Many Young People Don't Celebrate New Year, Prefer to Relax Watching Netflix

JAKARTA - New Year's Eve celebrations with parties and crowds are beginning to be abandoned, especially by young people. Many of them now prefer to stay at home, relaxing while watching Netflix or playing social media.

This was revealed from a survey of 3,000 adults in the United States conducted by Sunny, a non-profit organization focused on the issue of loneliness. Survey results show that 45 percent of respondents prefer to spend New Year's Eve in front of the screen.

Only 24 percent chose to come to the party, while another 20 percent even planned to sleep before midnight. This means that about 65 percent of respondents do not celebrate New Year socially.

The most popular choice is watching Netflix or other streaming services (35 percent), followed by scrolling through social media (10 percent).

"We are evolving from social creatures into screen creatures, and New Year's Eve shows that very clearly," said Dr. Iain Smith, Psychologist and Head of Behavioral Science at Sunny, quoted from the PR Newswire website on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

This survey also revealed extreme attitudes towards parties. As many as 25 percent of respondents admitted that they would rather go to the dentist than attend a New Year's party. In fact, 20 percent said they would rather undergo painful root canal treatment than go to a party.

This decline in social activity is also reflected in data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2023, only 4.1 percent of Americans attended or held social events on weekends, down 35 percent from 2004.

"America has not only lost its appetite for partying. But also lost its 'social muscle'," said Dr. Smith.

Among Gen Z, only 36 percent plan to party. Instead, 46 percent choose to spend time with Netflix or social media. Men are slightly more interested in partying than women, but the screen remains the main choice.

The western region of the US was recorded as the most likely to party, although only 26 percent of residents celebrated with others. Phoenix was the least willing city to party, with an interest of only 15 percent.

"For many of us, the only thing we'll welcome in this New Year is one more night, one more year with a screen," said Betsy Parker, CEO of Sunny.

"Let's make 2026 the year to reconnect." he added.

The option of rebahan at home is now considered more comfortable and soothing than the hustle and bustle of the party. This trend shows the changing lifestyles of young generations with quieter New Year celebrations, but feels safe and relaxed.