Times change, and so do our sensitivities. What was once totally acceptable to Boomers is now a major no-no for Gen Z. From casual jokes to outdated traditions, the generational divide is wider than ever. And honestly? Some of these shifts make total sense, while others might leave older folks scratching their heads. Let’s dive into 15 things that ruffle Gen Z’s feathers—but would’ve been business as usual for Boomers.
1. Calling Instead of Texting
Boomers love a good phone call, but Gen Z? Not so much. Nothing sends a wave of anxiety through a young person like an unexpected phone ring. According to NewsWeek, Gen Z overwhelmingly prefers texting over talking on the phone. They see phone calls as intrusive, awkward, and, worst of all—emotionally draining. If it’s not scheduled or absolutely necessary, just send a message!
For Boomers, a phone call was the norm—how else were you supposed to check in on your friends? Gen Z, however, finds voice messages or even video calls more acceptable (as long as they have time to prepare). There’s something about the commitment of a real-time conversation that just doesn’t sit well. Plus, why call when you can send a perfectly crafted meme instead? Efficiency is everything!
2. The Thumbs-Up Emoji
Believe it or not, the thumbs-up emoji is now considered passive-aggressive. To Boomers, it’s just a simple way to say, “Got it!” or “Good job!” But, according to Forbes, Gen Z sees it as dismissive, cold, and a little condescending. It can come across as abrupt, like shutting down a conversation instead of engaging with it. Many younger people feel that using it in response to a message makes the sender seem uninterested or even annoyed.
This tiny symbol is just one example of how digital communication has evolved over time. Gen Z prefers emojis that feel more expressive, like the sparkle symbol or the pleading face, which convey a sense of warmth and emotion. Anything that adds personality or enthusiasm is seen as a better option. Boomers, on the other hand, continue using the thumbs-up without giving it a second thought. And honestly, they probably have no idea there’s even a debate about it.
3. Talking About Work Like It’s Life’s Purpose
For Boomers, work was everything—it defined who you were and how successful you’d become. But Gen Z is flipping the script on hustle culture. According to Forbes, younger workers prioritize work-life balance, mental health, and flexibility over climbing the corporate ladder. They don’t dream of labor; they dream of living. A job is a paycheck, not an identity.
Boomers were all about putting in the hours, staying loyal to one company, and climbing that corporate ladder. Gen Z, on the other hand, would rather job-hop, freelance, or work remotely if it means having more freedom. If a job is toxic? They’re out. Retirement at 65 isn’t the goal anymore—having a fulfilling, balanced life right now is. And honestly? Who can blame them?
4. Dress Codes That Feel Too Strict
Boomers were all about dressing to impress—suits, ties, and formal office attire. Gen Z, however, sees overly strict dress codes as outdated and unnecessary. According to BBC, younger employees want to express themselves through their clothing, even in professional settings. A blazer isn’t what makes someone competent; their skills do. If they can do their job in a hoodie, why not?
This shift makes sense in a world where remote work and casual dress have become the norm. While Boomers equate professionalism with looking the part, Gen Z argues that comfort leads to better productivity. Plus, fashion is personal—it’s a form of self-expression. If a person feels comfortable, they’ll work better, period. And in today’s work culture, performance matters way more than a perfectly pressed shirt.
5. Saying “No Problem” Instead of “You’re Welcome”
For Boomers, a simple “no problem” was just another way of acknowledging gratitude. But Gen Z? They see it as dismissive. According to YahooLife, younger generations prefer a clear and warm “you’re welcome.” The logic? Saying “no problem” implies that whatever you did could have been a problem, but you just chose to help anyway. And that tiny implication changes everything.
It’s one of those linguistic shifts that feel small but mean a lot in social interactions. Gen Z values kindness and intentionality in communication. A genuine “you’re welcome” acknowledges appreciation without any weird undertones. Boomers, meanwhile, will continue saying “no problem” without thinking twice. And if you try explaining this to them? Prepare for some eye rolls.
6. The Idea Of “Tough Love”
Boomers grew up with tough love—pull yourself up by your bootstraps, no excuses. Gen Z? They see this approach as emotionally damaging. For them, mental health and emotional well-being come first, not just “sucking it up.” They believe in therapy, open communication, and setting boundaries with toxic family members. And phrases like “stop crying” or “life’s not fair” are definitely not helpful.
Instead of tough love, Gen Z values empathy and understanding. They know life is hard, but that doesn’t mean people should suffer in silence. If someone’s struggling, they need support, not shame. Boomers might see this as coddling, but Gen Z sees it as progress. And let’s be real—emotional intelligence is never a bad thing.
7. Casual Fatphobia
Boomers grew up in a world where diet culture was king. Calling someone “big-boned” or joking about needing to “earn” dessert was totally normal. But Gen Z is actively rejecting that mindset. They prioritize body positivity, body neutrality, and rejecting toxic beauty standards. Calling out fatphobia isn’t about being sensitive—it’s about undoing decades of harm.
While Boomers might think certain jokes or comments are harmless, Gen Z knows words have impact. Making fun of someone’s body—even if it’s just “lighthearted”—isn’t okay. And it’s not just about self-esteem; it’s about recognizing that every body deserves respect. Beauty standards change, but kindness should always be in style. The message is clear: Just let people exist in peace.
