Gen Z is bringing back politeness—but in their own way.
For years, social media and fast-paced digital interactions seemed to erode traditional manners. But Gen Z is proving that politeness is far from dead—it’s just evolving. Unlike previous generations, who often associated politeness with rigid social rules, Gen Z is redefining it through inclusivity, digital awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Their version of respect isn’t about outdated formalities but about being conscious of how words and actions impact others. If you thought politeness was fading away, these Gen Z trends might just restore your faith in good manners.
1. They’re bringing back handwritten thank-you notes and meaningful messages.
In a world of instant messages and emojis, Gen Z is reviving the lost art of handwritten notes and thoughtful messages. While digital communication is convenient, many young people recognize that a well-crafted, handwritten thank-you note or letter holds a level of sincerity that a text can’t match, according to Insurance Nerds.
This shift isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about making gratitude more intentional. Whether it’s sending personalized thank-you cards after job interviews or writing letters to friends just because, Gen Z is proving that small, meaningful gestures of appreciation still matter. And for those who don’t use pen and paper, many opt for well-thought-out voice messages or personalized video greetings instead of a quick “thx” in a text.
2. They’re normalizing respectful online behavior.
Boomers and Gen X often complain that younger generations lack online etiquette, but Gen Z is proving otherwise. Many young people are actively working to create a more respectful digital culture, whether by promoting fact-checking, discouraging online bullying, or setting boundaries around when and how to communicate, as stated by Mazu on Medium.
They also recognize the importance of respecting privacy. Before posting group photos or sharing personal stories, they often ask for permission. Digital consent is becoming the new standard, reinforcing the idea that even online, politeness and respect should be the norm.
3. They’re using inclusive language to make everyone feel respected.
Politeness for Gen Z goes beyond “please” and “thank you.” They understand that language shapes experiences, which is why they’re more mindful of using inclusive terms that acknowledge different identities, backgrounds, and perspectives.
This isn’t about being overly politically correct—it’s about making sure people feel seen and respected in everyday interactions. Using someone’s correct pronouns, avoiding outdated or offensive phrases, and being open to learning from others are all ways Gen Z is showing that words matter, as reported at Enabling Devices.
4. They value clear communication and don’t leave people hanging.
Ghosting? Not their style. Unlike older generations, who sometimes shy away from direct conversations, many Gen Zers prioritize clear, respectful communication. If they’re not interested in a second date or don’t have time for a project, they’re more likely to let people know rather than disappearing without explanation.
This honesty isn’t about being blunt—it’s about showing respect for people’s time and feelings. While no generation is perfect, Gen Z’s emphasis on transparency is a refreshing shift in social etiquette.
5. They’re redefining customer service interactions.
Retail workers and restaurant servers have long been at the mercy of rude customers, but Gen Z is flipping the script. Many young people are making a point to be kinder to service workers, recognizing how exhausting and underappreciated those jobs can be.
This shows up in small but significant ways—tipping generously, making eye contact, saying “thank you” instead of looking at their phones while checking out, and standing up for workers when they see someone being mistreated. Their version of politeness is about respect, not entitlement.
6. They’re respecting people’s time with better texting habits.
While every generation has its quirks when it comes to texting, Gen Z is surprisingly mindful of how and when they message people. Instead of bombarding someone with multiple “hey?” texts, they’ll often check if it’s a good time to talk. And when it comes to group chats, they’re more likely to respect “do not disturb” settings and understand that not everyone can respond instantly.
This awareness extends to workplace communication, too. Many young professionals are ditching the expectation that emails need immediate responses, recognizing that people deserve uninterrupted personal time. Their take? Being respectful of someone’s schedule is a form of politeness that goes beyond just using the right words.
7. They’re bringing back soft-spoken confidence.
Loud, brash confidence has long been mistaken for leadership, but Gen Z is proving that politeness and confidence can go hand in hand. Many young people reject the idea that you have to be aggressive to be heard. Instead, they favor a more thoughtful, measured approach to self-expression—one that values listening as much as speaking.
This shift is especially noticeable in workplaces and online discussions. Rather than trying to “win” every debate, Gen Z is more likely to pause, consider different perspectives, and engage in conversations with patience. Assertiveness, in their world, doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room—it means knowing when to speak and when to listen.
8. They’re reviving respect for elders—but in a modern way.
Unlike previous generations, which often viewed respect as something automatically given to authority figures, Gen Z believes respect is earned. However, that doesn’t mean they disregard older generations. Many young people are actively engaging with grandparents and older relatives, listening to their stories, and valuing their wisdom.
This isn’t about blind obedience—it’s about building mutual respect. Gen Z is proving that politeness doesn’t mean submission; it means recognizing when someone has valuable experience to share while also standing firm in their own beliefs.
9. They’re making workplace culture more considerate.
Forget cutthroat office politics—Gen Z is prioritizing workplace environments where respect, work-life balance, and collaboration matter. They reject the outdated belief that suffering for your job is a badge of honor, instead advocating for better mental health policies, clear communication, and a culture of appreciation.
Their version of politeness in the workplace includes calling out toxic behaviors, pushing for fair treatment, and normalizing the idea that employees deserve to be respected, regardless of rank. It’s a shift that’s making work environments healthier and more humane.
10. They’re ditching public phone calls for quiet respect.
Gen Z has a surprising pet peeve: people talking loudly on their phones in public. Unlike older generations, who often take calls anywhere and everywhere, many young people prefer texting or stepping outside to take a call instead of subjecting an entire café or train car to their conversation.
This unspoken rule of phone etiquette shows that politeness isn’t just about direct interactions—it’s also about being aware of how your actions affect the people around you. In a world where noise pollution is constant, this trend is a refreshing return to considering others.
11. They’re bringing back kindness as a social norm.
Perhaps the most telling sign that politeness is making a comeback is Gen Z’s collective effort to normalize kindness. From spreading positivity online to performing small acts of generosity—like paying for a stranger’s coffee or leaving uplifting comments on a friend’s post—many young people are actively choosing to make kindness cool again.
Their approach is simple: being a decent human shouldn’t be the exception; it should be the expectation. And in a world that often feels divided, their insistence on everyday kindness might just be the politeness revolution we all need.