Gen Z clubbing anxiety: fear of going viral reshapes nightlife

Student Freya Price, 21, says hypervigilance about being filmed in clubs has replaced the carefree nights Millennials enjoyed. She and friends avoid promoters' cameras and watch for strangers filming, worried embarrassing moments could go viral. Neuroscientist Dean Burnett notes increased anxiety about online embarrassment, while some seek extreme behavior for likes. DJ Kaptin Barrett, 49, observes less uninhibited dancing and more phone use since the 1990s. Freya now prefers pubs over clubs. Hafwen Davies, 19, sees more filming at Cardiff University's students' union. Edward Gent, 23, feels an 'ambient awareness' of being filmed that subconsciously alters behavior. Freya supports camera stickers like those in Berlin clubs. Meta spokesman Tracy Clayton says users must behave responsibly.