PowerPoint parties have become a popular trend among Gen Z, with people gathering to show each other PowerPoint presentations on various topics for fun. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Gen Z’s idea of work-life balance was disrupted, leading them to find new ways to connect with friends virtually. The main goal of PowerPoint parties is for friends to get to know each other’s unique interests and funny thoughts in a lighthearted way that encourages laughter and bonding.
These gatherings became more common during the pandemic but continue to be popular among Gen Z today, despite the association of PowerPoint presentations with corporate environments. A quick search on TikTok will reveal numerous examples of PowerPoint parties with diverse topics such as popular actors, personal preferences, and guessing games. Even mainstream publications like Cosmopolitan have created lists of PowerPoint night ideas to inspire creativity and fun during at-home hangouts.
Opinions on PowerPoint parties are divided, with some finding them entertaining and enjoyable, while others view them as unnecessary and prefer more spontaneous social interactions. McCall Mirabella, for example, shared that she loved hosting a PowerPoint party for her recent birthday celebration and found them to be a source of laughter and joy. However, others like Emily Stewart find the idea of turning a work-related activity into a recreational event to be strange and unnecessary, preferring more natural and casual gatherings without planned presentations.
The motivations behind Gen Z’s fascination with PowerPoint parties remain unclear, with theories that their blurred work and personal lives due to remote work or their preference for technology over in-person interactions may play a role. Regardless of the reasons, PowerPoint parties have managed to create a unique space for friends to come together, share their interests, and create memorable experiences that are different from traditional social gatherings. The unpredictability and humor that come with watching friends present on random topics are what make PowerPoint parties a popular and entertaining pastime among Gen Z.
Although the concept of PowerPoint parties may seem unusual to some, they have successfully carved out a niche among young adults looking for new ways to socialize and have fun in a digitally-connected world. By blending work-related tools with personal interests, Gen Z has managed to create a new form of entertainment that allows them to express themselves creatively and connect with friends in meaningful ways. Whether PowerPoint parties will continue to be popular in the future remains to be seen, but for now, they offer a unique and enjoyable way for this generation to socialize and bond with others.