8. Joking About Being “Canceled”
Boomers see cancel culture as a terrifying, out-of-control mob. Gen Z, however, sees it as accountability. When someone gets “canceled,” it usually means they said or did something offensive and people are simply refusing to support them. It’s not about ruining lives—it’s about making people aware of harmful behavior. If you’re not actually being held accountable for something serious, joking about being “canceled” just seems out of touch.
Boomers, on the other hand, often view it as political correctness gone too far. They might not understand why an old joke or comment is now seen as offensive. But Gen Z believes in evolving with the times—if society learns something is hurtful, why keep doing it? Boomers call it censorship; Gen Z calls it growth. And honestly, if you’re not famous, you’re probably not even cancelable.
9. Clapping When The Plane Lands
For Boomers, clapping after a flight is just good manners—it’s a way to show appreciation for the pilots. But to Gen Z, it’s cringe. They see it as unnecessary and a little embarrassing. After all, flying is literally the pilot’s job. Do you clap when a cashier gives you change? No? Then why are we clapping for landing safely?
To be fair, it probably comes from a time when air travel wasn’t as common, and a smooth landing felt like a big deal. But today, it just feels outdated. It’s also a sign that someone isn’t a frequent flyer—seasoned travelers just quietly grab their bags and leave. Boomers think it’s a sweet gesture, but Gen Z just wants to disembark in peace. And let’s be real—if the pilot actually heard the applause, they’d probably be weirded out.
10. Expecting People To Stay At One Job Forever
Boomers were raised with the idea that loyalty to a company would pay off. Gen Z? Not so much. With layoffs happening left and right and wages struggling to keep up with inflation, younger workers have no problem quitting if a better opportunity comes along. They prioritize job satisfaction, flexibility, and fair pay over sticking with one employer out of obligation. A job should serve them, not the other way around.
Boomers might see this as a lack of dedication, but Gen Z sees it as self-respect. If a company doesn’t offer growth, work-life balance, or competitive pay, why stay? The days of working at one place for 30 years and retiring with a pension are long gone. Job-hopping is a survival skill, not a red flag. And honestly? If companies showed more loyalty to employees, maybe Gen Z would return the favor.
11. Saying “Just Walk It Off”
Boomers grew up with a “tough it out” mentality. Got hurt? Walk it off. Feeling sick? Push through. But Gen Z has completely rejected this mindset, and for good reason. Ignoring pain—whether physical or emotional—doesn’t make you stronger, it just leads to bigger problems down the line. Rest, recovery, and therapy are not signs of weakness; they’re smart choices.
Boomers might see this as being “soft,” but Gen Z understands the importance of self-care. If you’re injured, get medical help. If you’re struggling mentally, talk to someone. The idea that suffering in silence builds character is outdated and, frankly, harmful. Boomers might not understand why Gen Z takes mental health days, but science backs them up. And in the long run, a well-rested, healthy person is far more productive than a burnt-out one.
12. Correcting Someone’s Pronouns
For Boomers, gender was pretty straightforward—you were either a “he” or a “she.” But for Gen Z, gender identity is more nuanced. Respecting people’s pronouns isn’t just a trend; it’s about basic human decency. If someone tells you their pronouns, using them correctly is a simple way to show respect. Getting it wrong by accident is one thing—refusing to try is another.
Boomers might see this as unnecessary or even confusing, but Gen Z understands that language evolves. Just like we adapted to words like “firefighter” instead of “fireman,” using correct pronouns is just a small shift that makes a big difference. It’s not about making things difficult—it’s about making people feel seen. And honestly? It takes less effort to respect pronouns than to argue about them.
13. Talking Loudly On Speakerphone In Public
Boomers don’t think twice about having full-blown conversations on speakerphone. In the grocery store, on the bus, at a restaurant—it doesn’t matter. But to Gen Z, this is one of the most painful things to witness. Why? Because it’s so unnecessary. Nobody else needs to hear about your cousin’s new boyfriend or what time your doctor’s appointment is.
Boomers see it as a convenience, but Gen Z sees it as inconsiderate. There’s literally no reason not to just hold the phone up to your ear or use headphones. Plus, nobody sounds good on speaker—it just makes voices distorted and echo-y. If you need to take a call, keep it private. The world doesn’t need to be your personal conference room.
14. Saying “That’s Just the Way It Is”
Boomers grew up in a world where certain things were just “the way they were.” Inequality, outdated social norms, rigid workplace expectations—questioning them wasn’t encouraged. But Gen Z isn’t having it. If something is unfair, they want to change it. The idea of just “accepting” things because they’ve always been that way feels lazy and dismissive.
This generational divide is huge when it comes to activism and progress. Boomers might see Gen Z as overly idealistic, but younger generations are proving that change is possible. Whether it’s climate action, workplace reform, or social justice, they believe in pushing for a better world. Boomers may roll their eyes, but history shows that progress is made by those who refuse to settle. And Gen Z? They’re just getting started.
15. The Concept Of “Participation Trophies”
Boomers love to mock participation trophies, but guess what? They literally created them. Gen Z didn’t ask for them—adults just started handing them out. The idea that younger generations are weak because they received trophies for showing up is ironic. Boomers were the ones coaching the teams and running the award ceremonies. So why blame the kids?
Gen Z understands that rewarding effort isn’t the same as pretending everyone is a winner. It’s about recognizing people’s contributions and encouraging growth. In reality, Gen Z is actually pretty competitive—they just don’t think losing should come with humiliation. They know that in life, you won’t always win, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve credit for trying. And let’s be honest—Boomers love getting participation awards at work all the time (hello, “Employee of the Month” plaques).
