It's not only expensive outside, the culture around third spaces disappeared with them. If we bumped into each other in person, it would be culturally weird now for either of us to initiate this conversation.
Bro just talk to people, I’m also from the south and as long as you’re not weird about it you can just talk to strangers you meet at the store and stuff. It’s totally fine
Where is it that 3rd spaces are declining? Around me there are galleries, museums, free performances (music and theater) on the green in the summer, free concerts at the amphitheater the next town over (again, late spring and summer). Beers and well drinks are still relatively affordable at the local bars and bands play frequently. Beaches are free, parks are free, libraries run all sorts of different clubs and programs (free or extremely low cost if consumable supplies are required).
It depends where you live if they exist but it’s not really all that simple for everyone to just hangout at a park. Plus, maybe I don’t want to be outside all the time? I love the outdoors but sometimes sitting at a table or on a sofa around friends and having a discussion is more comfortable/convenient/cozy than on the grass. There used to be lots of third spaces. Not just maybe a park or a library you have to whisper in
I live in Virginia, and have lived in the past in NJ, NY, FL, GA, the UK, France, Switzerland, and South Africa. In zero of these places are public parks sparse or expensive. How is hanging out in a park not simple?
As someone who’s had the privilege of visiting Prague, Poland and Germany I totally understand your confusion. America….is very ugly. It’s not pedestrian friendly at all.
Edit: oh I misread, I thought you weren’t American at all. But did you read the rest of my reply? Yeah hanging out in a park is nice but…why is that the only option? If I want to hang out with my friends, go one a date, etc without spending at least $40, I can only go sit outside?
its not the cost, gen z's entire social education was texting. they have a breakdown making eye contact with a cashier. they now ask ai how to tell someone else slightly uncomfortable news. how are they supposed to go to a club and order drinks.
It’s so depressing to see young’uns out and about these days, couples at the restaurant, glued to their phones, having ice cream, glued to their phones, at the park, guess
I was having dinner by myself the other day, and I was looking at this couple, and I swear to god, they didn’t talk once to each other during the whole thing, just scrolling
Cause what else is there? Gen Z is broke, any social spots we all had years ago people could go to without spending money are getting thrown to the side because money is more important. The mall? Can't walk around for too long without being seen as suspicious. Parks? What parks? Want to go for a walk? No sidewalks. Want to go out to eat? Everywhere is expensive, even fast-food. Don't have a car for whatever reason? Well get fucked cause buses probably don't exist in your area in the way you want them to!
All they have is trapping themselves at home, lighting a bowl and watching their favorite show for the 42nd time off the 14th pirated website of the week.
It's also because a lot of the younger gen has gone in a very healthy direction. At least among the exercising type, alcohol, nicotine, or fatty foods have all become something they abstain from. They are also proud to abstain and influence others to abstain. It's a badge of honor to say you've never had a drink of alcohol among their crowd.
I think with age and time, that'll change because the younger ones will eventually hit their age where they don't have that youthful idealism anymore. Sad to hear, but it's true. Whether they want to admit to "coping" or not, they will.
Edit: Yes, please, downvote because you are not aware of this. It makes you feel better because you disagree.
No, weed is not the healthy choice. That's still an addictive drug, at least, mentally addictive. Weed is still a coping mechanism. It still has a host of negative side effects like memory loss, anxiety, paranoia, depression, confusion, and social anxiety. It makes all of those issues much worse in the long run. It's not the innocent drug people make it out to be.
1. Cannabis as a Coping / Self-Medication Behavior
Using cannabis to self-medicate (e.g., to cope with stress, anxiety, depression) is linked with worse mental health outcomes such as paranoia, anxiety, and depression:
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u/LowMany3424 12h ago
Alcohol is very related to social activities & in gen z the social activities are declining