Millennials have habits that quietly drive Baby Boomers up the wall, without ever realizing it.

These are subtle actions, choices or behaviors that Millennials make which leave Boomers shaking their heads in silent frustration.

This article is about those 7 things Millennials do that unknowingly drive Boomers completely insane. 

Let’s get started.

1) Over-reliance on technology

There’s no denying that technology has taken over our lives, more so for the millennial generation.

Millennials were practically born with a smartphone in hand. They use it to do everything – from ordering food to navigating city streets, and even to socialize.

For Baby Boomers, however, this reliance on technology can be utterly maddening. Boomers grew up in a time where face-to-face interaction was the norm, not the exception. They remember the days of handwritten letters, and they believe in the value of in-person communication.

So when they see a millennial buried in their phone at a social gathering or struggling to navigate without Google Maps, it can drive them completely insane.

It’s not that they’re against technology – they just value a more balanced approach and appreciate when it’s used as a tool rather than a crutch.

The key here is understanding and respecting generational differences. After all, change is hard for everyone – and that includes Boomers trying to understand the millennial way of life.

2) Multitasking madness

I’ll never forget the time I was at a family gathering. I was chatting with my aunt, catching up on family gossip, while simultaneously scrolling through my work emails.

To me, a millennial, this was perfectly normal behavior. I’ve grown up in an age where multitasking is a survival skill.

But to my aunt – a classic baby boomer – this was the height of rudeness. She couldn’t understand why I couldn’t just put my phone away and focus on our conversation.

And she’s not alone. Many boomers find the millennial habit of constant multitasking incredibly frustrating. They see it as a sign of disrespect and lack of focus.

The issue here isn’t whether multitasking is good or bad, but the fact that it’s a generational difference that can cause friction.

3) Job hopping

Here’s a generational divide that really grates on Baby Boomers: the millennial tendency to job hop.

According to a Gallup report, 21% of millennials say they’ve changed jobs within the past year, which is more than three times the number of non-millennials who report the same.

Boomers, who were more likely to stick with a single company for many years or even their entire career, can find this constant search for something new baffling and frustrating. They see it as a lack of loyalty and commitment.

But for millennials, it’s about seeking opportunities for growth and development. The difference in perspective can create tension between the generations, especially in the workplace. Understanding these contrasting viewpoints can help bridge the gap and promote a more harmonious environment.

4) The “instant” lifestyle

For millennials, instant gratification is a way of life. They’ve grown up in an era where anything from a ride home to a hot meal is just a few taps away on their smartphone.

This “need it now” mentality can drive Boomers round the bend. They’re used to a world where things took time. Whether it was saving up for a special purchase or waiting for a letter to arrive, anticipation and patience were part of life.

Boomers often perceive this millennial demand for instant results as impatience or entitlement. On the other hand, millennials see it as maximizing efficiency and making the most of modern conveniences.

The trick here is finding a middle ground. It’s about appreciating the conveniences of the modern world without losing the virtue of patience.

5) Always connected, except when it matters

There was a time when I was going through a particularly rough patch in my life. I felt isolated, even though I was constantly connected to my friends through social media. I would post about my feelings, hoping for some sort of comfort or advice.

But the responses were mostly superficial – likes, emojis, or generic comments. It didn’t feel like anyone was really there for me in a meaningful way.

This is an experience many millennials can relate to. We’re so used to communicating through screens that sometimes we forget how to connect on a deeper level.

Boomers, who were raised in an era of close-knit communities and face-to-face conversations, find this lack of personal connection baffling and disheartening. They value deep, meaningful relationships and can find the millennial approach to communication superficial and unsatisfying.

The key to resolving this generational tension lies in finding a balance between digital communication and personal connection. It’s about using technology to enhance our relationships, not replace them.

6) Casual everything

From attire to communication, millennials embrace a more casual approach. They’re known for preferring jeans to suits and texts to phone calls. They’re even redefining professional norms, opting for co-working spaces and flexible hours.

To many boomers, this casualness can be seen as a lack of respect or professionalism. They grew up in a time when a strict hierarchy was adhered to in workplaces and formal attire was a norm.

This shift towards casualness isn’t necessarily bad – it can promote comfort and creativity. But it’s important to understand that what may seem like a breath of fresh air to one generation could appear as disregard for tradition to another.

Recognizing and respecting this difference is key to bridging the generational gap.

7) Environmental awareness

Millennials are known for their passion for environmental issues. They’re quick to point out the need for reusable shopping bags, electric cars, and plant-based diets. While this is commendable, it can sometimes come across as preachy to Baby Boomers.

Boomers were raised in a time when environmental concerns weren’t as prominent. Their lifestyle habits are deeply ingrained and they may not understand why millennials are so adamant about these changes.

The important thing to remember here is that it’s not just about changing habits, it’s about saving our planet. While the approach may differ between generations, the ultimate goal should be the same – a healthier, more sustainable world for all of us.