Gen Z are really miserable and this is why

Young Aussies are the most boring and miserable generation getting around, and now there’s research to show why.

OPINION

When did young people become so boring?

According to a new study out of the United States, young people have stopped drinking.

We already know youths are imbibing less – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows a 133 per cent increase in 18-24 year olds being teetotallers in the past two decades.

A fifth don’t drink at all.

I’ve long thought this was because they had no friends – not ones they actually hang out with, at least – and now Carnegie Mellon University has proved it.

Researchers followed the trends of “heavy-drinking” 21-29 year olds in Pittsburgh from February 2018 to March 2022 – collecting levels of consumption prior to, during and post the Covid pandemic.

They found the amount consumed dropped by 12.8 drinks per week, largely driven by a significant reduction in weekend drinking when 7.9 fewer drinks were consumed.

During the pandemic, when restrictions were in place, it was impossible or extremely difficult to drink with mates and that largely happens on weekends.

Fair enough – you’d expect a reduction during the pandemic.

But the researchers found this plummet continued well into 2022, long after restrictions had been lifted and you could go back to pubs, bars and restaurants.

Caleb Bond, himself a Gen Z, thinks he knows why his generation is so miserable. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Prof Aidan Wright, a contributing author to the study, told Carnegie Mellon that “these results highlight the social nature of drinking and speak to the importance of the social context in driving drinking behaviour”.

In other words, young people stopped socialising and so they stopped drinking.

Doctors, of course, will say this is great because it will reduce alcohol-related harm.

But I think it’s sad because it essentially means young people have stopped catching up with and making friends – and, in a world with rising rates of loneliness and depression, that is dangerous.

New habits were created, by force, during the pandemic. I used to punt in cash at the pub or TAB. Now I bet online with a corporate bookmaker because I had no other choice during Covid and I’ve just kept on doing it.

During the time of lockdowns and density limits, we had to find other things to do on weekends – namely sitting on the couch.

I couldn’t wait to get back to the pub and see my mates

But, for a significant number of young people, that would seem to be a habit they’ve been unable to shake.

Instead of going out, younger people prefer to stay home and text. Picture: iStock

Young Aussies aren’t as into the typical drinking culture, preferring a healthier lifestyle. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jenny Evans

We live in a world more connected than ever thanks to technology. You can talk to anyone in any part of the world at any time.

And yet we’re more disconnected than ever.

An October 2022 survey of loneliness found more than a third of Australian adults felt lonely the week prior.

Those aged 18-24 reported the highest levels of loneliness.

According to the Black Dog Institute, depression among young Australian adults increased 72 per cent in the 14 years to 2022.

They’re not catching up at the pub anymore – they’re rotting at home sending each other messages instead.

No cheers for Gen Z. Picture: iStock

Sure, it’s a form of connection. But the data clearly proves that we don’t feel satisfied by that connection.

We all know drinking too much isn’t great for your health – and I drink more than the average person.

But I’m willing to bet the long term effects of loneliness and depression will far outweigh the damage caused by too many pints.

Young people have given up drinking and it has made them miserable.