If you’ve ever been told you’re showing your age just by doing something completely normal, congratulations — you’ve officially been called ‘old’ by Gen Z.
From how you text to the way you use social media, certain everyday habits have become weirdly outdated in their eyes. Some of these things were perfectly normal just a few years ago, but now, they’re apparently ancient behaviour. Here are just some of the things that Gen Z will instantly label as cringe, even though they were once the height of modern life. Try not to take it too personally!
1. Using the “crying laughing” emoji 😂
Source: Unsplash Once the universal way to show something was funny, the crying-laughing emoji is now apparently a sign you’re old. Gen Z has decided it’s overused, cringey, and if you still use it, you might as well admit you were born before Wi-Fi existed. Instead, they use skulls (💀) to show they’re “dead” from laughter, or just write “I’m screaming.” Because obviously, actually laughing is out of style now. Using 😂 is basically announcing you were on Facebook before Instagram existed.
2. Leaving voicemails
Missed a call? Leaving a voicemail instead of just texting is practically prehistoric. According to Gen Z, voicemails are not just outdated, they’re borderline offensive. Nobody listens to voicemails anymore. If you really want a younger person to get back to you, sending a voice note on WhatsApp or just texting is the only acceptable method. But a voicemail? Too much effort, too much pressure, too much “I’m old and don’t know how to text.”
3. Using punctuation in texts
If you’re sending texts with full stops at the end, you might as well be writing a formal letter. Gen Z sees punctuation as aggressive, and if you reply with a simple “Okay.” instead of “Okay”, they’ll assume you’re furious. Apparently, texts should be left open-ended and casual. Want to add a bit of warmth? Better throw in a lowercase “lol”, “omg” or a random extra letter at the end. Full stops? Those belong in work emails, not conversations.
4. Double-spacing after a full stop
If you were taught to put two spaces after a full stop, Gen Z considers you a fossil. This old-school typing rule came from the typewriter era, and if you’re still doing it, it’s a dead giveaway that you learned how to type in a different millennium. To Gen Z, nobody double-spaces anymore. If you do? You might as well admit you were around when dial-up internet was a thing.
5. Wearing skinny jeans
It wasn’t that long ago that skinny jeans were the fashion staple. But according to Gen Z, they’re now a one-way ticket to looking ‘old’. Loose, baggy jeans are in, and anything too fitted is deeply uncool. If your trousers don’t look like they could fit two people, Gen Z is already judging you. Want to make it worse? Tuck them into boots. Apparently, that’s a crime now too.
6. Using Facebook regularly
Facebook is still one of the biggest social media platforms, but Gen Z barely touches it unless they have to. To them, it’s for parents, distant relatives, and people who overshare about their daily lives. If you’re still posting status updates, you’re basically giving off “middle-aged dad” energy. Facebook is where old memes go to die, and if you actually use it for anything other than Marketplace, you’re outing yourself as ancient.
7. Saying “LOL” unironically
Yes, we all know “LOL” means “laugh out loud,” but if you’re still using it instead of “LMAO” or “💀”, you’re dating yourself. Apparently, Gen Z thinks “LOL” is something only millennials still use, and at this point, it’s more ironic than funny. If you must show you’re laughing, just say “I’m crying” and hope for the best.
8. Paying with cash
Ever handed over actual cash in a shop and got a weird look? Gen Z is baffled by people who still use physical money. To them, everything should be done with Apple Pay or a contactless tap. Coins and notes? Too much effort. If you’re digging through your wallet for change, Gen Z is already rolling their eyes. If you still carry cash, they might assume you’re confused about how bank cards work.
9. Taking photos of everything instead of just enjoying the moment
Once upon a time, documenting every meal, every night out, and every random moment was the thing to do. But now? Gen Z prefers ‘casual’ candid photos, not overly curated shots. Spending ages getting the perfect group photo is cringe. Apparently, you’re supposed to take one quick snap and move on. Anything else? Try-hard energy. And don’t even think about using Snapchat filters — those are now ‘mum edits’.
10. Loving “Harry Potter” a little too much
For millennials, Harry Potter was everything. But Gen Z? They’re over it. To them, being obsessed with Hogwarts houses and constantly referencing the books is embarrassing. Yes, the series is still iconic, but if you’re in your 30s still calling yourself a ‘Hufflepuff’, Gen Z is side-eyeing you. Wearing a Gryffindor scarf? You may as well be carrying a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign.
11. Owning DVDs or physical media
Streaming exists, so why are you still clinging to actual DVDs? Gen Z can’t understand why anyone would still own films when you can just watch everything online. Same goes for CDs and Blu-rays — if you’re still buying them, you might as well admit you’re stuck in the past. To Gen Z, digital is the only way to consume media.
12. Using a landline
Gen Z finds the idea of a home phone hilarious. Why would anyone need a phone attached to a wall in 2025? If you still answer a landline instead of just using your mobile, you might as well be living in the ’90s. The only calls that come through? Scams and telemarketers.
13. Using hashtags seriously on Instagram
Remember when using loads of hashtags was the key to getting more likes? Gen Z finds that embarrassing now. #Blessed? #LiveYourBestLife? That’s giving 2015 influencer vibes. If you’re still putting 20 hashtags under every post, they already know you’re “old.” Gen Z prefers posts that look effortless, even if they aren’t.
14. Still saying “YOLO”
There was a time when saying “YOLO” (You Only Live Once) was cool. That time is long gone. To Gen Z, using “YOLO” now just makes you sound like you peaked in 2012. If you want to express the same idea without embarrassing yourself, just say “why not?” Anything else, and Gen Z is cringing on your behalf.
