A report by Impact 360 Institute highlights that nearly half of Gen Z (46%) feel misunderstood by older generations, and many adults admit struggling to relate to Gen Z’s values and habits.
If you’ve spent even ten minutes around Gen Z, you’ve probably seen something that made you pause and think, “Wait… is this normal now?” It’s funny because none of it is wrong — it’s just so different from how older generations grew up. So let’s take a gentle, curious look at the habits that leave parents, grandparents, and even Millennials raising an eyebrow in pure fascination.
Using texting as the main form of emotional communication
Older generations often wonder how Gen Z can pour their hearts out through a tiny glowing screen. For Gen Z, though, texting feels safer, faster, and less awkward than long phone calls.
Half of adolescents spend more than 4.5 hours a day on their phones, picking them up a median of 51 times daily—and nearly half of older teens check their devices over 100 times each day. It’s not about avoiding real connection; it’s just the way they’re used to expressing themselves. Still, older folks sometimes miss hearing an actual voice.
Wearing oversized clothes that look intentionally baggy
Gen Z loves comfort combined with a statement, and oversized everything fits that bill. But to older generations, it sometimes looks like they’re drowning in fabric.
It’s not sloppy — it’s a trend rooted in self-expression and rejecting rigid beauty standards. But yes, it does confuse a few grandparents who prefer a “nice fitted outfit.”
Refusing phone calls and sending voice notes instead
This one always makes Boomers look puzzled. Voice notes let Gen Z talk without the pressure of a live conversation or the effort of typing. It’s also a way to multitask, something 83 percent of Gen Z says they do often.
The irony? Older generations love phone calls, so this swap feels backward to them. But voice notes are basically the modern voicemail glow-up.
Documenting everyday life like it’s content
Older generations grew up thinking cameras were for special moments. Gen Z documents everything — morning coffee, walks, errands, random thoughts, and even “nothing days.”
This trend is powered by TikTok and Instagram, where daily-life content performs unusually well. To Boomers, it feels strange to record so much. For Gen Z, it’s simply a creative outlet.
Also on MSN: 13 factors shaping Gen Z’s financial reality
Treating mental health check-ins as everyday small talk
Gen Z talks openly about therapy, anxiety, burnout, and everything in between. Studies show that over 50% of Gen Z reports having seen a therapist, and 39% want to, which is higher than for all other generations.
Older folks aren’t used to this level of openness, so it feels unusual at first. But it’s also refreshing to see emotional wellness treated like an everyday conversation. It’s honesty that previous generations sometimes wished they had.
Having “internet friends” they trust as much as real-life friends
Older generations were told not to talk to strangers online. Gen Z, meanwhile, forms entire communities across games, fandoms, and shared interests.
These connections feel just as real, if not more. But yeah, it definitely confuses parents who grew up with early internet caution.
Using their phone as a wallet
To someone older, the idea of tapping your phone to pay still feels futuristic. But Gen Z loves the convenience of mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Venmo.
They prefer not carrying cash at all. Meanwhile, their grandparents still keep exact change folded neatly in their pockets.
Using slang, older generations can’t keep up with
Every time a new phrase appears, someone older asks, “What does THAT mean?” Gen Z cycles through slang at record speed, partly thanks to viral trends.
Linguistic researchers say the internet accelerates language evolution faster than ever before. So phrases like “ate,” “delulu,” or “it’s giving” feel both brand-new and gone within months. It leaves older generations joking that they need a translator.
Working multiple side hustles instead of sticking to one job
Older generations valued stability and long-term careers. Gen Z grew up seeing layoffs, rising costs, and gig-work opportunities everywhere.
Most Gen Zers have at least one side hustle. To older folks, it can look chaotic or unfocused. For Gen Z, though, it feels like security through diversification.
Editing photos for aesthetics instead of accuracy
Older generations took a photo, printed it, and that was it. Gen Z, however, fine-tunes lighting, colors, grain, and vibes to create a mood.
It’s less about looking perfect and more about communicating an aesthetic. But Boomers still ask, “Why is everything so… filtered?”
Watching long videos on TikTok instead of traditional TV
Gen Z doesn’t see the point in a half-hour show when a three-minute explanation can do the job. TikTok usage consistently ranks highest among users under 25, with around 22% of American teenagers spending 2-3 hours daily on the platform.
For older generations used to cable, this doesn’t feel very clear. But to Gen Z, short-form storytelling fits their fast digital world. Plus, there’s always something new to watch.
Buying everything online, even things that older people prefer in-store
Groceries? Clothes? Household items? Gen Z rarely hesitates to click “add to cart.”
Older generations still like to touch and inspect items before buying. Gen Z, however, trusts reviews, influencers, and quick return policies.
Texting in lowercase to seem calm and approachable
Older generations see lowercase messages and assume someone forgot to hit “shift.” Gen Z sees it as an entire vibe — minimalist, casual, warm. Lowercase text signals emotional softness and reduces perceived message intensity.
It’s basically digital body language. But it still leaves Boomers wondering, “Are they mad at me or just… modern?”
Key takeaways
Every generation has habits that seem strange to those before it, and Gen Z is simply living out its own version of normal. Their quirks come from a world built on tech, self-expression, and shifting social values.
What looks odd from the outside often makes perfect sense within its context. And honestly, these differences make the conversations between generations way more interesting.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
20 Odd American Traditions That Confuse the Rest of the World
It’s no surprise that cultures worldwide have their own unique customs and traditions, but some of America’s most beloved habits can seem downright strange to outsiders.
Many American traditions may seem odd or even bizarre to people from other countries. Here are twenty of the strangest American traditions that confuse the rest of the world.
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.
Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto your hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
