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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.