The internet is divided over its opinions on something millennials are doing, because what else is new? This time it’s about millennial drinking habits. A new study conducted by Mintel revealed that 28% of young millennials, ages 24-31, prefer to drink at home because they believe “it is too much effort to go out.” Now, what they mean by “effort” remains vague, but that didn’t stop people from having strong opinions about it.
While some people equate this trend to be a result of young adults being more frugal, or perhaps not having it in their budget to go out often, others believe they choose to drink at home out of laziness, referring to current young adults as the “stay-at-home generation.”
OMG, ya'll. Millenials killed drinking and socializing, too, and all in one blow. They're ruining everything!!! https://t.co/Jxl51V8YxS
— BT (@beans000000) June 9, 2018
I support millennials drinking at home. That way I won’t run into them. https://t.co/ZgxA7MlqSd
— Nathan Hale (@NH92276) June 9, 2018
While there are surely some people who do prefer sweatpants and face masks with their wine rather than heels and long lines, that could be said of any age group. Those who are pro-drinking at home jumped in with their own thoughts on the matter. One consistent theme was that drinking out, especially in larger cities, is expensive and comes with hidden costs other than the drinks themselves, such as parking or using a ride share service. If you replace the word “effort” with “money,” that might paint a more accurate picture.
A beer on tap costs me $4 at my favorite bar. A 6-pack of the same beer at the store is $12. The way I see it, I get 3 free beers and I get to take my pants off judgment free.
— Vanessa (@NessaH900) June 9, 2018
Of course I'm drinking at home.https://t.co/vapp1XAnzs
"Lazy"?
— Millennials for Revolution 🌹 (@Bernlennials) June 6, 2018
Chill, @Moneyish.
We're broke, never home because of our two and a half jobs, and boxed wine costs $15 bucks.https://t.co/8sslQ4YXCg
Just heard on the radio that the millennial generation goes out less than previous generations and prefers to drink at home. How many times we have to tell you? We broke! #Millennials #drinking #bars #broke
— Ben Eisenhart (@BEisenhart) June 7, 2018
Well yeah, I can spend $20 on a bottle and mixers or I can $100 for a few drinks.
— CYDEFE (@cydefe) June 9, 2018
Can we please stop with this millennials are doing X bullshit? I know people who aren't millennials who prefer drinking at home as well.
There is definitely an appeal to inviting friends over rather than meeting up somewhere. Drinking at home is cheaper, you can make fun cocktails, you don’t have to wait in lines, you don’t have to strain to hear your friends speaking over loud music and background noise, not to mention the bathrooms are probably cleaner, and there’s wifi. Perhaps my young millennial is showing in that last sentence…
Reasons for preferring to drink at home vary, though some of the most common answers were it being perceived as more relaxing (74%), less expensive (69%), and more personal (35%). Additionally, roughly 38% of in-home drinkers are choosing to drink at home in order to better control their alcohol intake. This sounds more like a responsible move than one borne out of laziness. We’d rather pick up a bottle of rosé to share with friends.
The concept of drinking at home rather than out at a bar or club is increasing across all groups, according to the study; millennials are just the most likely to agree. Perhaps we’re onto something.
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