Generations love to bicker about their differences, but whether boomers want the credit or not, they helped shape the world Gen Z is dealing with today.
From social attitudes to technology, many of the changes younger people are faced with were built on foundations laid decades earlier. Some of these influences were intentional, others accidental, but either way, boomers played a key role in shaping the future. Here are some of the so-called legacies they’re leaving behind.
1. They made homeownership nearly impossible.
It’s no secret that buying a home is a struggle for Gen Z, and a big part of that is down to the housing market boomers benefited from. Many bought homes when prices were reasonable and wages could actually keep up with the cost of living. Now, those same properties are worth small fortunes, making it far harder for younger generations to get on the ladder.
While boomers enjoyed affordable housing and low-interest mortgages, Gen Z is dealing with skyrocketing prices, stagnant wages, and a rental market that makes saving even harder. Whether boomers intended it or not, their era of economic stability helped create today’s housing crisis, leaving young people wondering if they’ll ever afford more than a flatshare.
2. They normalised the idea of working long hours.
For many boomers, hard work was the ultimate virtue. They were raised with the belief that putting in the hours, being loyal to a company, and working your way up was the only path to success. That mindset led to a culture where long hours and minimal work-life balance became the norm.
Gen Z, on the other hand, is pushing back. After seeing their parents and grandparents work themselves into exhaustion, younger workers are far more vocal about the importance of mental health and boundaries. The boomer work ethic shaped expectations, but Gen Z is redefining what success looks like, one “quiet quitting” movement at a time.
3. They built the internet (but complain about how it’s used).
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully online, but it was boomers who played a key role in creating the internet in the first place. From the development of early computing systems to the rise of email and social networks, many of the technologies Gen Z takes for granted were pioneered by boomers.
Ironically, many boomers now criticise younger generations for being “too online” despite their own contributions to the digital world. They helped lay the groundwork for a hyper-connected society, yet they’re often the first to grumble about screen time and social media habits.
4. They fought for civil rights and paved the way for activism.
Gen Z is known for being vocal about social justice, but much of the groundwork was laid by boomer-era activists. The civil rights movements of the ‘60s and ‘70s tackled issues of race, gender, and equality, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight.
Now, young people are taking activism to new levels with digital movements, climate protests, and demands for systemic change. While the methods have evolved, the passion for change remains the same—something boomers might be surprised to realise they helped inspire.
5. They contributed to climate change (and left Gen Z to deal with it).
Many boomers grew up in an era of rapid industrial expansion, cheap fuel, and a “growth at all costs” mindset. The environmental consequences of this weren’t fully understood at the time, but decades of mass production, deforestation, and reliance on fossil fuels have left Gen Z facing a climate crisis.
Now, younger generations are leading the charge for sustainability, greener policies, and holding corporations accountable. While some boomers argue that “things weren’t as bad back then,” the reality is that past choices have had a direct impact on the challenges Gen Z is fighting to fix today.
6. They made higher education more expensive.
For many boomers, going to university was affordable, with tuition fees either minimal or non-existent. They could work a part-time job and still graduate without drowning in debt. Fast-forward to today, and Gen Z is looking at much higher tuition fees, student loan burdens, and a job market that doesn’t always guarantee financial security.
The rising cost of education is a direct result of policy decisions made over the years, often under leadership shaped by boomer values. While many boomers still see university as the golden ticket to success, Gen Z is increasingly questioning whether the investment is worth it.
7. They made remote work possible.
While many boomers prefer traditional office environments, they’re also the ones who pioneered the technology that made remote work a reality. Early investments in digital infrastructure, email, and video conferencing set the stage for the work-from-home revolution that Gen Z now fully embraces.
Even though some boomers resist the change, arguing that “real work” happens in an office, they unknowingly helped create a world where flexible work is not only possible but increasingly preferred by younger generations.
8. They turned pop culture into a global phenomenon.
From the rise of rock ‘n’ roll to the golden age of Hollywood, boomers played a huge role in shaping modern entertainment. They set the stage for the global music industry, blockbuster films, and celebrity culture as we know it today.
Gen Z has taken this influence and run with it, embracing social media-driven fame, viral trends, and streaming culture. While boomers might not understand TikTok, they were the first generation to turn pop culture into a powerful, world-shaping force.
9. They popularised fast fashion.
Fast fashion didn’t start with Gen Z—it started with boomer-era consumer culture. The rise of mass production, cheap materials, and disposable fashion trends were all fuelled by a post-war boom in manufacturing.
Now, younger generations are pushing for sustainable fashion and ethical shopping, but they’re still dealing with the habits and industries created decades ago. While some boomers argue that “clothes were made to last back in the day,” the reality is that they also helped create the demand for cheaper, trend-based shopping.
10. They normalised side hustles (even if Gen Z took them to another level).
While boomers had traditional jobs, many also dabbled in side businesses, whether it was property investing, freelance work, or passion projects. This entrepreneurial mindset planted the seed for Gen Z’s gig economy approach to work.
Now, young people have taken the idea of side hustles to another level, with many juggling multiple income streams, content creation, and digital businesses. The idea of having “just one job” is becoming outdated, thanks to a mindset that boomers unknowingly helped cultivate.
11. They changed how people date and marry.
Boomers were the first generation to embrace more freedom in relationships, moving away from strictly traditional roles and expectations. They played a role in normalising divorce, championing women’s independence, and moving away from rigid family structures.
Gen Z has built on this, with even more diverse perspectives on relationships, marriage, and commitment. While boomers might not always understand modern dating culture, their generation helped lay the groundwork for today’s changing attitudes.
12. They made Gen Z more determined to change things.
Whether it’s activism, work-life balance, or digital innovation, Gen Z’s determination to do things differently is, in many ways, a response to the world boomers helped create. They’ve seen what worked, what didn’t, and they’re shaping a future that reflects their values.
While the two generations might not always see eye to eye, there’s no denying that boomers played a huge role in shaping the world Gen Z is now taking charge of—whether they like it or not.
