Why More Gen Z Are Becoming Sober Curious

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For many adults today, memories from your early 20s probably involve a lot of drunken nights and hungover days, piecing together the events of the evening before. Getting wasted, on a regular basis, has been part of young people culture in the U.S. since, well, almost always. But this new generation is actually taking a step back from booze, and for some interesting (and understandable) reasons.

One study published in DrinkAware found that people ages 16 to 25 are the group most likely to be sober in the UK. A report from Gallup shows that Gen Z drinks substantially less than people ages 34 to 54. Then you have the fact that #SoberTok is a thing – on a platform that is heavily targeted at young people, no less. More and more of today’s youth are becoming what some are calling “sober curious” – they don’t necessarily hate alcohol, but they’re interested in the benefits of going without it. Here’s why Gen Z drinking habits are trending towards sobriety.

Gen Z Is Living Safer, Overall

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In general, Gen Z is taking fewer risks than previous generations. It doesn’t stop at alcohol. The National Institute for Health (NIH) says they’re doing fewer drugs. A study published in Springer shows they’re having fewer sexual partners. As a whole, this generation is pretty risk-averse. And, if you think about it, it’s clear why (read on).

Gen Z Has All The Info

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Gen Z is the first generation that has had smartphones and Internet access since they were basically toddlers. They have access to so much more information than millennials had at their age. That means they can consume stories and articles on all of the negative consequences of drinking alcohol. And they do. From personal horror stories on social media about drunken nights gone wrong to research papers, Gen Z has access to nearly limitless intel.

They Live In A Cancel Culture

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Having smartphones from a young age has also meant having social media from a young age. Not surprisingly, one report from Think With Google shows that 49 percent of Gen Z individuals are always, on some level, thinking about their online presence. They understand that if they get drunk and do something stupid, somebody could film it, post it, and then their parents, teachers, employers – everyone – could see it.

They Worry About Mental Health + Addiction

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Gen Z is having more conversations surrounding mental health than any other generation. That’s a really positive thing. It also means they’re more aware of things that damage mental health, like binge drinking, which can lead to depression and anxiety, says the NIH. Research also shows that Gen Z has a heightened awareness of the risk of alcohol addiction.

Financial Concerns

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Research reported on in Flux Trends also shows that one reason Gen Z is drinking less is that alcohol costs too much money. It has for years, and this recent inflation burst is making matters worse. Plus, drinking alcohol increases one’s chances of financially irresponsible choices, like impulse online shopping, buying a round for the whole bar, getting a $600 tattoo…you get the idea. In fact, if you’re older than Gen Z, you probably have the personal receipts to prove it.

One thing is for certain: Gen Z is getting wise to the fact that alcohol has more downsides than benefits. So alcohol companies might want to find a new group to market to – or start making more zero percent beverages.