Gen Z’s latest “innovations” are reviving Boomer-era trends, revealing surprising overlap beneath the generational noise.
It is a cycle as old as time: the younger generation “discovers” a trend, claims it as their own revolutionary invention, and the older generation rolls their eyes, remembering when they did it first and arguably better.
Gen Z is currently reviving a host of lifestyle choices championed by Baby Boomers decades ago. While the “OK Boomer” meme suggests a deep divide, the reality is a surprising amount of shared DNA in what both generations find cool.
This phenomenon highlights the cyclical nature of culture, where everything old eventually becomes new again. Recognizing these parallels offers a bridge between generations, proving that rebellion, sustainability, and a love for the analog are not unique to today’s youth but are shared human experiences across time.
Social Activism and Protests
Gen Z is renowned for its activism, organizing massive marches for climate change, gun control, and social justice. They use social media to mobilize quickly and demand accountability from leaders and corporations.
However, Boomers cut their teeth on the Civil Rights movement, the anti-Vietnam War protests, and the feminist movement. They invented the modern playbook for civil disobedience, marching in the streets to reshape the political climate. The passion for justice is a shared lineage, even if the causes have evolved.
The Thrift Store Revolution
Gen Z has embraced “thrifting” as a moral imperative and a fashion statement, scouring racks for vintage finds to curate a sustainable wardrobe. The ThredUp 2024 Resale Report reveals that the U.S. secondhand apparel market grew 7 times faster than the broader retail clothing market in 2023, driven largely by younger shoppers.
However, Boomers were the original thrifters, often out of necessity or counter-cultural rejection of mass consumerism in the 60s and 70s. They frequented army surplus stores and flea markets to find durable goods and unique styles long before it was a hashtag.
Vinyl Records Resurgence
Walk into an Urban Outfitters, and you will see teenagers buying vinyl records as if they just invented high-fidelity audio. Vinyl albums outsold CDs for the second year in a row in 2023, with 43 million units sold. Gen Z loves the tactile experience, the large artwork, and the ritual of dropping the needle on a favorite track.
Boomers, of course, didn’t have a choice; vinyl was how you listened to music. They built massive collections and invested in high-end stereo systems to get the perfect sound for their rock albums. They understand the warmth of analog sound in a way that a Spotify stream can never replicate.
The Houseplant Jungle
Scroll through Instagram, and you will see Gen Z apartments that look more like greenhouses than living spaces. The 2023 National Gardening Survey found that participation in indoor houseplant gardening jumped more than any other activity, with younger households driving the growth.
They use plants for mental health, aesthetics, and a connection to nature in urban environments. This “plant parent” trend is a direct echo of the 1970s “fern bar” era, where Boomers filled their homes with macramé hangers and spider plants.
Disposable Film Photography
In an era of 4K smartphone cameras, Gen Z is flocking to grainy, imperfect disposable cameras to capture “authentic” moments. They love the surprise of waiting to see how photos turn out, viewing it as a refreshing break from curated digital feeds.
For Boomers, the disposable camera wasn’t an aesthetic choice; it was the affordable way to document a family vacation or a birthday party. They remember the anticipation of dropping off film at the pharmacy and the disappointment of a thumb covering the lens. They lived the “no filter” life before there was any other option.
The Return of Mom Jeans
High-waisted, relaxed-fit denim has dethroned the skinny jean, with Gen Z mocking Millennials’ tight styles. They pair them with crop tops and sneakers for a look that prioritizes comfort and vintage silhouettes.
Boomers wore these jeans practically in the 80s and 90s because they were functional and durable for a busy lifestyle. They are the literal “moms” (and dads) who made the style famous in the first place. Seeing their practical workwear turned into a high-fashion statement is a source of endless amusement for the older generation.
Van Life Wanderers
The hashtag VanLife has billions of views, with young people converting Sprinter vans into mobile tiny homes to travel the country. The RV Industry Association reports that 18-34 year-olds now make up 22% of current RV owners. They seek freedom from rent, a connection to nature, and a life unmoored from the 9-to-5 grind.
This wanderlust mirrors the Boomer fascination with VW buses and the open road in the ’60s and ’70s. They invented the concept of the “road trip” as a spiritual journey, traversing the country in search of adventure and inspiration. The vehicle has changed, but the desire to escape the rat race remains exactly the same.
