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Andrew Yang is hosting a party. No, it's not political

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 6:17 GMT by USA Today
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Andrew Yang Taps Offline Parties to Re‑Connect Gen Z: A Push for Safe, Real‑Life Socialization

In a world where the pandemic accelerated the move to screens, the former presidential candidate and current entrepreneur Andrew Yang has turned his attention to an age‑group that’s still trying to find its footing: Gen Z. A fresh initiative unveiled this week—“Gen Z Social Club”—promises to bring young adults back into the living room, literally. The program focuses on low‑cost, community‑driven offline parties that prioritize mental‑health support, education on consent, and responsible alcohol use.

Why offline parties matter to Gen Z

Yang’s own research, cited in a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania, shows that Gen Z has a markedly higher prevalence of social anxiety than other cohorts, with 48% of respondents reporting that they would rather “text and post” than attend a live gathering. “The pandemic didn’t just shut down bars and clubs; it shut down the human need to be around other people,” Yang told USA Today. “We can’t fix this problem by sending more content; we need to create spaces where people can actually talk to each other, laugh, and feel safe.”

The article links to a report from the National Institute of Mental Health, which warns that prolonged isolation can increase risk for depression and anxiety disorders. The report notes that “socially engaged communities” can act as a buffer against these risks. Yang’s proposition is to use the concept of an “offline party” as a public‑health intervention, a move that has drawn both praise and skepticism.

Key components of the Gen Z Social Club

1. Safe‑Space Guidelines
   Every party will be hosted in a venue that meets the National Safety Standards for public gatherings—ranging from community centers to rented banquet halls. The program requires a pre‑registration form that includes consent to a brief health screening. For under‑age attendees, Yang’s team works with parents or guardians to provide real‑time updates.

2. Mental‑Health Resources
   A partnership with the American Psychological Association (APA) will provide on‑site counselors and 24‑hour hotlines. The partnership’s website (link in the article) explains how counselors will be trained to spot signs of distress and facilitate “talk‑circles” where guests can voice concerns in a moderated setting.

3. Alcohol‑Responsibility Curriculum
   According to the article’s linked policy brief, the program will collaborate with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to deliver a brief, data‑driven curriculum on responsible drinking. “We’re not banning alcohol; we’re giving people the knowledge to make smarter choices,” Yang explains.

4. Digital Detox Incentives
   The initiative encourages participants to leave their phones at a “device locker” upon arrival. In return, attendees can earn “social points” redeemable for later events. This is based on a 2024 study published in Social Science & Medicine that found that a 30‑minute period of device‑free socializing improves mood and reduces cortisol levels.

What the parties look like

Yang describes the gatherings as “cozy, low‑pressure, and absolutely safe.” Each event will feature a mix of music, board‑games, and short “story‑telling” sessions where guests can share their experiences, from college life to career aspirations. The article includes a video clip (link to YouTube) where Yang hosts a mock “Gen Z Social Club” in a rented loft, showcasing a mock “safe‑space” poster and a sample “social‑points” app interface.

Reactions from Gen Z and experts

• Positive feedback
  A 22‑year‑old college student, Lily Nguyen, told the article, “I’ve never felt comfortable in a bar or a club. A party where you can talk and not be judged would be a game‑changer.” Nguyen’s tweet, included in the article, garnered over 10,000 likes in just a day.

• Critiques
  Some parents are uneasy about the potential for unsupervised gatherings. The article links to a letter from the National Parent Organization, which calls for more robust age verification. Yang responded in a follow‑up email, promising that “every event will have an adult supervisor and a pre‑approval process for all attendees.”

• Academic take
  Dr. Priya Patel, a developmental psychologist at Stanford, appears in the piece via an interview. She notes, “If we can create a hybrid model that integrates the social learning benefits of offline interactions with the safety net of digital monitoring, we might reduce social isolation among youth.”

The bigger picture

Yang’s initiative is part of a broader strategy he outlined on his campaign website (linked in the article) to re‑engage young voters. In his 2020 platform, he pledged to “boost mental health services in schools” and “make technology safe and accessible.” The Gen Z Social Club extends that promise by turning a social challenge into a public‑health solution.

The article concludes that while offline parties may not be a silver bullet for Gen Z’s mental‑health crisis, they could provide a vital bridge back to community life. “It’s not just about dancing and drinking,” Yang emphasizes. “It’s about people feeling seen, heard, and, most importantly, safe.”

In a world that’s become increasingly digital, Andrew Yang’s Gen Z Social Club could be one of the few initiatives that reminds us all that human connection—and the parties that foster it—are still worth investing in.