Gen Z opts for alcohol-free social plans, choosing afternoon tea over nightclubs | UK | News
Generation Z prefers to enjoy simpler social events (Image: PinPep)
Gen Z is swapping shots for squats and buns; He prefers to socialize at the gym and at afternoon tea. A survey of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 29 found that they are increasingly choosing simpler, experience-based ways to socialise, with 53% choosing to meet up for a night out during the day or in the early evening.
In addition to hitting the gym (38%) and afternoon tea (24%), survey respondents also enjoy playing board games with friends (28%) and doing crafts together (18%). Book clubs (12%), running clubs (13%) and wellness classes (13%) are also popular.
The research was commissioned by Coca-Cola, which launched an immersive Cherry Coke Café experience to celebrate its new range and new flavour, Float.
It turns out that young adults adopt a nostalgia-focused approach to socializing; 86% said they like to put their own spin on past trends.
More than half (52%) said modern twists on nostalgic experiences appeal to them more than traditional versions or entirely new events.
Maura Higgins, who works with the brand, said: “I love anything that brings people together in a fun and relaxed way. Anything that puts a cute twist on something we all know but has a fresh, fun feel is my favourite.”
Cherry Coke Cafe opened in London this weekend (Image: PinPep)
The research found that six in 10 people prefer to socialize less than they did five years ago. Cost was the most important factor in why 78% chose to socialize with friends; A third would rather have afternoon tea with friends than a night out.
More than half (54%) said they actively seek out social plans that aren’t alcohol-related. As a result, 48% said they felt more present and engaged during their relaxed, daytime social plans.
When asked what activities are most often done with friends, shopping was the most popular (52%), followed by trying new food and drink experiences (47%).
Television personality appeared in the cafe (Image: PinPep)
Exercise (38%), board games (28%), afternoon tea (24%) and visit themed or spontaneous experiences (24%) were also on the list.
Among the participants of the research conducted through OnePoll.com, soft and carbonated drinks (42%) were the most preferred ones while socializing in comfortable environments.
The cafe is open at the weekend, allowing guests to explore the venue and book the afternoon tea experience. Coca-Cola UK spokesperson Ellie D’Silva said: “The results show that Gen Z are part of a ‘transformation generation’, they like to take elements of the past and reinterpret them to reflect their own style and identity.”
“Whether it was re-imagining classic social rituals like afternoon tea or choosing a new favorite from the new range, we wanted to create an experience that felt both nostalgic and new.”
