A 26-year-old Gen Z New Yorker, Demetrius Fields, sparked discussion on the decline of club culture in a TikTok video. Fields suggested that the ever-present threat of being recorded and ridiculed online, rather than social anxiety or generational shifts, is what truly keeps young people away from clubs. He described how clubgoers are afraid of having unappealing moments captured and shared on social media, leading to fear of public scrutiny online and creating a sense of “social media anxiety” in young people. This behavior has made clubs less appealing and less likely to be venues for people to let loose and have fun.
Beyond social media, the high cost of nightlife is another significant deterrent for young people. Fields mentioned the financial burden of a night out at a club, which can cost upwards of $150 for cover fees, drinks, a good DJ, and transportation. These costs have made staying in to binge-watch shows or snack at home a more appealing alternative to clubbing, especially when considering the rising expenses associated with going out. Research supports this perspective, with surveys showing a declining interest in nightlife among both Gen Z and millennial generations due to financial constraints and a preference for staying in.
The ongoing debate over phones and cameras in nightlife spaces has raised questions about whether such technology should be banned in clubs. Some argue that the constant presence of cameras can inhibit people from truly enjoying themselves, as the fear of being recorded and exposed online looms large. Anti-phone policies are being implemented in some venues, with measures like stickers over phone cameras, phone-free zones, and lockable pouches for phones to ensure a more private and secure environment in clubs. However, there are also arguments for phones being necessary for safety reasons in modern-day night out experiences.
Fields’ TikTok video has resonated with viewers who long for a time when nightlife was more affordable, carefree, and less likely to be recorded for public consumption. The video has sparked nostalgia for a simpler era in club culture, prompting many to express a desire to party like they did in the past without the pressures of social media judgment or high costs. While the decline in club-going may have multiple factors at play, including social anxiety, generational shifts, and financial constraints, it is clear that the fear of being recorded and the rising expenses associated with nightlife are major contributing factors to the decline in club culture for young people today.
