Younger generations are obsessed with these trends, but Boomers and Gen Xers are at their breaking point.
You’ve seen it, and you’ve probably rolled your eyes a dozen times already. From baffling TikTok challenges to lifestyle fads that seem totally out of left field, many of the trends Gen Z and Millennials embrace are hard for Boomers and Gen Xers to wrap their heads around. These habits often seem loud, performative, or disconnected from values that older generations grew up with—like privacy, face-to-face conversation, and good old-fashioned common sense.
If you’re a Boomer or Gen Xer, chances are you’ve found yourself muttering, “What are they thinking?” more than once. It’s not about being grumpy or unwilling to adapt—it’s just that some of these trends genuinely feel alien. Let’s walk through 13 of the most baffling habits that are driving older generations absolutely up the wall—and maybe even give a little insight into why.
1. They’re Obsessed with Filming Everything for Social Media
Why does every outing, snack, or casual errand now require a cinematic recap? Gen Z and Millennials are in constant “record” mode, turning even the most mundane moments into shareable content. Whether it’s a coffee run, a dog walk, or a grocery store haul, it all ends up on someone’s Instagram story or TikTok feed. For Boomers and Gen Xers, this endless broadcasting feels exhausting, and honestly, a bit invasive. It’s hard to enjoy a moment when someone’s phone is always capturing it.
What happened to experiencing something just for the sake of the experience? There’s a certain magic in memory that doesn’t need filters or captions. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that live only in your heart and not on your phone. Older generations miss the simplicity of being fully present, not constantly thinking about angles, hashtags, or likes, as stated by Dr. Margaretha Montagu in her article.
2. They Won’t Stop Talking About “Hustle Culture”
It’s as if working multiple jobs, launching side gigs, and sacrificing sleep have become badges of honor, as reported by Liz Richardson at BuzzFeed. Gen Z and Millennials often romanticize the grind, idolizing influencers who juggle five revenue streams and sleep four hours a night. But to Boomers and Gen Xers, it just sounds like a fast track to burnout. Working hard has value, but working yourself into the ground seems like a terrible strategy for a fulfilling life.
Where’s the balance? Older generations grew up believing in dedication, but also in clocking out, spending time with loved ones, and finding joy outside of work. This constant drive for productivity can feel soulless and unsustainable. Not everything has to become a business, and not every hobby needs a monetization plan. Sometimes it’s okay to just do things for fun.
3. They’re Bringing Back Fashion That Should Have Stayed in the Past
From high-waisted jeans that defy comfort to fanny packs and thick-soled sandals, the revival of ‘90s (and earlier) trends is perplexing to many Boomers and Gen Xers. It’s not just that these styles were once deemed cringe-worthy—it’s that many people were thrilled to leave them behind. Seeing them return with ironic flair or social media approval makes older generations shake their heads in disbelief, as per Dara Katz at PureWow.
Fashion is cyclical, sure, but it doesn’t mean every trend deserves a second chance. There’s something jarring about watching kids parade around in outfits that were once the punchlines of sitcom jokes. While it might be fun and expressive for the younger crowd, for their elders, it feels like living déjà vu—and not in a good way.
4. They Treat Their Pets Like They’re Actual Children
Loving your pet is one thing, but dressing them in designer clothes and throwing elaborate birthday parties is another. Millennials and Gen Z have taken pet parenting to heights previously reserved for actual kids. You’ve got pet strollers, matching outfits, doggie daycare with webcam access—it’s a full-blown lifestyle. For Boomers and Gen Xers, who often grew up with “outdoor pets” and a bag of kibble, it feels like a massive cultural shift.
There’s a sweetness to the care, sure—but it can also seem over-the-top and disconnected from practicality. The older mindset is often more grounded in function over form. While there’s no harm in loving your furry friend, not every animal needs a custom cake and a social media page. Sometimes, being a good pet owner just means belly rubs and plenty of walks.
5. They Overuse Slang That Makes No Sense
Have you tried deciphering a Gen Z sentence lately? Words like “slay,” “sus,” “no cap,” and “it’s giving” dominate conversations—and just when you think you’ve figured one out, it’s already outdated. Boomers and Gen Xers feel like they’re constantly playing catch-up with a language that changes every month. It’s not just confusing—it can feel downright alienating.
