Ah, the generational divide! Generation Z, our resident digital experts, have also brought along a set of trends and habits that leave Boomers and Generation X perplexed. Here are a handful that have the adults looking dumbfounded as they wonder if they missed the memo.
Cancel Culture Drama
Generation Z is very focused on calling out behavior that is problematic, and ‘canceling’ people or things they disagree with – in a serious way. They will immediately cancel a person – even a historical friend – for an insensitive tweet or comment they made ages ago. Boomers and Gen Xers wonder, “Why can’t people just forgive and forget?” Boomers don’t understand why everyone is so eager to dig up the past and bring it into the present.
TikTok Obsession and Viral Dances
Gen Z primarily uses the social media platform TikTok to show off their dance moves and engage in viral challenges. This generation loves to stay in the loop of whatever trend or craze is new and popular. In the eyes of Boomers and Gen Xers, it doesn’t make sense for individuals to practice their dance moves for hours or days for a mere 15-second video – they might say, “Back in my day, we had real hobbies; we didn’t just mimic dance moves on a phone!”
Crypto Craze and NFT Mania
In today’s world, members of Gen Z are jumping into cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and digital art purchases and investments in digital currencies. They thrive on relying on decentralization and undermining the traditional financial systems. Meanwhile, older generations are not sure if the investments are legitimate or just a bubble waiting to burst.
Meme Culture and Internet Humor
Generation Z has developed not just a range of memes, GIF, and internet humor, but an entire language comprised of memes, GIFs and internet humor that exists in a fluid and evolving state – and it is, frankly, very funny. They communicate via Pepe the Frog, SpongeBob and tons of transcendent cultural references that seem like nonsense syllables to the Boomers or Gen Xers. Meanwhile, the inactive boomers and Gen Xers have confused looks on their faces because they don’t get how a somehow nonsensical image or GIF stating ‘Don’t be like Bob’ can have a person laughing so hard.
Remote Everything, Including School and Work
Gen Z loves to work and learn from their own rooms — let me rephrase that, from their own beds, dressed in the same pajama bottoms while keeping it cozy. They are about managing a work-life balance and being flexible with working from anywhere. Boomers and Generation X — the generations who went to school in person, and were used to working on the clock in typical 9-to-5 jobs — couldn’t imagine anyone accomplished anything productive while working from home because of all the distractions.
Online Activism and Hashtag Campaigns
Generation Z finds fulfillment in advocating for social justice issues on social media, using hashtags to only raise awareness but also invoking action. People are utilizing hashtags to advocate for issues like climate change, and racial equality, among others. Boomers and Gen Xers think that it is bizarre that people think that they are going to change the world by tweeting and sharing posts.
Endless Scrolling and Binge-Watching Frenzy
Gen Z spends hours scrolling through social media feeds, endless content, and binging entire seasons of shows in one sitting. It is baffling that anyone wastes their time on something that is not productive.
Digital Detox and Mindfulness Practices
Are they unplugging and practicing mindfulness using meditation apps to reduce stress and anxiety? Yes, this is Gen Z; they are doing yoga, journaling, and self-care routines. Boomers and Gen Xers do not understand why anyone would require an app to meditate or occupy their attention for an extended period watching their thoughts.
Customizable Everything
Generation Z is personalizing everything from their shoes to their cell phones. They want their names on everything. Water bottles, computer bags, you name it. And to older generations, the idea of an increased cost for having a name printed on something is just plain silly.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences and Gaming
Generation Z enjoys virtual reality, playing immersive games and participating in interactive simulations. They are taking adventures into virtual reality and testing the newest VR tools and headsets, while Boomers and Gen-Xers scratch their heads in confusion that anyone spends that much time in a virtual space wearing a big head-mounted display and pretending to be somewhere else.
Influencer Culture and Brand Sponsorships
A number of Gen Zers enjoy being social media influencers, creating their private brands, and being paid to promote products. They are on Instagram and YouTube showcasing their lives and promoting everything from protein shakes to fashion labels. Boomers and Gen Xers can’t comprehend why anyone would care about someone else’s breakfast or exercise routine.
Political Correctness
The focus on political correctness and sensitivity to different issues can at times seem exaggerated to older generations, who may perceive it as restricting free speech or as hindering open discourse.
Social Media Obsession
Generation Z is often defined by their continuous use of social media. Older generations can find it frustrating that young people spend their time on their screens at gatherings rather than engaging with one another in real life.
Things Boomers Did in the ’80s That Seem Ridiculous Today
While nostalgia makes everything seem charming in hindsight, some of the things Boomers did in the ’80s would raise more than a few eyebrows today. Here are some of the most head-scratching habits and trends that now seem downright ridiculous.
Things Boomers Did in the ’80s That Seem Ridiculous Today
16 Trends That Prove Gen X Was Ahead of Its Time
So, the next time someone refers to them as the “forgotten generation,” remind them that they just walked deliberately so you could run.
16 Trends That Prove Gen X Was Ahead of Its Time