Astrology and Horoscopes
Gen Z has turned astrology into a massive industry, using apps like Co-Star to navigate their relationships and daily lives. They use star charts to explain everything from their personality quirks to their dating compatibility.
This spiritual boom is a direct descendant of the “New Age” movement that Boomers popularized in the 1970s. They were the ones who brought the “Age of Aquarius” into the mainstream, exploring zodiac signs and mysticism as alternatives to organized religion. The crystals and tarot cards on a Gen Z desk would look right at home in a Boomer’s dorm room from 1975.
The Organic Food Movement
Younger consumers are driving the demand for organic and non-GMO food, prioritizing clean ingredients for their health. The Organic Trade Association reports that Millennials and Gen Z are the biggest buyers of organic products. They read labels religiously and are willing to pay a premium for food that aligns with their values.
Boomers started the original natural foods movement in the 60s and 70s, founding co-ops and advocating for pesticide-free farming. They were the first to reject processed TV dinners in favor of whole grains and granola, laying the groundwork for today’s Whole Foods culture.
Roller Skating Revivals
Roller skating exploded in popularity on TikTok during the pandemic, with sales of quad skates surging. The global roller skating market is expected to grow significantly, driven by youth participation. Gen Z skaters perform dance routines and tricks, turning a retro pastime into a viral sensation.
Boomers remember the golden age of the roller disco, where the rink was the center of social life on Friday nights. They spent their weekends skating in circles to funk and disco music, perfecting the very moves that are now trending online. They know that skating is not just exercise; it is a way to socialize and show off.
Crochet and Knitting
Fiber arts have become a massive trend among Gen Z, who use them to create unique, sustainable clothing. Pinterest trends show a huge spike in searches for “crochet patterns” among younger users. They value the slow-fashion aspect and the ability to create something tangible with their own hands.
Boomers and their parents kept these crafts alive, knitting sweaters and blankets out of necessity and tradition. They hosted knitting circles and passed down patterns from one generation to the next.
Sourdough Bread Baking
During the lockdowns, Gen Z discovered the art of keeping a sourdough starter alive, flooding social media with photos of their loaves. It became a symbol of self-reliance and a way to slow down and connect with the source of their food. The process requires patience and attention, offering a break from the digital world.
Boomers were baking bread in communes and kitchens decades ago as part of the “back-to-the-land” movement. They understood the satisfaction of making a staple food from scratch without preservatives. The smell of fresh bread is a timeless comfort that bridges generations.
Cord-Cutting Antennas
Gen Z is leading the charge in cutting cable, but many are rediscovering the digital TV antenna to get free local channels. It is a hack to save money on monthly subscriptions while still accessing live events and news.
Boomers grew up adjusting “rabbit ears” on top of the set to get a clear picture through the static. They relied on free, over-the-air broadcasts for all their entertainment news and entertainment. The return to antennas is a return to the original way TV was consumed, just with better resolution.
Mullets and Shag Haircuts
The “wolf cut” and the modern mullet have become the signature hairstyles of the Gen Z aesthetic. They are edgy, gender-neutral, and a rejection of the polished blowouts of previous years.
Boomers rocked these exact cuts in the ’70s and ’80s, from David Bowie to Jane Fonda. The shag was the defining look of the rock-and-roll era, symbolizing rebellion and freedom. Seeing their old yearbook photos come to life on TikTok is a surreal experience for many parents.
Anti-Work Sentiment
Gen Z is vocal about “quiet quitting” and refusing to let their jobs define their worth. They prioritize mental health and work-life balance over climbing the corporate ladder. This attitude is often framed as a new, radical rejection of capitalism.
However, Boomers in their youth were the “slackers” and hippies who dropped out of society to live in communes. They questioned “The Man” and the rat race long before hashtags existed.
Key Takeaway
Cultural trends are almost always cyclical, with Gen Z’s embrace of analog technology, sustainability, and DIY ethics mirroring the counter-culture movements of their Boomer predecessors. This shared appreciation for authenticity and a slower lifestyle proves that despite the generational warfare on social media, the two groups actually have more in common than they care to admit.
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 the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
