Research reveals why people are more likely to be social in the summer

Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Chinet brand revealed that 35 percent are more likely to avoid socializing in the winter months than in the summer. (Photo by Ben White on Unsplash)

Have you ever canceled plans because you were binging a show? More than one in 10 Americans have, according to new research.

A study examining the intricacies of the social lives of 2,000 people found many have been so engrossed in a show that they’ve bailed on plans in favor of further screen time.

The survey, which examined how our social time rises and falls depending on season found many an American is prone to the odd white lie or bail out under certain conditions.

Three in five have backed out of an event due to bad weather and one in two have blamed an illness. Double booking and just not feeling like going featured in the top antisocial drives.

The survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Chinet brand revealed that 35 percent are more likely to avoid socializing in the winter months than in the summer ‒ so it’s no surprise that three in 10 only make it to one or two social events in the average winter month.

Thankfully, once things warm up, people’s social calendars heat up too. Results found the average American is 31 percent more social overall in the summer than they are in winter.

Half would even call the summer their busiest time of year for events and catch ups.

Everyone is prepared to drop the cash in order to start crossing things off their summer bucket list.

Over two in five hopes to spend more time with family and friends or explore the great outdoors. Others are planning on being more active, enjoy a grill out with friends, or take a road trip.

Still, the ultimate summer staple is an annual bash and almost half of Americans plan on throwing one.

These soirees aren’t going to just throw themselves together. The average summer get-together hosts 15 guests and takes 3 days of preparation.

And don’t forget about cleaning up the aftermath … the average party takes 2.35 hours to return a space to normal.

The Chinet brand spokesperson said:

“Outdoor entertaining is a quintessential summer activity that people look forward to every year. Warmer weather brings the opportunity to host more casual, low-maintenance get togethers. It’s easy to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to summer entertaining, so be easy on yourself and find ways to simplify the experience, like serving catered or store-bought food on disposable tableware. You’ll be able to focus on socializing and bringing your get together to life, making it more enjoyable for you and your guests.”

People have been hosting their annual summer get togethers for seven years on average and do it for a whole variety of reasons.

Family gatherings, birthday parties, barbecues, Fourth of July celebrations, and cookouts all made the top five. Other notable party hits included: reunions, pool parties, patio cocktails, and dinner parties.

The Chinet brand spokesperson added:

“Whether it’s the annual backyard barbecue or impromptu patio cocktails with friends, the Chinet brand makes entertaining easy, no matter the occasion. Using premium disposable tableware, makes serving and clean-up easy, so people hosting can spend more time with friends, family and guests.”

All the fun does tend to wear on the purse strings though, seeing as the average person spends $99.89 a week socializing ‒ that’s $5,194.28 a year.

ANNUAL SUMMER EVENTS PEOPLE HOST

1. Family gathering
2. Birthday party
3. Barbecue
4. Cookout
5. Fourth of July
6. Dinner party
7. Family reunion
8. Memorial Day
9. Pool party
10. Patio drinks
11. Labor Day
12. Summer solstice

TOP 15 PARTY SUPPLY MUST HAVES

1. Beverages
2. Disposable plates
3. Paper towels
4. Napkins
5. Disposable cutlery
6. Ice
7. Recipe ingredients
8. Decorations
9. Disposable tablecloths
10. Party games
11. Flowers
12. Candles
13. Ice bucket
14. Takeout food
15. Ice tongs

TOP CONTRIBUTIONS TO CANCELED PLANS

1. Bad weather
2. Illness
3. Too tired
4. Don’t feel like going
5. Busy with work
6. Double booked (two events at the same time)
7. Binging a show (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

>> Download the video & infographic for this research story <<

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