Spending weekends alone in their PJs instead out going out to have fun: study

Feckless youth.America’s youngest adults are spending Friday and Saturday nights on the couch — not because they’re antisocial, but because they’re flat broke, burned out and just plain lonely.A new Harris Poll survey paints a surprisingly bleak picture of Gen Z’s social life, revealing a generation of prime-of-their-lives 20-somethings who desperately want real-world friendships but often can’t afford the price of going out, and lack human-to-human skills.The numbers are striking.More than half of Gen Z adults (51%) say they feel lonely on a typical weekend — the highest rate of any generation and a staggering 37 percentage points higher than 62-to-80-year-old Baby Boomers.Nearly half (49%) admit they don’t have enough friends to spend time with in person, while 65% say they now experience their social lives more through their phones than face-to-face.“I want more spontaneous moments in my life to meet new people or make more friends,” one respondent admitted.Instead of bars and parties, staying home has become the new normal.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) say they spend at least half of their weekends lazing, while 73% say staying in has become their default plan.They don’t party hard like Gen Xers did.Nearly nine in 10 (88%) actively avoid at least one classic nightlife environment, including loud crowded venues, expensive nights out or alcohol-centered gatherings.

Almost three-quarters (73%) wish there were more social spaces where drinking wasn’t the main attraction.They’re looking for something calmer, cheaper and more meaningful.Nearly eight in 10 (79%) want more affordable ways to spend time with others, while 76% prefer quieter, less overwhelming environments.More than half (54%) would rather socialize during the day than late at night.Wellness is also replacing nightlife.

Sixty-five percent say they feel more socially connected in fitness classes, wellness activities and similar settings than they do in bars or clubs.One of the b...