Communication used to be about clarity. These days, it’s about decoding layers of inside jokes and viral references. For older generations, plain English holds value—say what you mean and mean what you say. There’s a sense of nostalgia for simpler conversation, where you didn’t need a Gen Z-to-English dictionary to follow along.
6. They Think Relationships Are Just for Instagram
Every couple’s moment, from date nights to anniversaries, seems to require a curated photo shoot with matching outfits and clever captions. Millennials and Gen Z often feel compelled to showcase their love lives like marketing campaigns. But for Boomers and Gen Xers, love was something private, intimate, and not necessarily everyone else’s business.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing happiness—but the constant performative nature of modern relationships can feel hollow. Love isn’t about likes or aesthetic appeal; it’s about connection and trust behind closed doors. When your relationship is more focused on engagement (the social kind) than emotional intimacy, something feels off.
7. They’re Completely Addicted to Their Phones
Whether they’re eating dinner, walking the dog, or watching a movie, younger folks often have one eye on their screen. The phone isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of their body. For older generations who grew up with face-to-face conversations and analog distractions, the constant screen time feels both sad and isolating.
It’s hard to build genuine human connection when someone’s always half-present. Eye contact matters. Being bored used to lead to creativity, not just another scroll through TikTok. Boomers and Gen Xers miss the days when you could talk without competing with a glowing rectangle.
8. They Make Everything About “Self-Care”
Self-care has gone from bubble baths and journaling to a catch-all excuse for bailing on obligations. Younger generations use it to cancel plans, quit jobs, or justify dodging hard conversations. While Boomers and Gen Xers understand the importance of mental health, they also value resilience and commitment.
There’s a fine line between nurturing yourself and avoiding life’s responsibilities. Sometimes, growth happens through discomfort and showing up even when it’s tough. Older generations fear that this overuse of “self-care” language could lead to a culture of avoidance rather than healing.
9. They’re Obsessed with Cancel Culture
One tweet from a decade ago can ruin your career, reputation, or social standing. Gen Z and Millennials often hold public figures to impossible standards, with little room for nuance or growth. While accountability is important, Boomers and Gen Xers worry that the pendulum has swung too far toward permanent punishment.
People change. They grow. They learn. To older generations, it’s troubling to see forgiveness and redemption become rare. They come from a time when mistakes were lessons, not life sentences. The lack of grace in today’s call-outs leaves many feeling uneasy.
10. They’re Turning Basic Chores into Viral Trends
Apparently, folding laundry or cleaning your stove is now entertainment. With slick editing, lo-fi music, and voiceovers, young people have transformed basic chores into content gold. While it’s arguably creative, Boomers and Gen Xers can’t help but wonder—when did doing the dishes become a performance?
There’s a charm in finding joy in the mundane, but the constant need to record everything makes older folks feel like life has turned into one big audition. Not everything needs to be aesthetic or inspirational. Sometimes, chores are just chores—and that’s okay.
11. They’re Obsessed with Being “Influencers”
Once upon a time, kids aspired to be astronauts, doctors, or teachers. Now, a common dream job is to become a full-time influencer. Sharing daily routines, unboxing skincare products, and making affiliate links is seen as a viable career path. For Boomers and Gen Xers, this shift is baffling.
They value substance and legacy, not followers and likes. While influencing requires skill, it often appears superficial to older eyes. The idea that virality and brand deals trump education or experience just doesn’t compute. They long for ambition with depth, not just digital fame.
12. They Think Everyone Needs a “Trigger Warning”
From class syllabi to social media posts, trigger warnings now precede a wide range of topics. While it stems from a desire to protect mental health, older generations often feel like it borders on overprotection. Life can’t always be sanitized, and facing difficult truths is part of growing up.
Boomers and Gen Xers were raised on raw, unfiltered experiences. They worry that too many guardrails might inhibit emotional strength. While empathy is crucial, so is resilience. There’s a middle ground that respects both emotional safety and intellectual honesty.
13. They Celebrate Quitting Jobs Like It’s an Achievement
Younger generations have coined terms like “rage applying,” “quiet quitting,” and “bare minimum Mondays.” Quitting a job—or even just emotionally checking out—has become its own brand of empowerment. While advocating for fair treatment is valid, Boomers and Gen Xers see it differently.
To them, building a career involved perseverance, showing up, and finding pride in your work—even when it was hard. Leaving a toxic environment is one thing; glamorizing exit strategies feels like skipping over the grit that builds character. There’s value in pushing through, not just peacing out.