18 Gen Z Habits That Are Leaving Boomers Scratching Their Heads
Gen Z, with their digital-first lifestyle and new ways of thinking, has a set of habits that often leave Boomers baffled. They’ve grown up with the internet, smartphones, and a more flexible view on life, leading to unique choices that shape everything from work styles to communication preferences.
While Boomers value hard work, privacy, and in-person interactions, Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook. Here’s a look at 18 Gen Z habits that are driving Boomers a little bit crazy.
Constantly Texting Instead of Calling
Gen Z prefers quick text exchanges over phone calls, which can feel impersonal to Boomers. Texting is fast and efficient, and they see it as a way to multitask.
Boomers, however, often feel that phone calls are more direct and allow for genuine conversation, making texting feel evasive or rude.
Obsession with Social Media
Gen Z uses platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat daily, often to express themselves or connect with others. Boomers can’t relate to this constant online presence, seeing it as distracting or unnecessary.
Social media to Gen Z is a lifestyle, while Boomers often view it as an add-on rather than a core part of communication.
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Speaking in Abbreviations and Slang
Terms like “slay,” “bet,” and “no cap” dominate Gen Z vocabulary, and they even use abbreviations like “brb” or “idk” out loud. Boomers, who prefer straightforward language, often find this confusing and even disrespectful, missing the humor and nuance Gen Z associates with their unique slang.
Prioritizing Mental Health Days
For Gen Z, mental health is a top priority, and they openly take days off to recharge or cope with stress. Boomers, who traditionally view work as central to life, can struggle to understand this need.
While Gen Z sees mental health days as essential, Boomers may interpret them as lacking resilience or commitment.
Canceling Plans Last-Minute
Gen Z tends to keep their plans flexible and sometimes cancels last minute, which can come off as inconsiderate to Boomers. Flexibility is important to Gen Z, who value being able to change their minds.
Boomers, however, often see this as unreliable and frustrating, as they’re more accustomed to firm commitments.
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Using Emojis for Everything
Emojis are Gen Z’s way of adding humor, nuance, and emotion to their messages. Boomers often find this confusing, not always understanding the exact meaning behind certain symbols.
While Gen Z sees emojis as a fun way to communicate, Boomers can find it baffling and unnecessary.
Embracing Non-Traditional Career Paths
Gen Z is more willing to take unconventional jobs, side gigs, and freelance work, often rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 career path. Boomers, who see job stability as crucial, may interpret this as risky or aimless.
But Gen Z values flexibility and purpose over security, leading to very different career goals.
Being “Always Online”
Gen Z grew up with the internet, so they’re nearly always connected, which feels foreign to Boomers. Boomers remember a time before digital dependency, so seeing Gen Z constantly online, even while doing other activities, can be hard to grasp.
For Gen Z, this online presence is a natural extension of themselves.
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Preferring Streaming Over Cable TV
Instead of watching scheduled TV, Gen Z streams shows and movies on demand. Boomers, who have long relied on cable, find it strange to forgo traditional TV for streaming services.
To Gen Z, the ability to watch what they want, when they want, makes more sense than waiting for shows to air.
Taking Life Advice from Influencers
Influencers on social media shape Gen Z’s views on style, lifestyle, and even health, a phenomenon Boomers struggle to understand. While Boomers may turn to experts or family for advice, Gen Z trusts influencers, who feel relatable and authentic.
To Boomers, this trust can seem misplaced or superficial.
Promoting Social Activism Online
Gen Z uses social media to raise awareness and support causes, an approach that Boomers sometimes view as passive. While Boomers may prefer in-person activism or direct donations, Gen Z believes in the power of sharing information and creating conversations online, seeing it as a key part of modern activism.
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Using Venmo for Everything
Venmo and other payment apps are Gen Z’s go-to for splitting bills, paying friends, and even making rent payments. Boomers, used to cash or checks, can find this reliance on digital money transfers unnerving.
For Gen Z, these apps are simply a quicker, more convenient way to handle money.
Wearing Athleisure Everywhere
Comfort is key for Gen Z, who often wear athleisure clothing not just to the gym, but to work, class, and social outings. Boomers, who tend to dress more formally, see this as too casual for certain settings.
For Gen Z, though, this style reflects their desire for comfort and practicality.
Rejecting Labels and Binary Definitions
Gen Z embraces fluidity, rejecting traditional labels around gender, sexuality, and identity. Boomers, raised with more defined social categories, often struggle with this approach.
While Gen Z sees it as open-minded, Boomers can feel confused or uncertain about what these new identities mean.
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Ghosting in Relationships
Ghosting—ending communication without explanation—is common in Gen Z’s dating scene, where digital communication is the norm. Boomers often view this as rude, expecting closure and direct communication.
Gen Z, however, sees ghosting as a way to move on quickly without confrontation.
Curating “Aesthetic” Lifestyles
From Pinterest boards to Instagram profiles, Gen Z loves creating an “aesthetic” that reflects their personal brand. Boomers, who tend to focus more on functionality, find this obsession with visual presentation puzzling.
Gen Z, though, sees it as a way to express individuality and style.
Multitasking on Multiple Screens
Gen Z often juggles several devices at once—scrolling on their phones while watching a show on TV or working on a laptop. Boomers, who generally prefer focusing on one task at a time, find this behavior chaotic.
For Gen Z, multitasking on screens is second nature and part of staying connected.
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Viewing Success Differently
Gen Z is less focused on traditional success markers like owning a home or climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, they prioritize experiences, balance, and purpose.
Boomers, who were raised to value stability and status, often struggle to understand this redefined approach to success, which can feel unconventional.
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