HOUSTON — A nationwide survey commissioned by Dave & Buster's found that nearly half of Americans say their lives are lacking fun. The state-by-state poll of 5,000 U.S. adults, conducted by Talker Research, reported that 48% of respondents feel their overall life is lacking fun and that 12% cannot remember the last time they had a full free day to have fun.
Half of respondents said they wish they could do something fun and social daily or at least a few times per week, and respondents said they want 17 extra hours per week to have enough fun. When asked how they spend their fun hours, 77% said they watch TV, 69% see family or friends, 59% dine out, 50% enjoy outdoor activities, 49% follow personal hobbies and 48% play games. The poll also found that 89% of respondents believe having fun with others helps them maintain better, healthier relationships.
The findings showed divided views on whether fun is more accessible today. While 28% of respondents said it is easier to find something fun to do compared to a decade ago, 52% said it is harder. Those who said it is easier cited having fewer responsibilities (40%), having adult money (36%), having people around them that like to have fun (34%) and having a better work-life balance (30%). Those who said it is harder pointed to no longer being able to afford the same activities (51%), a shrunken social circle (45%) and more responsibilities (42%).
"We've always believed that fun is one of the most powerful ways people connect," Dave & Buster's Vice President of Marketing Melissa 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."
Therapist Dr. Elizabeth Miller said many adults are stuck in "survival mode," going through the motions without experiencing real joy or meaningful connection. She said intentionally making time for fun can help reduce stress, strengthen relationships and improve mental health, especially for busy parents and working adults.
"Humans were designed to experience joy. We are designed to experience emotions, one of them being happiness," Miller said. "We're not supposed to just be in the grind, waking up, going to a job and not connecting with others."
"Having fun and being able to set a life up to cultivate joy requires us to put it in the schedule," she said. "Fun is something we have to create."
Miller said fun does not have to be expensive or extravagant, suggesting simple activities like taking a walk with a friend, reading a book or trying a new hobby. She also encouraged people to spend less time watching others live through social media and to think back to childhood moments when time seemed to fly by in order to identify activities that brought genuine joy.