Young people are increasingly abstaining from alcohol and embracing sobriety due to the phenomenon of ‘hangxiety’, a combination of hangover and anxiety, caused by the fear of their drunken actions being shared on social media platforms. Experts have suggested that Generation Z, in particular, experiences heightened stress and anxiety after heavy drinking due to the additional concern of their drunken exploits being plastered across TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
This may explain why a remarkable one in five Britons aged 18 to 24 have chosen to be teetotal, making them less likely to drink compared to any other generation. The trend of sobriety among young people is growing, with 21 percent of individuals under the age of 25 stating that they did not consume alcohol last year, a significant increase from the 14 percent reported in 2017, according to a recent survey conducted by the Drinkaware charity in the UK.
In contrast, only 13 percent of individuals over the age of 25 claimed to be teetotal. Justine Roberts, the founder and CEO of the popular online parenting forum Mumsnet, has observed numerous conversations among parents stating that their children are consuming less alcohol compared to previous generations.
During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Roberts highlighted the impact of social media on the younger generation, stating, We have to remember that this generation has grown up in the world of social media, and if you make a fool of yourself, as we’ve all probably done with excess alcohol, there’s the potential of that getting out there, going viral. We didn’t have that, we just had our nearby friends and acquaintances seeing us being silly.
Roberts also attributed this shift towards sobriety among young people to increased health consciousness, self-awareness, and a desire to engage in activities beyond simply hanging out at bars.
The phenomenon of ‘hangxiety’ appears to predominantly affect young drinkers, with two in five individuals aged between 18 and 34 experiencing it regularly, according to research conducted by the charity Alcohol Change UK. In fact, ‘hangxiety’ was listed as a contributing factor for over a third of individuals in this age group who chose to reduce their drinking.
Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Dr. David McLaughlan, a consultant psychiatrist and addictions specialist at the independent mental healthcare provider Priory, explained that the degradation of serotonin due to alcohol can lead to post-drinking low mood, depression, and ‘hangxiety.’
As young people increasingly become aware of the potential repercussions of excessive drinking on their mental and social well-being, coupled with the influence of social media, it is evident that the trend of sobriety among Generation Z is only set to continue. With 21 percent of individuals under the age of 25 choosing not to drink, it is clear that the fear of ‘hangxiety’ and the desire to maintain a positive online image are becoming important factors in shaping young people’s attitudes towards alcohol consumption.
The shifting behaviors and attitudes towards drinking among young people have significant implications for society as a whole, and it remains to be seen how this trend will continue to evolve in the coming years.
