Is partying out of style? Fewer and fewer people are interested in going out, while staying in seems to be all the buzz. We all seem to have to take turns to rally each other to go out on the weekends. What is it about the once-beloved party scene that has lost our interest?
It can be hard to balance academics and a social life in college. With exams and a million different club meetings, going out can just feel exhausting. But it is important to find a balance and allow time for both.
People sometimes feel guilty for going out when they should be studying. Or the fact that your entire sleep schedule gets thrown off, and you seem to have to spend days recalibrating. However, it gives you time with your friends and the chance to meet new people.
Social media has had an impact on going-out culture as well. There is a new facet of influencers who are focused on wellness. They often post content related to what they eat in a day, morning routines and healthy habits. They also encourage a healthy nighttime routine that encourages being in bed by 9 p.m.
Now, there is nothing wrong with being in bed early and getting a healthy amount of sleep, even on a Friday night, but there is also nothing wrong with going out. It seems that there should be more of an emphasis on balance rather than cutting one or the other out.
Staying in every night might also deprive you of the health benefits you get from socializing. When you go out, you are with friends and constantly talking to new people. This is just as important for our mental health as a good night’s sleep, and of course, there are ways to do it without going out, but it is an easy way to be around a lot of new people.
Another trend on wellness TikTok is not drinking. Many celebrities have started brands that have non-alcoholic drinks and encourage sobriety. But going out often goes hand in hand with drinking, and more and more people have been opting out.
A fun night out does not need to include alcohol. Sometimes getting out and dancing with friends is all that is needed. But many people have a hard time separating the two and are unwilling to go out if they are not drinking.
Technology also might have an impact on why fewer and fewer people want to party. It is easy to stay in and scroll on TikTok or talk to people over the phone. But you lose out on the personability and in-person socialization benefits.
Even those who do go out to parties seem glued to their phones. Whether they are texting someone or sending each other Snapchats, it feels inescapable. It feels rare to see people dancing or approaching new people.
It seems like parties might need a rebrand to recapture our attention. Although it is not for everyone, I think it is good to get together with people and enjoy each other’s company. Every night out does not need to be rave-level crazy; a small dinner party can bring just as much joy.