Gen Z Turns to Soft Socializing for Meaningful Hangouts

Picture a night out with friends, and you might think of loud music, expensive restaurants, and upbeat parties. But Gen Z is redefining the way young people hang out.

Young people are seeking authentic and meaningful hangouts in low-pressure environments, without loud music and alcohol, Real Simple reports. This latest trend is called “soft socializing” and emphasizes enjoying companionship and shared activities with friends, without the need to get dressed up and put on a performance.

A New Way to Socialize
Soft socializing centers around two things — friends and a shared activity. This can be something as simple as a walk or even cooking together. You can even bring your to-do list to a get-together and enjoy each other’s presence while answering emails or studying.

Robert Alexander, a professor of psychology and counseling at New York Institute of Technology, tells Real Simple that by sharing an activity, friends can hang out without feeling pressure to fill in gaps in conversation.

“Shared activities frequently draw attention away from you and onto something external,” Alexander explains. “Pauses in the conversation can come and go without feeling awkward, and you can feel relieved of the responsibility for sustaining the conversation moment-to-moment.” 

He adds that by emphasizing a low-pressure environment without the need to get dressed up or put on a show, soft socializing facilitates authentic connections. “Soft socializing shifts the goal from performing to being present,” says Alexander. “It can help people feel safe, connected with others, and like they truly belong without needing to manage impressions.”

Why Soft Socializing is Taking Off
Of course there are many benefits to spending time with friends dabbling in hobbies in a low-pressure way, but there are also a number of reasons why this trend may be taking off specifically right now.

Kent Bausman, a professor of sociology at Maryville University in Saint Louis, theorizes that it is related to the fact that today’s young people are more digitally connected than any previous generation. “Unlike previous generations,” Bausman shares, “[Gen Z] have rarely experienced social silence. Because connection is continuous for many of them, the more traditional forms of in-person gatherings for socializing feel more like a burden.”

Gen Z also came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic when large social gatherings were uncommon. This may explain why they are still more drawn to cozy and intimate hangouts than previous generations. Soft socializing can also be less expensive and requires less of a time investment in an era where both free time and budgets are stretched.

The Rise of Soft Clubbing
Soft clubbing is closely related to soft socializing, yahoo! reports. Soft clubbing has many of the elements of “traditional” clubbing — music, friends, and a DJ. However, it leaves out the late nights and alcohol commonly associated with traditional nightlife.

Gen Z’s unique form of clubbing tends to take place in the morning or afternoon. These “soft clubbing” parties are also often dry, and without alcohol, connections can be more intentional and meaningful.

Getting Started with Soft Socializing
Soft socializing and soft clubbing are trends that emphasize authenticity and connection. It’s simple to set up a soft socializing get-together. First, pick an activity — something like hiking, studying, or cooking dinner. Then, invite friends over and enjoy each other’s company.

Soft socializing shows that friendship doesn’t need to be loud, expensive, or performative. Sometimes the best connections can be found in the quiet moments of a calm afternoon with friends who make it easy to be yourself.