcohol aversion
Time reported in January that alcohol consumption in the U.S. has risen overall, but not among younger adults. A 2023 Gallup poll determined that the share of adults under age 35 who say they drink dropped ten percentage points in two decades, from 72% in 2001-2003 to 62% in 2021-2023.
George Koob, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, suggested that Gen Zers are more health-conscious than previous generations.
'It is becoming clear that, for whatever reasons, today's younger generations are just less interested in alcohol and are more likely than older generations to see it as risky for their health and to participate in periods of abstinence like Dry January,' Koob told Time.
The magazine's report cites multiple other factors, like the increased legality of marijuana and changing socialization patterns. A 2023 Surgeon General's advisory stated that the average amount of time people spent with friends in person decreased from 30 hours a month in 2003 to 10 hours a month in 2020.
Gen Z socializes more online than previous generations, and alcohol is a 'social drug,' Koob said.
'Dry January': What an alcohol-free month does for your health
Experts theorize that social media, and the desire young people have to look their best online, are significant factors affecting drinking patterns. Technology, including tracking apps, also makes it much easier for underage drinkers to get caught.
Rabobank's report suggests that while these factors are legitimate, the 'narratives are greatly overblown.' According to analysts, half of Gen Z is under the legal drinking age, while those 21 and older may be struggling to make ends meet.
'(Those Gen Zers) have yet to get a college degree, are working an entry-level job or not working at all, and therefore don't have any money to spend on alcohol,' the report said. 'This was also true of millennials, Generation X and baby boomers when they were in their 20s.'
As Generation Z gets older, their alcohol purchases are likely to grow, though the industry will need to adjust its products and its advertising to connect with the diversity of the generation and with their changing drinking patterns.
'This is an ideal outcome for the alcohol industry, which can celebrate the declines in underage drinking and binge drinking while still benefiting when Gen Zers reach their more mature and responsible prime spending years,' the report stated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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When it comes to mental health, there's a noticeable divide between generations. While millennials and Gen Z are more open and proactive about discussing mental health, boomers often come with a set of outdated phrases that can unintentionally do more harm than good. Maybe you've heard one or two of these before from a well-meaning family member, or perhaps you've said them yourself. Either way, it's important to recognize the impact these statements can have. Here are 14 common things boomers say about mental health that don't quite hit the mark and why we should think twice before repeating them. 1. "It's All In Your Head." This phrase is often used to dismiss feelings or mental health struggles as imaginary or insignificant. While mental health is indeed in your head, in the sense that it's related to brain function, that doesn't make it any less real or important. The brain is a complex organ, and mental health issues can be as debilitating as physical ailments. According to research published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, mental health disorders can have physical manifestations, affecting the body in various ways. By saying "it's all in your head," the person inadvertently minimizes the real challenges of living with mental illness. Hearing this can make someone feel like their struggles are being trivialized or not taken seriously. It implicitly suggests that if the problem is "just in your head," you should be able to simply think your way out of it, which isn't how mental health works. This can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when someone can't just "snap out of it." Encouraging people to seek help rather than dismissing their feelings is far more productive. Acknowledging mental health as a valid concern is crucial for healing and understanding. 2. "Just Toughen Up." The idea of "toughening up" stems from a time when emotions were often seen as a weakness to be conquered. However, this mindset can be severely damaging. It implies that experiencing emotions or mental health challenges is a failure of character rather than a natural part of being human. This phrase can discourage people from acknowledging their feelings and seeking help. It suggests that resilience means hiding your struggles instead of facing and managing them. For someone dealing with mental health issues, hearing "just toughen up" can feel like a slap in the face. It dismisses the courage it takes to confront mental health challenges. Everyone has different coping mechanisms and resilience levels, and telling someone to just toughen up ignores these individual differences. It can make someone feel alone, as if their struggles are a sign of weakness that they must hide. Instead, fostering an environment where vulnerability is seen as a strength can encourage people to seek the help they need. 3. "Back In My Day, We Didn't Have Anxiety." Boomers often reminisce about "simpler times," but this statement overlooks the fact that mental health issues have always existed. The difference now is that we're better at recognizing and diagnosing these issues. Studies have shown that anxiety and depression rates have been consistent throughout history but were often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Just because mental health wasn't discussed as openly doesn't mean it wasn't there. Dismissing current mental health issues by romanticizing the past doesn't help anyone. Saying "back in my day, we didn't have anxiety" ignores the progress society has made in understanding mental health. It can make those struggling feel like their issues are a modern invention or trend rather than genuine health concerns. This mindset can lead to a reluctance to accept mental health as a serious issue that warrants attention and treatment. 