A cultural shift is underway as Generation Z opts for non-alcoholic beverages over traditional drinking norms. Bars, clubs, and campuses are seeing fewer clinking glasses, signaling a generational pivot toward healthier choices.
Psychology professor Kasey Creswell of Carnegie Mellon University attributes part of this decline to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her study revealed a stark drop in hazardous drinking among young adults, with 70% engaging in risky alcohol use pre-pandemic compared to just 47% afterward. College students, in particular, showed reduced alcohol consumption, favoring lighter, family-oriented drinking habits over party scenes.
This trend aligns with changes observed at Texas Christian University (TCU). In 2023, TCU recorded 286 alcohol violations, a steep decline from 838 in 2021. Students like Grace, a communications major, notice a shift toward occasional drinking tied to specific events, while others, like Andrew, note that social pressures still exist, particularly in fraternity life.
Experts link the shift to pandemic-driven health consciousness and the rise of the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” on social media. This wellness trend prioritizes health and minimalism, fueling Gen Z’s preference for clean living over alcohol. Increased marijuana use is also cited as a contributing factor.
As Gen Z continues to challenge traditional norms, this movement highlights broader questions about the evolving dynamics of social life and substance use.
Read the full story at TCU360.
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