Going out may be overrated in 2025—at least according to a new survey that suggests many Americans would rather stay home than celebrate New Year’s Eve.
A report by the New York Post found that one in four respondents said they would rather visit the dentist than attend a party, while one in five went even further, saying they would prefer getting a root canal over going out for the night.
The reluctance to celebrate appears strongest in the western United States. Only 26 percent of respondents in the region expressed interest in partying, with Phoenix ranking as the least enthusiastic city—just 15 percent said they were willing to go out for New Year’s Eve.
Generational differences were also evident. Gen Z emerged as the most eager group, with 36 percent saying they were excited to go out on December 31. Older age groups, however, largely favored staying in.
Instead of parties, many respondents said they plan to ring in the new year at home. The survey showed that 35 percent intend to binge-watch streaming content, 20 percent plan to sleep early, and 10 percent will scroll through social media as midnight arrives.
Psychologist Dr. Iain Smith, cited in the New York Post, attributed the shift to growing screen dependence, warning that people may be losing their appetite—and capacity—for social interaction. He described the trend as a growing “party deficit,” saying it reflects a broader decline in social engagement.
Despite the changing habits, New York City continues to invest heavily in its iconic Times Square celebration, including the unveiling of a larger, interactive New Year’s Eve ball. Whether that spectacle can lure people away from their couches, however, remains to be seen.