What Happened to Fun?

Dave & Buster’s (https://www.daveandbusters.com) hired Talker Research to do a survey on people having fun. Talker Research talked to 5,000 adults in all 50 states and Washington D.C. and concluded that a whole lot of us just aren’t having any fun these days.

A stunning 48% feel life — overall — isn’t all that much fun these days. Of that 48%, a frightening 12% can’t remember the last time they spent a whole day having fun. That led to 50% of the 5,000 wishing they could do something fun at least a few times a week.

Oh, and those saying they don’t have enough fun in their lives want an extra 17 hours a week to have some fun. Here’s what the survey found those few having fun actually do to have fun.

• 77% watch TV

• 69% see family or friends

• 59% go out for something to eat

• 50% like outdoor activities

• 49% have hobbies

• 48% play games

The study having fun has some fun impacts:

• 72% feel less stress

• 57% say they’re more motivated

• 56% say it makes them feel closer to family and friends

Dave & Buster’s Vice President of Marketing Melissa Powers said 89% find having fun helps them have — and maintain — a better, healthier relationship with family and friends.

We’ve always believed that fun is one of the most powerful ways people connect,” Powers said. “Our State of Fun report makes it clear that people are craving more shared, in-person experiences & fun in their lives, but factors like cost, busy schedules and a lack of fresh entertainment options often get in the way. That’s why we’re continuing to invest in new game innovation and value-driven experiences like our Summer Season Pass — making it easier than ever for people to get together, unplug from the everyday and create meaningful memories together.”

The survey found only 28% believe it’s easier to find something fun to do today than it was 10 years ago. Here’s why:

• 40% have fewer responsibilities

• 36% have adult money

• 34% have more people around them that like to have fun

• 30% have a better work-life balance

Here’s why 52% of those surveyed say it’s harder to have fun today than it was a decade ago:

• 51% can’t afford the same activities

• 45% say their social circle is smaller

• 42% have more responsibilities

• 57% say they can’t financially afford to have fun

• 34% note their personal schedule deters having fun

• 31% blame their work schedule

• 29% say family and friends don’t have time for fun

• 22% are burned out

• 16% wouldn’t know what to do even if they have time

And work and other responsibilities get in the way of fun:

• 37% have to cancel a fun activity, or modify it, because something comes up

• 33% often have to cancel fun because adult responsibility gets in the way

• 55% say they’d have more fun if it wasn’t so expensive

• 41% would have fun if they had more free time

• 32% don’t because there isn’t anything exciting to do

• 22% would have more fun if it wasn’t for work stress

“This report reinforces something we see every day — fun isn’t just entertainment, it’s an important part of people’s overall well-being,” Powers concluded. “As life becomes increasingly busy and digitally driven, people are looking for places where they can connect in real life, share experiences and simply enjoy being together. We see a real opportunity to create those moments through experiences that feel social, exciting and easy to say yes to.”

Source link: Talk Research — https://bit.ly/4uocimQ