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This shift is reflected on TikTok, where the platform's health and wellness content dominates. There are over 14.3 million posts in the category, and more than 39 million videos related to yoga alone. In comparison, the hashtag ‘party’ trails behind with just 16 million, highlighting a cultural pivot from ‘party mode’ to ‘mindful mode.’
The debate was reignited a few weeks ago, when a prominent Irish social media influencer, Lauren Whelan (23), commented that young adults today are ‘boring’ because ‘they aren’t going out every weekend.’ The comment sparked conversation online, with many defending young people’s interest in all things wellness and fitness and others agreeing with the notion that today’s young generation needs to ‘loosen up’.
So, is it fair to say that embracing wellness is synonymous with being boring, or is Gen Z simply redefining what fun means?
LEANING INTO ALTERNATIVES
For today’s youth, embracing wellness isn’t about being boring - it’s about discovering new, more diverse ways to have fun.
As 2025 began, social media was full of people participating in the '75 Hard Challenge'. The 75 day challenge includes daily workouts, no alcohol and clean eating. Now, even after the 75 Hard excitement has faded, participants are maintaining healthier habits, focusing on reducing alcohol and prioritising wellness.
Clubbing, once a rite of passage, is being challenged by other ‘fun’ activities like Run Clubs, Cold Plunges and Gym Sessions. There are many reasons for this - firstly, Nightclub venue shortages across Ireland and other cities around the world mean there are fewer spaces to party than ever before. (Read our ‘Clubbing Is Culture’ campaign to see how we tackled this cultural challenge a few years ago.) Secondly, the social side of wellbeing has really caught on. People want to identify as healthy/fit/clean. There’s evidence of this everywhere, a one-minute stroll through TikTok or Instagram demonstrates it. Right across the wellbeing world, there are examples of this happening. For example - the surge in running and marathon sign-ups has seen a major increase. Events like the TCS London Marathon have seen a staggering 105% increase in entries from 20-29 year olds, potentially indicating that running has become a popular way to stay active, improve mental well-being and form social connections and have fun with like-minded individuals.
Health and wellness events and experiences have also become major social experiences. Cities that once thrived only on nightlife alone are now seeing a rise in wellness-focused events like Wellfest, Sober Raves, Run Clubs, Hike Groups and other social endeavours created by, and for, young people. Fitness events are starting to feel more like Coachella and less like routine gym classes (take Diplo’s Run Club and Runningman); it’s less about burning calories and more about embracing new and healthier experiences. This is a stark contrast from the party-heavy culture of millennials that centered around pubs and clubs. While some celebrate this shift, others mourn the loss of young people’s more hedonistic ways.
Pub and Club venues and events that are delivering for youth audiences are still thriving. A walk through any city in Europe shows you so. Socialising still matters. The fast growth in alcohol-free choices, and moderation in alcohol (Which was led by Heineken 0.0’s category disruption) means that young people have ‘zero excuses’ for being their best, healthy selves whilst also balancing their important social time with friends. So it’s the best of both worlds for today’s youth audiences.
“What might be perceived as ‘boring’ to Boomers is actually just balanced,” said Ciaran Fogarty (24), Executive with The Youth Lab at THINKHOUSE. He continued: “Our generation is multi-faceted and much more focused on experiencing fun in multiple ways. Older generations don’t get it because it’s the polar opposite of what culture told them ‘fun’ was when they were young. I think they secretly envy our generation - we look better, we’re fitter and we're more digitally progressive than today’s older generations.’
When it comes to ‘health and wellbeing’, of course, there are risks with this lifestyle trend too. Young people are vulnerable to content that purports to be about wellbeing, when in fact it’s dangerous and unhealthy. For example, SkinnyTok distorts wellbeing values and instead pushes harmful narratives, leading to the resurgence of extreme dieting and glorifying disordered eating.
With all trends, there’s micro trends too. Take the Pink Pilates Princess aesthetic. This is more than just an aesthetic, but a lifestyle. Imagine all the shades of pinks and pastel tones you can think of, and a dash of all things chic and girly. “Pink Pilates Princesses usually have a wardrobe stocked with matching athleisure sets from Lululemon and Alo Yoga.” Said Blessing Dosunmu, The Youth Lab (23). She continued: “It’s funny, it’s playful and it demonstrates how far the whole wellbeing trends can, and will, go into culture.”
REDEFINING A GOOD TIME
As Gen Z continues to redefine what ‘fun’ looks like, it is clear that this wellness shift isn’t just a passing trend - it’s a movement reshaping how young people approach socialising, fitness and self-care.
This boom suggests that wellness culture may actually be here to stay, though it will continue to evolve. The rise of holistic approaches to health, whether through community-driven workouts, marathon running or even viral trends like the Pink Pilates Princess aesthetic, signals a future where wellness is less about extremes and more about balance.
Gen Z isn’t boring; they’re simply redefining what it means to have a good time. Looking ahead we can expect even more integration of wellness into social life as it seems to be the kind of fun that Gen Z is obsessed with.
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