The importance of platonic friendships is often overlooked. However, psychological research has shown how healthy friendships are crucial for our well-being, and those with friends and close confidants are less likely to suffer from depression [1].
To get a closer look at how people undertake their friendships in today’s society, leading online greeting card experts Moonpig, conducted a survey to uncover the changing attitudes towards modern friendships and alcohol.
Gen-Z favours alcohol-free meet-ups with friends
Recent research revealed that the no/low alcohol category is forecast to grow at a volume CAGR of 6% between 2023 and 2027 as people switch to lower alcohol options more frequently [2].
The survey, which polled over 2,000 people found that younger people are significantly more likely to socialise in a setting that does not involve alcohol multiple times a week, as over one in five (22%) Gen-Z’s admitted to socialising with friends multiple times a week without alcohol. These findings are in stark contrast to the one in eight people aged over 65 (12%) who never socialise with their friends without alcohol in comparison to only one in 50 (2%) of 25 to 34-year-olds.
The survey also found that men are twice as likely than women to socialise with friends in an alcohol-free setting multiple times a fortnight, with 11% and 5% respectively. Research found that 41% of men participate in sports weekly compared to only 31% of women [3], which could be an indicator of how men most likely socialise with their friends.
Almost a third of people choose not to celebrate their birthday
Moonpig’s research found that whilst many people talk to their friends often, almost a third of people (32%) actively choose not to organise gatherings with friends to celebrate their birthday, Those aged 18 to 34 are more likely to organise a gathering for a birthday celebration than the older generations, where almost half (49%) of those over 65 do not have a gathering for their birthday in comparison to only 13% of 25 to 34-year-olds.
The research also showed that more women choose not to organise gatherings for their birthday (36%) than men (27%).Â
