December 28, 2025 | 02:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - New Year's Eve parties are no longer a mandatory fixture on the holiday calendar. Rather than dressing up for the midnight countdown, a growing number of people are opting for low-key transitions: swapping the dance floor for streaming marathons or an early night’s sleep.
A survey of 3,000 respondents by the social connection app Sunny reveals that only 24 percent of people plan to welcome the New Year in the company of others. In contrast, 35 percent intend to spend the evening with Netflix, 20 percent plan to sleep through the transition, and 10 percent will spend their time scrolling through social media.
Interestingly, Generation Z remains the outlier. Despite the broader trend toward solitude, those born between 1997 and 2012 are the most enthusiastic revelers, with 36 percent expressing excitement about attending parties, the highest among all age groups.
The Rise of 'Screen Mammals'
The survey results highlight a fundamental shift in human interaction. Psychologists suggest that a growing dependency on digital devices is detaching individuals from physical social circles.
"We’re evolving from social primates into screen mammals, and New Year’s Eve shows it most starkly," said Dr. Iain Smith, a psychologist and head of behavioral science at Sunny, as quoted by Real Simple on December 22, 2025.
His assessment underscores how a holiday once synonymous with collective celebration is being replaced by screen time, whether for entertainment, social media consumption, or as a tool to avoid the bustle of crowds.
Low Maintenance New Year's Eve Celebration
The decline of the grand gala does not necessarily mean a somber start to the year. Many are turning to cost-effective, low-energy alternatives that prioritize intimacy over spectacle.
Small gatherings featuring potluck dinners, board games, or movie nights are becoming the preferred choice. Pajama parties, in particular, are gaining traction for offering a comfortable and relaxed environment without the pressure of formal hosting.
Ultimately, the shift suggests that the value of the New Year is moving away from the grandeur of the event and toward the quality of the company. Celebrating with loved ones in a comfortable setting may offer a more meaningful start to the year than any crowded party could.
Read: Best New Year Fireworks: Top 10 Cities to Ring in 2026
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