Curbing the Enthusiasm
November 12th, 2025
Photo: Ryan Carter
Writer: Chloe Pehote
Editor: Grace Hemminger
As members of the rising generation of young adults, I can’t help but fear that we’re facing a serious enthusiasm crisis. It’s everywhere—headlines and podcasts declaring “Gen Z is drinking less,” “Gen Z is dating less,” and “party culture is dying.” In our quest for so-called “maturity,” our hunger for structure and stability amid chaos, and our desire to maintain carefully curated online personas, we’ve lost something vital: the simple joy of having fun.
As a humbled senior and a critical consumer of these narratives, I can’t help but agree that, tragically, the so-called “party” of college may just be winding down. However, that doesn’t stop social media profiles from being more curated than ever, genuine expressiveness from being labeled as obnoxious, and nights out, which were once spontaneous and carefree, now carrying the weight of being formative. We find ourselves navigating a world where every action seems to be measured against some invisible standard of adulthood. But this raises an important question: is this ritualized transition truly authentic, or is it simply a performance dictated by the ticking clock of what we think we should be doing before graduation?
Based on my ongoing observations, I would argue in favor of the latter. As the realities of adulthood, career decisions, financial independence, and the constant pressure to have everything figured out begin to close in, many of us have started to believe we must also adopt a more serious demeanor in our social lives. I’d argue the core enforcer of this belief is the idea of “cringe culture” that haunts our social spaces. The ever-changing standard of what is considered cool has convinced many that passion and expressiveness are synonymous with naivety and immaturity.
In truth, I couldn’t disagree more. Passion is what gives life its color—it’s the force that helps us find light and love in our friendships, hobbies, studies, and the communities we build along the way. Enthusiasm, both our own and that of others, shapes who we are. It’s the affection that deepens our relationships, the curiosity and dedication that brought us to the University of Michigan, and the creative spark that allows us to form unique identities and contribute to a richer, more vibrant society.
We don’t need to dim our expressiveness or soften our enthusiasm for the world around us. There’s no expiration date on caring deeply, showing excitement, or allowing ourselves to be moved by the things we love. Becoming more responsible, confident, and self-assured are all essential parts of adulthood, but they don’t have to come at the expense of joy or authenticity. In fact, as life grows more serious, it becomes all the more important to stay light—to hold on to the joy and excitement that have carried us through every season of our lives.
Being there for your friends, loving boldly, and reconnecting with the childhood hobbies that still make you smile are not signs of immaturity; they are signs of truly being alive. Genuine enthusiasm, after all, is timeless.
