No, Gen Z Isn’t Scared to Have Fun, We’re Just Smarter About It"

Lately, there’s been a growing conversation in the news and on social media suggesting that Gen Z is “scared to have fun.” Apparently, we’re not going out to bars enough, not dancing like we used to, and definitely not living it up like Millennials once did. When I first heard that… I laughed.

Because truthfully? Gen Z loves to have fun. But the way we define fun and more importantly, spend on fun has evolved. The reality is simple: we’re cheap. Not in a bad way, but in a very intentional way. We don’t like overspending on things that aren’t worth it. If we’re spending money, it better be on something worth the post and worth the experience, like a trendy event that’s blowing up online or a trip to a theme park.

What Millennials Call “Fun,” Gen Z Calls “Overpriced”

Millennials are used to the bar scene. The drinking, the dancing, the long nights out. That was the thing back in the 2000s and 2010s. But Gen Z? We’re not lining up for overpriced cocktails and loud clubs. It’s not that we’re antisocial, we just don’t see the value in dropping $100+ in one night just to shout over loud music in a crowded bar.

Yes, we drink. Yes, we dance. But we’re also all about hacks. We’re the generation of cashback apps, refund loopholes, and budget-friendly strategies that let us have fun without breaking the bank. We’ll even make up the occasional fake excuse if it means saving money. It's not stingy, it’s smart.

So, Where Is Gen Z Having Fun?

We're not glued to barstools, we’re out here doing things our own way:

• Hosting hangouts at friends’ houses

• Going to arcades or bowling alleys

• Seeing the latest movies in theaters

• Hitting up the mall or just vibing out at trendy pop-ups

• Attending events that are popular online, not just “in town”

We’ve figured out how to make the most of every dollar and every experience. We love curating moments, not just living for the turn-up. And honestly? That doesn’t always include a bar.

The “Weird” Factor, Or Just Evolving Culture?

Some Millennials think it’s strange that we don’t go out as much, or when we do, we’re not glued to the dance floor. But that’s not weird. That’s change. Our generation thrives on evolving trends, aesthetics, and creating fun in new ways.

What some see as a “fear of fun” is really just a shift in how fun looks. For Gen Z, fun isn’t always loud music and overpriced drinks, it’s aesthetic, curated, memorable, and often more chill.

So no, we’re not scared to have fun.

We’re just making smarter choices. And if you ask me, that’s the real glow-up.

#GenZ #Millennials #NightlifeCulture #SocialTrends #MoneySavvy #ChangingTimes