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Hearing "you're just being dramatic" can make someone question their perceptions and emotions. It can lead them to internalize the belief that their feelings aren't important or worthy of attention. This can discourage them from seeking help or talking about their experiences, which is the opposite of what they need. Creating a safe space where emotions can be expressed without judgment is essential for mental health support. Validating experiences rather than labeling them as dramatic fosters better understanding and healing. 6. "Snap Out Of It." The phrase "snap out of it" suggests that mental health issues are a choice or a temporary mood that can be easily shaken off. This is far from the truth; mental health conditions are complex and often require professional intervention. Telling someone to snap out of it minimizes the real struggle they face daily. It implies that they're choosing to feel this way and can just as easily choose not to. This perspective is not only unhelpful but can be damaging to someone's mental health journey. For someone who is already feeling overwhelmed, hearing "snap out of it" can add to their distress. It can cause self-doubt and lead them to question why they can't just change how they feel. Mental health issues aren't temporary bad moods that can be wished away. They require understanding, patience, and often, professional help. Encouraging someone to seek therapy or talk about their feelings is a far more supportive approach. 7. "You're Fine, Stop Worrying." Telling someone they're fine as a way to address their concerns can come off as dismissive. While this might be intended as reassurance, it doesn't acknowledge what the person is experiencing. According to a study published by Clinical Psychology Review, validation and acknowledgment are key components in supporting those with anxiety. Simply telling someone to stop worrying disregards the valid emotions they're experiencing. Recognizing their feelings and offering genuine support is more effective. When someone is told "you're fine, stop worrying," they might feel like their concerns are being overlooked. This can lead to frustration and a sense of isolation, as their feelings aren't being taken seriously. It might also discourage them from speaking up about their concerns in the future. Acknowledging someone's worries and discussing coping strategies can help them feel supported and less alone. Understanding and empathy go a long way in supporting mental health. 8. "Everyone Has Problems." While it's true that everyone faces challenges, this statement can trivialize individual mental health struggles. It implies that because everyone has problems, one should just deal with their own without seeking help. This mindset can discourage people from opening up about their mental health needs. The reality is that everyone's experiences are different, and comparing them can lead to misunderstanding and lack of support. Each person's mental health journey is unique and deserves attention and care. Hearing "everyone has problems" can make someone feel like their issues aren't worthy of attention. It can foster a sense of shame or guilt for wanting or needing help. This perspective can prevent people from seeking the support they need, as they might feel like they're overreacting. Acknowledging that while everyone has problems, each person's situation is unique can create space for understanding. Encouraging open discussions about individual experiences is key to better mental health support. 9. "Therapy Is For Crazy People." This outdated stereotype about therapy is not only inaccurate but also harmful. Therapy is a tool for anyone looking to understand themselves better or needing support, not just for those with severe mental illness. Characterizing therapy in this way can prevent people from seeking the help they need. It reinforces the stigma around mental health and getting professional help. Therapy should be seen as a resource for growth and healing, not as a last resort for those labeled as "crazy." For someone considering therapy, hearing "therapy is for crazy people" can reinforce negative stereotypes. It can lead them to question the validity of their own need for support. This mindset can result in people delaying or avoiding the help that could benefit them greatly. Promoting therapy as a positive and proactive choice can help break down these harmful stereotypes. Encouraging an open dialogue about the benefits of therapy can make it more accessible and less stigmatized. 10. "Just Pray About It." While faith and spirituality can be important components of mental well-being for many people, they aren't substitutes for professional mental health care. 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