Millennials paved the way for many cultural shifts, but Gen Z is here to question a few of their quirks. The generational differences have sparked numerous debates and discussions, especially as Gen Z finds some millennial habits a bit odd. Whether it’s outdated tech or social media habits, there’s a lot to unpack. So, let’s dive into the 13 things millennials do that Gen Z finds totally unhinged.
1. Using The Crying-Laughing Emoji
Millennials love sprinkling the crying-laughing emoji in their texts to convey humor. It’s their go-to symbol for anything funny, an expression of digital delight. However, Gen Z views this emoji as a bit passé, opting instead for the skull emoji to signify “dead from laughter.” This generational emoji divide underscores the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication. According to linguist Gretchen McCulloch, emojis are a dynamic language, and what one group finds expressive, another may deem outdated.
The differences in emoji usage highlight broader shifts in digital expressions. While millennials might see the crying-laughing emoji as timeless, Gen Z is quick to adopt fresher symbols. This isn’t just about texting style; it’s about how each generation sees and interacts with the world. Emojis are shorthand for emotions, and when those symbols change, it can feel like the landscape of communication has shifted. For millennials, letting go of this beloved emoji might seem difficult, but it’s merely the natural course of linguistic evolution.
2. Obsessing Over Avocado Toast
For millennials, avocado toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a cultural icon. It encapsulates their love for trendy, Instagram-friendly foods. The creamy, green spread on artisan bread became symbolic of a generation’s culinary tastes. Many embraced it not only for its taste but as a lifestyle choice, symbolizing a break from traditional breakfast foods. However, Gen Z sees this obsession as peculiar, favoring more varied and globally influenced food trends.
Gen Z’s relationship with food is about exploration and diversity. While they appreciate avocados, they aren’t tying themselves to a single food trend. Instead, they are diving into TikTok recipes and international cuisines. This doesn’t mean that avocado toast is going anywhere; it’s just that the younger generation is less likely to hold it on a pedestal. Their approach is less about sticking to one trend and more about a culinary journey.
3. Using Facebook For Personal Updates
Millennials grew up during Facebook’s heyday, using it as a primary platform for sharing personal updates. To them, it’s a scrapbook of life events, debates, and daily musings. Gen Z, however, sees Facebook as antiquated, more of a place for older relatives and misinformation than for meaningful interactions. They prefer platforms like TikTok or Instagram for personal expression, where visual content takes center stage. Researchers at Pew Research Center found that only 51% of teens use Facebook, contrasting sharply with millennials who still rely heavily on it.
For Gen Z, Facebook feels more like a relic of the past than a vibrant community. They gravitate towards platforms that emphasize video content and real-time interaction. The shift highlights a broader change in how younger people consume and share information. It’s about immediacy and engagement, not just broadcasting one’s life. For millennials, Facebook remains a comfort zone, but for Gen Z, it lacks the spontaneity and visual appeal they crave.
4. Taking Selfies
Millennials remember the era when DSLRs were the hallmark of high-quality photography. Whether for selfies or documenting travels, these cameras symbolized a commitment to capturing life in detail. The hefty cameras lent a professional touch to personal photography, setting photos apart from those taken on average cell phones. Yet Gen Z finds this practice excessive, preferring the ease and immediacy of smartphone cameras for all their selfie needs.
Smartphones have evolved to rival the quality of professional cameras, with filters and editing tools that enhance photos instantly. Gen Z thrives on the convenience and speed that phones offer, capturing moments without the bulk. For them, it’s not just about the end result but also the experience of taking the picture. DSLRs might produce stunning images, but they lack the spontaneity that defines Gen Z’s approach. For millennials, however, the DSLR represents a commitment to artistry in an age of instant gratification.
5. Wearing Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans have been a wardrobe staple for millennials, who embraced their sleek, form-fitting look. The jeans became synonymous with the mid-2000s fashion scene, representing a shift from the baggy styles of the ’90s. Millennials saw them as a versatile piece, suitable for both casual and formal settings. However, Gen Z sees skinny jeans as restrictive, opting instead for looser, more comfortable silhouettes like mom jeans and cargo pants. A fashion report by Business of Fashion highlighted the trend shift, noting that comfort and freedom of movement are paramount for Gen Z.
The generational divide over jeans highlights broader shifts in fashion philosophy. For Gen Z, clothing is about expression and comfort, not just fitting into a mold. They reject the idea that fashion should be painful or constricting, favoring pieces that allow for freedom of movement and individuality. Millennials, on the other hand, might see skinny jeans as a wardrobe classic. This difference in philosophy underscores the evolving nature of what fashion stands for across generations.
6. Still Having Cable TV
Millennials have a soft spot for traditional television, having grown up with a range of cable channels at their fingertips. They appreciate the scheduled programming and the nostalgic comfort of flipping through channels. For them, cable TV is a staple of leisure time, often accompanied by binge-watching marathons. However, Gen Z questions the logic of paying for cable when streaming services offer on-demand access to content. They are more likely to subscribe to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ for their content needs.
This generational difference in media consumption reflects a shift towards more personalized viewing experiences. Gen Z values the ability to watch what they want, when they want, without commercial interruptions. The freedom to curate their entertainment aligns with their broader desire for customization in all aspects of life. Millennials might still find comfort in scheduled programming, but the future of TV is clearly streaming. As more content moves online, the traditional cable model faces an uncertain future.
