MW Gen Z stays home almost every weekend because going out isn't worth the money

Andrew Keshner

Forget FOMO: Fear of financial regret is keeping younger Americans at home on Saturday night

What's going on tonight? Netflix and nil: A new survey of Gen Z-ers found they prefer to stay in on weekends, often for financial reasons.

Big plans for the weekend? The answer is likely no for many members of Gen Z, according to a new survey highlighting the financial barriers for Americans under age 30.

The low-key, low-pressure weekend is Gen Z's preferred option, Harris Poll researchers said Wednesday. Nearly three-quarters of Gen Z adults age 18 to 29 agreed that "staying in has become my default weekend plan," according to the market-research company's survey. The same share said they stayed in at least two weekends every month.

Why are younger Americans embracing low-stakes Saturdays and Sundays? Money is the common factor, the poll showed:

-- "Saving money" was the top reason cited among Gen Z participants who stayed home at least some weekends each month, while recharging mind and body was the second-most cited reason.

-- More than two-thirds of Gen Z adults said going out wasn't worth the damage to their wallet, and 62% said they avoided making plans to go out because they wanted to prevent financial regret later.

-- Four in 10 Gen Z renters said they don't go out on weekends because they don't have enough money to spend on "fun."

The consequence is more reported loneliness compared to other generations, Harris Poll researchers reported. Half of Gen Z said they're lonely on the weekends, the largest share of any generation.

"Hard socializing is over. Gen Z wants soft socializing: quieter, cheaper, sober-optional and good for their health," said Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer and futurist at the Harris Poll. "The center of social gravity has moved from the nightclub to the workout, the class and the calmer room."

The survey is another reminder of the economic constraints facing many younger Americans. Many believe their chances of ever buying a home are slim to none, and it can be tough for recent college graduates to break into today's job market. Meanwhile, it's going to take a lot more for younger investors to build their wealth.

To be sure, young adults are not total shut-ins, the pollsters noted. Home - where Gen Z-ers said they like to spend their time watching TV, gaming or "doomscrolling" on social media - is one weekend venue. But it's not the only one: Two-thirds of survey respondents said they spent "quality time" with family on weekends, and 50% worked out at a gym.

A packed bar has no appeal, many said. What sounds better is something quieter and less crowded, and with something to do beyond just sitting around and drinking alcohol.

And nearly 80% said affordable weekend social experiences sound appealing to them.

How about a movie, then?

Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z adults (87%) said they saw at least one film in 2025, according to a Fandango study in the spring. That outpaced the average 76% of all adults saying they saw at least one movie in theaters.

Gen Z regarded the movies as a chance for a social gathering, the Fandango research said. In fact, the 18-to-29 age group is the top moviegoing demographic, according to a Pew Research Center poll in March.

But movie tickets are going up in price, just like most other things Americans buy these days. The price to go to a film, theater or concert in June increased 3.6% from a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.