The main issue with Generation Z is that they, well, come off as somewhat uninspired.
A recent Gallup poll, released on August 13, revealed that 54% of adults in the U.S. drink alcohol. This is the lowest rate recorded since they began tracking such habits in 1939.
Gallup noted that from 1997 to 2023, at least 60% of Americans reported consuming alcohol. Interestingly, among younger individuals, the decline is even more pronounced—self-reported drinking dropped from 59% in 2023 to 50% in 2025.
Could this be just a health trend?
Generation Z, not fond of nightlife, is planning morning raves with coffee instead of tequila. https://t.co/l9mwrdq38a pic.twitter.com/64mpcsmy1z
– New York Post (@nypost) June 22, 2025
Young adults tend to think that moderate drinking is unhealthy. Gallup found that two-thirds of young adults believe that consuming “one or two drinks a day” is detrimental to health. Compare this with around half of those aged 35 to 54 and even fewer older than that who share similar views.
Podcasts like the Huberman Lab, hosted by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, might be elevating the idea of abstaining from alcohol among Gen Z.
The effects of even low to moderate alcohol consumption on the brain, body, and psychology over time. Full episode in https://t.co/tphgkozqyg pic.twitter.com/aiupilq3vw
– Dr. Andrew D. Hooverman (@hubermanlab) August 26, 2022
Huberman stated, “zero drinks is best. Having two, three, or even more could significantly shorten your life.” Dr. Rhonda Patrick echoed similar sentiments in a podcast clip that has garnered over 500,000 views.
He added, “I don’t have anything against alcohol; it’s part of many cultures. But if you care more about your health, it’s a simple choice.”
It raises the question: when did people start avoiding things because they’re unhealthy?
For context, the obesity rate among Americans aged 18-24 stands at 19.5%, according to the CDC. In comparison, back in 1960-1962, this figure was at 13.4%.
When thinking about drink alternatives, take energy drinks. They contain various ingredients, yet their popularity continues to rise among the youth.
Statements like “I drink red wine for health” or “I abstain for my wellbeing” might just be rationalizations for our choices.
New studies show Gen Z is drinking less, smoking less, and being less sexually active. It seems they’re just doing less overall.
They communicate primarily through their phones. This detachment is troubling.
– Noah Ryan (@noahryanco) July 25th, 2025
Often, people drink to ease social anxieties and feel more confident. Yet, with many young people avoiding social outings, they encounter less social friction overall.
A survey by Cigna in January 2020 revealed that nearly 8 in 10 employees aged 18 to 22 admitted to feeling lonely at times. The lockdown only intensified this feeling of isolation, impacting critical developmental years for many adolescents.
According to Gallup figures from May 2025, one in four young men in America report feelings of loneliness, with young women not far behind at 18%.
Video games and dating apps have emerged as substitutes for friendship and dating. Even those who typically shy away from face-to-face interactions seem to find comfort online. But is it a safe space? Or is it merely an easy escape?
The internet can be a helpful tool, but it can also fail as a genuine friend.
