Gen Z Australians are drinking far less alcohol than past generations, driven by digital socializing, costs, and health concerns, according to a Flinders University study.

Young Australians, especially Gen Z, are drinking significantly less alcohol than past generations, with Gen Z nearly 20 times more likely to abstain than Baby Boomers, according to a Flinders University study of over 23,000 people. The research, based on two decades of data, shows a sustained cultural shift driven by digital socializing, rising living costs, and health awareness, though younger adults still consume more alcohol per drinking occasion than older groups. While overall weekly drinking is down, heavy episodic drinking persists among older cohorts, particularly the Silent Generation, who have the highest weekly consumption. Researchers say the trend is long-term and could yield public health benefits, urging policies like minimum pricing and advertising restrictions to support healthier behaviors.