Every generation has its own way of doing things, but the gap between Gen Z and boomers in particular sometimes feels like a whole different universe.
What feels completely normal, practical, or even obvious to someone under 25 can seem downright bizarre to someone who grew up before smartphones ruled the world. Here are just some of the things Gen Z considers everyday life, and that boomers would definitely raise an eyebrow (or two) at.
1. Talking to friends mostly through voice notes and memes
Why call someone when you can send a 10-second voice note or a perfectly chosen meme? For Gen Z, constant communication doesn’t have to mean long conversations; it’s about quick, casual check-ins that feel effortless. To a boomer, not sitting down for a proper catch-up might seem rude or lazy. But for Gen Z, swapping memes and short voice updates is just how you show someone you’re thinking about them, no two-hour phone call required.
2. Having full-blown relationships without ever meeting in person
Thanks to apps, gaming communities, and social media, it’s perfectly normal for Gen Z to form deep, real friendships (or even romantic relationships) with people they’ve never physically met. Boomers, who often view in-person interaction as the “real” connection, might find this baffling. But to Gen Z, emotional closeness isn’t limited by geography anymore. The internet is the new town square.
3. Being completely open about mental health online
For Gen Z, talking openly about therapy, anxiety, or needing a mental health day is normal, even expected. It’s seen as strength, not weakness. Boomers, who were often taught to “tough it out” or keep personal struggles private, might find this level of openness startling, even uncomfortable. However, Gen Z sees honesty about mental health as essential, not taboo.
4. Not seeing traditional careers as the ultimate goal
The old formula—get a degree, land a job, climb the ladder for 40 years—doesn’t hold much appeal for many in Gen Z. Side hustles, gig work, passion projects, and flexible careers are the new dream. For boomers, who often tied identity closely to career stability, this approach can seem risky or unserious. But Gen Z sees it as adapting to a changing world, and finding fulfilment on their own terms.
5. Using the internet as a personal diary (and aesthetic portfolio)
Between Instagram, TikTok, and BeReal, Gen Z casually shares day-to-day moments, deep thoughts, and artistic expressions for public consumption, and they curate their digital selves as carefully as Boomers curated photo albums. To boomers, airing personal business publicly might seem bizarre. But for Gen Z, digital life is real life, and sharing pieces of it isn’t oversharing; it’s storytelling, community-building, and creativity rolled into one.
6. Prioritising values over brand loyalty
Gen Z cares deeply about whether a company aligns with their values—sustainability, diversity, social justice—and will switch brands without hesitation if they feel a brand falls short. Boomers grew up in a world where brand loyalty was practically inherited. But for Gen Z, shopping is about supporting businesses that reflect who they are, not just sticking with a familiar logo.
7. Dressing in styles that mix every decade at once
Gen Z has no problem mixing 90s cargo pants with ’70s crochet tops and early 2000s sunglasses, all in the same outfit. Fashion rules? What fashion rules? For boomers, who often had much stricter style “dos and don’ts,” this chaotic, creative mix-and-match approach can seem confusing. However, Gen Z isn’t dressing for approval; they’re dressing for self-expression.
8. Questioning traditional institutions openly
Faith, marriage, government, education—Gen Z doesn’t automatically assume these institutions deserve loyalty. They ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and expect transparency in ways that can make older generations uncomfortable. Boomers often grew up being taught to trust authority without question. For Gen Z, scepticism isn’t rebellion; it’s responsibility, shaped by a world that’s shown trust needs to be earned, not given blindly.
9. Preferring experiences over possessions
While owning a home or a new car was a major life milestone for Boomers, many Gen Zers would rather spend money on a festival, a trip, or a once-in-a-lifetime concert than on material things. Experiences are seen as richer investments than stuff—something that might seem risky or impractical to Boomers but feels completely normal to a generation raised in an unpredictable world.
10. Constantly documenting moments rather than “just being present.”
Gen Z is almost always ready to snap a photo, post a video, or record a memory for later. Capturing the moment isn’t seen as distracting; it’s part of the experience itself. Boomers might see pulling out your phone as missing the moment, but for Gen Z, sharing and remembering moments digitally feels just as meaningful, maybe even more so because it lets them relive and share experiences with a wider circle.
11. Normalising therapy and self-work for everyone, not just in crisis
For Gen Z, therapy isn’t a last resort or something you only do when you’re falling apart; it’s regular self-maintenance, like going to the gym, but for your mind and emotions. To boomers, who were often taught to “suck it up” or “handle things privately,” seeing therapy as a proactive, everyday tool can seem strange. But for Gen Z, it’s just part of building a healthier life.
12. Living more online than offline, and seeing no problem with that
Gaming with friends halfway across the world, spending hours on TikTok, building online communities—for Gen Z, digital life isn’t a separate thing. It’s intertwined with daily reality in ways boomers never experienced growing up. To boomers, spending so much time online might seem like missing out on “real life.” However, Gen Z would argue that online life is real life, just a different (and equally valid) way of connecting, creating, and existing.
13. Using slang that changes faster than anyone can keep up with
Language for Gen Z evolves at lightning speed. Yesterday’s “lit” is today’s “rizz,” and if you blink, you’re already outdated. Entire conversations can be a maze of inside jokes, abbreviations, and TikTok references. Boomers might struggle to keep up—and honestly, even some millennials are lost. But for Gen Z, evolving slang is part of keeping their culture fresh, fun, and slightly incomprehensible to anyone over 30.
14. Seeing activism as a part of everyday identity
For many in Gen Z, activism isn’t a side hobby; it’s woven into daily life, whether it’s choosing what brands to support, calling out injustice online, or attending protests with friends. Boomers often saw activism as something you did during specific movements or eras. For Gen Z, being socially conscious is just part of showing up in the world, not something separate or occasional, but an ongoing commitment to change.
