This is a Press Release Brought to you by GamingWire
Each generation finds its own favorite places to hang out. For a long time, pubs were incredibly popular – they were the go-to spot for weekly meetups, a few drinks, and connecting with friends. However, with the rising cost of everything, young men are increasingly looking for more affordable ways to socialize and avoid extra financial pressure.
During the pandemic, online games helped many young people connect with friends and socialize. Now, for Gen Z, gaming is often a more appealing social activity than going to bars.
Gen Z is Putting Down the Glass and Picking Up the Controller
Antenna Insights recently conducted a detailed study exploring how Gen Z is changing the way people socialize. They surveyed 1,500 young Australian men, aged 18 to 24, and uncovered some fascinating trends.
Nearly half of young men (ages 18-24) are choosing hobbies and activities other than traditional outings. Almost half (49%) of those surveyed prefer playing video games with friends to going to bars. Even among men up to age 45, over a third (34%) say that online gaming is how they primarily connect with others.
Participants shared several reasons for choosing to game online with friends. The most common was affordability, cited by 54%. Convenience was also a key factor for 42%, and 47% found online gaming much more relaxing than going to a crowded pub.
It’s understandable that price is a big concern for these guys, because everything is getting more expensive – not just drinks. Gas for cars and public transportation costs are rising too, thanks to inflation. Soon, it’ll be cheaper and simpler to just stay home, eat leftovers, and play video games.
Playing online games with friends offers more than just a way to save money. Research shows that people who game online with friends actually socialize with them more – about four extra hours, on average. Plus, a significant 73% of gamers use online gaming as a key way to connect with friends who live far away and keep those relationships strong.
Gaming used to be considered a solitary hobby, but now it’s actually a really social activity. Unlike going to the movies or concerts where it can be hard to connect, online games give you a chance to really chat with friends, create shared experiences, and build stronger relationships – all without breaking the bank.
Read More
- Byler Confirmed? Mike and Will’s Relationship in Stranger Things Season 5
- Upload Labs: Beginner Tips & Tricks
- All Exploration Challenges & Rewards in Battlefield 6 Redsec
- Best Job for Main Character in Octopath Traveler 0
- Entangling Bosonic Qubits: A Step Towards Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computation
- Grounded 2 Gets New Update for December 2025
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
- Where to Find Prescription in Where Winds Meet (Raw Leaf Porridge Quest)
- Scopper’s Observation Haki Outshines Shanks’ Future Sight!
- Battlefield 6: All Unit Challenges Guide (100% Complete Guide)
2025-12-09 19:43