Has Gen Z Cancelled the Class Reunion?

Class reunions were once a staple of growing up. But as the eldest Gen Zers reach 28, ten years out from high school, the majority want nothing to do with their old classmates. As the cultural relevance dips, so does the market around it. Banners, decorations, ‘class of x,’ signage and event space sales dip. 

Today, we’re diving into this sharp decline of interest, seemingly driven by social media, emotional distance from high school and evolving priorities. As a result, the traditional Gen Z Class Reunion is rapidly evolving. 

Why is Traditional Class Reunion in Decline?

Instead of forced events or get-togethers, it seems like young adults now prefer more online connections, smaller friend groups and even moving on from old social identities. All of this explains why a Gen Z class reunion often feels unnecessary or even emotionally draining. 

Given that many of our respondents didn’t find their high school years to be too traumatizing (43% said they were pretty good) it’s clear that emotional connection to past communities has faded. For 60% of Gen Zers, they’re barely connected to anyone in their graduating class today and 29% aren’t connected to anyone at all. For a Gen Z class reunion to occur, nostalgia and knowing people isn’t enough to draw a crowd–or even book a room. 

What a Gen Z Class Reunion Really Means in 2025

When we asked our Youthtellers (ages 20–28) if they would be willing to attend their school reunions, 57% told us they are unlikely to attend while 43% said they might consider it. No one was a strong yes. And those ‘maybes?’ They hinge on specific people showing up, a decent location or the promise of closure with a particular person. The truth is that now Gen Z class reunions are decisions that are less driven by nostalgia and more often focused on emotional safety, personal growth and social comfort. 

Why Gen Z Feels Disconnected From Their Class

For many young people, they don’t want to attend their high school class reunions (or even future college reunions) because they don’t feel connected to their past in that way. For 66%, they say they’ve outgrown that version of themselves, while 29% associate high school with bad memories. Others simply don’t care or say they lacked close friends (male or female) in high school that they assume would trigger them wanting to go to a reunion. 

In many of the survey results feelings of insecurity, awkwardness and anxiety often repeated. As one Youthteller, a 25 Y/O based in New Jersey told us,  “I went through a lot in high school… When I started hitting meaningful milestones, then people wanted to be my friend again.” 

For many, avoiding a Gen Z Class Reunion is a form of self-preservation.

Social Media Has Replaced the Reunion

While many young adults are avoiding class reunions for emotional safety, 55% say they don’t see the point when they already know what’s happening with everyone via social media. When TikTok, Instagram or even Facebook keep you up to date with people’s everyday lives–what’s the point of flying into your home town for an in person meet-up? 

And this shift is major. For Gen Zers a class reunion is no longer the only place to catch up, it just happens to be the most inconvenient one. 

What Would Actually Bring Gen Z Back For A Reunion?

Despite hesitation, around attending class reunions, there are some factors that could increase attendance. For 31%, this is seeing old friends. For 23% they said they’re more likely to show up if it’s at an unconventional location like an amusement park. And one big factor that many people mentioned? Free food or drinks.

But 11% admit nothing could convince them.

FAQ

Why don’t Gen Z adults want to attend class reunions?

– While it’s often a combination of reasons, the most common factors include: emotional distance from high school, the preference for small gatherings over large events, that social media already provides life updates and no desire to revisit who they were in high school. 

How has social media impacted the tradition?

– Social apps have removed the “information gap” reunions once filled, often making reunions feel unnecessary.

What would make a Gen Z class reunion appealing?

— If you’re in the market of wanting to get your class back together…or maybe just trying to market the idea of Gen Z class reunions, try to target the idea of unique venues, close friends attending, free food, fun activities and more curated meet-ups.

Is the class reunion officially outdated?

— Mostly yes—but some Gen Zers say the tradition could survive if it becomes more intentional, more social, and less tied to old hierarchies.