7. Using Cash Or Writing Checks
Millennials grew up in a world where cash was king, and checks were a common payment method. They are comfortable with these traditional forms of payment, seeing them as reliable and straightforward. For larger transactions, many still prefer writing checks, viewing it as a way to keep track of spending. Gen Z, on the other hand, finds these methods cumbersome, preferring mobile payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. According to financial expert Christine Lagorio-Chafkin, digital payments offer the immediacy and convenience that align with younger generations’ fast-paced lifestyle.
The shift away from cash and checks is about more than just convenience; it’s about security and speed. Mobile payment apps provide instant transactions without the hassle of handling physical money. Gen Z values the ability to split bills in seconds or pay for a coffee with a quick tap. For millennials, the tactile nature of cash and checks might still hold appeal, but the future is digital. The rapid adoption of mobile payments reflects broader trends towards a cashless society.
8. Leaving Voicemail
Millennials don’t think twice about leaving a voicemail when their call goes unanswered. For them, it’s a natural extension of phone communication. They grew up in a time when voicemails were a common way to convey messages that didn’t require immediate responses. However, Gen Z sees voicemail as an unnecessary relic, preferring to text or send voice notes as quicker alternatives. The idea of waiting for someone to check their voicemail seems inefficient to those who value instant communication.
For Gen Z, voicemail is an outdated technology that doesn’t fit into their fast-paced world. They are used to the idea of getting information instantly, whether through text or social media. To them, leaving a voicemail feels like adding an extra step to the communication process. Millennials might see voicemail as a more personal touch, but Gen Z sees it as a hurdle to effective communication. The preference for quicker, text-based methods highlights generational differences in how people connect.
9. Following Diet Fads
Millennials have a history with diet fads, often jumping on trends like keto, paleo, or juicing cleanses. These diets promised quick results and became a cultural phenomenon through social media endorsements. Millennials embraced these trends as part of a broader wellness movement. However, Gen Z is more skeptical, preferring a holistic approach to health that focuses on balance rather than restriction. They are more inclined to listen to their bodies and adopt sustainable eating habits over short-lived diet crazes.
Gen Z’s approach to health is about long-term wellness rather than temporary fixes. They prioritize mental health and overall well-being over adhering to strict diet regimens. This shift reflects a broader generational movement towards authenticity and self-care. Millennials might still dabble in diet trends, but Gen Z is more likely to focus on mindfulness and intuitive eating. The change in approach underscores a shift in how younger people view health and wellness.
10. Getting Matching Tattoos
For millennials, matching tattoos are a declaration of friendship or love, a permanent testament to a bond. They view it as a meaningful way to commemorate relationships or significant life events. The idea of carrying a piece of someone or something with them forever is alluring. Yet Gen Z views this practice with caution, valuing individuality and the freedom to change. They prefer temporary tattoos or unique designs that reflect personal growth and change.
Gen Z is drawn to the idea of self-expression that evolves as they do. They are less likely to commit to something as permanent as a tattoo that ties them to someone else. This doesn’t mean they are against tattoos, just that they prefer designs that represent their journey. Millennials might see matching tattoos as a beautiful commitment, but Gen Z is more about celebrating personal milestones. The generational difference highlights a broader shift towards individualism and fluidity.
11. Using Loyalty Cards
Millennials don’t mind carrying a stack of loyalty cards in their wallets, eager to collect points and rewards. They see it as a smart way to save money, a tangible way to benefit from their favorite brands. The tactile satisfaction of handing over a card and seeing the points accumulate is appealing. However, Gen Z views this as a hassle, preferring digital alternatives that streamline the process. Apps that track points and offer discounts directly on a smartphone are more aligned with their tech-savvy lifestyle.
For Gen Z, loyalty is about convenience and immediacy, not clutter. They appreciate the seamless integration of rewards into their digital lives, where everything is accessible with a tap. The shift towards digital loyalty programs reflects a broader trend towards minimalism and efficiency. Millennials might cling to their physical cards, but Gen Z is all about reducing wallet bulk. This difference in approach highlights the evolving nature of consumer habits.
12. Watching TV On Actual Televisions
Millennials grew up with the family TV as the centerpiece of the living room. Watching shows together was a cherished ritual, a way to unwind and bond. The TV was not just a device; it was a social hub. However, Gen Z is more likely to watch content on their phones, tablets, or laptops, valuing portability and personal viewing experiences. The idea of gathering around a single screen seems quaint to a generation accustomed to individual screens.
The shift reflects broader changes in how people consume media. Gen Z values the freedom to watch what they want, where they want, without being tied to a specific location or device. They are more likely to binge-watch alone, making the most of their flexible viewing habits. Millennials might still cherish the communal experience of traditional TV, but the landscape is changing. As content becomes more accessible across devices, the way people engage with media continues to evolve.
13. Having Long Phone Conversations
Millennials are comfortable spending hours on the phone, catching up with friends or family members. They see long conversations as a way to connect deeply, to share experiences and thoughts in real-time. The phone call is an intimate form of communication that allows for nuance and emotion. However, Gen Z finds this practice unnecessary, favoring text messages or video calls for quicker, more visual interactions. The idea of being tethered to a phone call feels restrictive to those who value multitasking.
For Gen Z, communication is about speed and efficiency. They prefer interactions that fit into their busy lives, allowing them to communicate on the go. The shift towards texting and video calls reflects broader trends towards asynchronous communication. Millennials might see phone calls as a cherished connection method, but Gen Z is all about practicality. This difference highlights evolving preferences in how people foster relationships.
