Mariko Garrett is a journalism freshman and Mustang News opinion columnist. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
Like other generations, Gen Z has unique trends. From championing acceptance and social justice in 2020 to becoming obsessed with “looksmaxxing” in 2025, there is no denying we tend to contradict ourselves.
Now, there is a new dilemma pushed upon us: is it better to lead a “pure” life or have fun while we’re young?
Gen Z loves to party. So it is no surprise that on Halloween or St. Patrick’s Day, young adults across San Luis Obispo and the country were out partying and wearing unique, and at times, barely-there costumes. Yet, at the same time, some young people on TikTok were going against the status quo.
Throughout October, my TikTok feed was full of videos with a common theme: “I’m staying in on Halloween, because my future husband deserves a wife who isn’t partying half naked.”
As a young woman, this is concerning. Why should a woman have to dress a certain way to please her husband long before she meets him? Why should a woman have to make decisions based on the sole purpose of finding a lifetime partner? And most crucially: why are we policing other people’s personal choices in a condescending, morally superior way?
Then, there’s another corner of the internet pushing purity: content creators who mainly target men and who eat steak and avocados off woodblock cutting boards. The purity message is rebranded as “I don’t drink, hook up with girls or party. I only eat raw foods. I’m pure.”
Although concerning, this narrative didn’t surprise me. With the rise in the visibility of youth conservatism with an increased presence of religious content on social media, many members of Gen Z could not decide whether it is okay to party or opt for the pure lifestyle. The truth is, neither is the “correct” choice.
Social media’s push for purity
Social media has prioritized exposure over privacy. We overshare, we judge the choices other people make. When mixed with religion, this often results in justifying online moral policing.
Purity culture is broadly defined across different beliefs, but is most often pushed on social media by vocally Christian influencers. They preach avoiding sin and embodying values like remaining a virgin until marriage. As America’s most popular religion, Christian ideals often seep into our broader secular culture. Many equate party culture, with its heavy drinking and constant hookups, to sin.
Even though Christianity, and organized religion as a whole, may not engage Gen Z as strongly as it did older generations, social media has made it easier for young people to share and amplify explicitly religious messages, including those tied to purity culture. This can be harmful, as these messages may be used in ways that shame individuals or create division.
The partygoer’s mindset
Partygoers, on the other hand, see their lifestyle as simply having fun while young. From a secular standpoint, this is valid. What better time to make stupid decisions (within reason) than now, when you’re young and oblivious with minimal serious responsibilities?
However, some partying practices may not be healthy. Excessive drinking and drug use have serious negative health implications. And interestingly enough, the reinforcement of purity practices may be rubbing off on the drinking habits of Gen Z.
Current statistics show that Gen Z drinks less than older generations. According to Gallup, the proportion of adults ages 18 to 34 who drink alcohol is 54%, a 4% decrease from last year.
Balancing opposing ideals
We need to accept that it is okay to have fun while young and free from judgment when that fun is shared on the internet. Yet, there is a fine line between judgment and concern. Drinking too much is unhealthy, but shaming people online for drinking is not an effective way of changing their behavior.
Party animals aren’t off the judgmental hook either. Partygoers also criticize those who prefer to have fun in other ways. Though I’m not religious, I personally do not find partying to be the only way to enjoy my time. I seldom go out to frats or kickbacks, because I’d rather spend my time elsewhere. I’ve experienced judgment from my peers for living this way. Purity culture proponents are not the only ones who guilt people.
Both sides love to judge, and it helps no one. A faith-centered life can offer purpose and stability; a party-centered life can offer release and escape. If both genuinely bring people fulfillment, then neither side has the moral high ground to condemn the other.
The solution is simple: let people live in ways that make them happy without harming themselves or others. This isn’t really about purity vs. partying — it’s about our discomfort with people who choose differently than we do.