Powerpoint parties: A quirky new trend redefining house gatherings

Are Z-generation parties all about sensuality and gallons of alcohol? It turns out that's not entirely true. A popular trend at house parties has become multimedia presentations, and a PowerPoint Party is a hit on social media. What's behind this phenomenon?

Generation X remembers the PowerPoint program well. Until a few years ago, it was the only option for creating multimedia presentations. Although the innumerable effects, unnecessary for corporate meetings, often became a laughing point, many people still fondly remember Microsoft’s flagship product.

While some associate PowerPoint with tedious hours spent preparing extensive presentations for business meetings, others see it as the perfect chance to get together with friends. For Generations Z and Alpha, the program used in school has become a way to have a good house party.

Although the term first appeared in 2012 and was started by three students from an Ontario university, it only gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea for a PowerPoint Party was born in 2020 when social gatherings moved into the virtual space.

Initially, these were primarily online meetings where friends presented slideshows on various topics. Over time, as restrictions eased, PowerPoint Parties began to be held live, becoming an alternative to traditional house parties.

Several factors can explain the phenomenon of PowerPoint Parties. First, it is a form of entertainment that engages all participants and allows them to show off their creativity. Second, the presentations often cover topics close to young people’s hearts, which helps spark lively discussions and social integration. Third, a PowerPoint Party is an excellent way to break the ice and get to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere.

The rules of a PowerPoint Party are simple: each participant prepares a presentation on a topic of their choice. There are no content limitations—it could be a ranking of favourite movies, meme analysis, the life story of a cat, or even a presentation on conspiracy theories. The more absurd and funny the topic, the better.

The presentations are displayed on a large screen, and participants collectively comment on and evaluate the performances. Sometimes, however, the host adds extra rules, such as taking a sip of a drink every time the presenter says "um" or awarding additional points for the best outfit. The host can also set a slide limit and a dress code.

The popularity of PowerPoint Parties largely stems from their presence on social media. Users on platforms like TikTok and Instagram eagerly share videos from their parties, contributing to the spread of this trend. Hashtags related to PowerPoint Party garner millions of views, and internet users compete to develop increasingly original presentation topics. It is indeed an exciting way to express creativity.