Many Gen Z adults find social life too expensive to enjoy

The “z” may stand for catching some z’s for many who make up Gen Z.

When the weekend rolls around, a slew of the nation’s youngest adults admit to staying in rather than going out simply because it’s cheaper, a new Harris Poll survey reveals.

In the nationwide survey of more than 4,100 adults, roughly half (49%) admitted being a homebody helps “to save money,” while 68% claimed hitting the social scene “isn’t worth the damage” it does to their wallet. Another 62% revealed avoiding going out on the town eliminates the “regret of spending money” on an evening of fun.

“I avoid making weekend plans because I don’t want to feel financial regret afterward,” one pollster said.

As for “classic” nightlife environments, nearly 90% claimed to avoid loud or crowded venues, or expensive gatherings centered on costly alcohol consumption. Instead, most are seeking “calmer, cheaper and more meaningful” venues and opportunities to enhance their social life.

The poll also revealed up to three-quarters (74%) spend half of their weekend “lazing,” with staying home the “default plan” for another 73%.

“I want more spontaneous moments in my life to meet new people or make more friends,” another survey participant said.

“Spending time with others” is a more affordable alternative for 79% of those queried, with 76% preferring “quieter and less overwhelming” environments. Socializing during the day rather than at night works best for 54% of those asked.

When it comes to working for the weekend, renters (42%) and young women (41%) were found to be the two groups struggling the most to afford a break from the work week.

Despite the financial hardships, 85% who took the survey claim to have already found “creative ways to socialize” on a budget. Top alternatives include hosting friends at home, attending free community events and using discounts to make their money work favorably.

And though 60% prefer spending time with friends in person rather than online, 62% say they “truly wish” cyber friendships would morph into real-life meetups.

However, nearly half (49%) admitted not having “enough friends” to physically hang out with to avoid spending money, and 65% acknowledged their social lives are most dominant online.