When a Gen Zer tweets, boomers scratch their heads. When they flip open a TikTok video, boomers are left in the lurch.

Welcome to the world of generational disparities.

The truth is, the gap between Gen Z and baby boomers isn’t just about age. It’s about habits, trends, and tech that feel like second nature to the younger generation but might as well be alien to their predecessors.

I’ve noticed eight specific Gen Z habits that seem to leave boomers utterly baffled. Let’s dive in and demystify some of the quirks of this tech-savvy, trend-setting generation.

1) Communicating via memes and emojis

Language is a funny thing.

It evolves, adapts, and changes with each generation. And for Gen Z, the lexicon has taken a digital turn.

Memes and emojis are no longer just fun additions to a conversation. They’ve practically become a language in themselves, conveying humor, sarcasm, and a multitude of emotions that words sometimes fail to capture.

And it’s not just limited to a few smiley faces or popular internet jokes. It’s a whole new world of nuanced communication that boomers tend to struggle with.

Why say it with words when you can say it with a perfectly timed meme or an expressive emoji, right?

Sure, it might seem confusing or even trivial to some boomers. But for Gen Z, it’s just another day in the digital neighborhood.

2) Constant connection to the digital world

Let me share a personal story.

I remember a time when I was watching a movie with my niece, who’s part of Gen Z. Midway through the film, I noticed her simultaneously scrolling through her phone. “Aren’t you watching the movie?” I asked, clearly puzzled.

She responded, “Of course, I am! I’m just also checking my messages, posting on Instagram, and reading up on Twitter trends.”

This multitasking in the digital world is second nature to Gen Z. They’re always connected, always online, always engaged with their peers and the world through their screens. To them, it’s like breathing.

But for boomers who grew up in a more disconnected era, this constant screen time can be baffling. Why not focus on one thing at a time? But for Gen Z, being online is just being alive in their world.

3) Prioritizing experiences over possessions

Once upon a time, the American Dream was about owning a house, a car, and having a steady job. Material wealth was the mark of success.

But Gen Z is rewriting that narrative.

This generation is more interested in collecting experiences rather than possessions.

They’d rather travel, attend concerts or festivals, try new cuisines, or indulge in any number of life-enriching experiences than invest in material possessions.

This shift in mindset can leave boomers scratching their heads. But for Gen Z, it’s all about living in the moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

4) Living life through a filter

The advent of social media has drastically changed how we share our lives with the world. And no one does this quite like Gen Z.

They’re the kings and queens of Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, where every meal, every outing, and every random thought can be shared with friends and followers.

This universal broadcasting of everyday life can be quite perplexing for boomers.

In their day, life was much more private. Personal moments were shared with a few close friends or family members, not broadcasted to the world.

But for Gen Z, sharing their lives online is just another way to stay connected with their peers. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, this is me. This is my life. Join the ride!”

5) The ‘side hustle’ culture

When I was growing up, having a job, any job, was considered enough. You worked your hours, got your paycheck, and that was it.

But enter Gen Z, and things have taken a shift.

This generation isn’t just content with one job. They want side hustles. They want passion projects. They want to monetize their hobbies and turn their interests into income.

I’ve seen it firsthand with my younger cousins. They’re not just studying or working.

They’re also selling handmade jewelry online, starting YouTube channels about their favorite books, or using their graphic design skills to earn extra cash.

For boomers, this hustle culture can be hard to grasp. Why not just stick to one thing? But for Gen Z, it’s about exploring all avenues of interest and making the most of their talents and passions.

6) Preferring online shopping over brick-and-mortar stores

You’d think that a generation so focused on experiences would prefer the tactile, sensory experience of shopping in physical stores. But interestingly, that’s not the case.

Gen Z is leading the charge in the shift towards online shopping. Whether it’s clothes, electronics, groceries, or even furniture, they’re choosing to shop from the comfort of their own homes (or rather, from behind their screens).

This might seem strange to boomers who are used to browsing through aisles and trying things on before making a purchase.

But for Gen Z, it’s about convenience, variety, and the thrill of finding online exclusive deals or products. Brick-and-mortar? That’s so last generation.

7) The trend of ‘cancel culture’

In the digital age, accountability has taken on a new form: cancel culture.

Gen Z is quick to call out individuals or brands who exhibit offensive behavior, or those whose actions contradict their publicly stated values. They’re not afraid to ‘cancel’ these entities, often leading to boycotts or public backlash.

While boomers might view this as a harsh form of online justice, for Gen Z it’s about holding people and institutions accountable.

It’s a demonstration of their strong sense of social justice and their belief in the power of collective action.

In the end, it’s not just about ‘cancelling’. It’s about sparking change.

8) Embracing fluidity in identity

Perhaps the most defining trait of Gen Z is their approach to identity. They’re breaking away from traditional labels and binaries, embracing a more fluid understanding of gender, sexuality, and self-expression.

They’re not just male or female, straight or gay. They’re anything and everything they choose to be. They’re redefining norms, pushing boundaries, and creating a more inclusive world.

For boomers, this can be hard to comprehend. But for Gen Z, it’s not about causing confusion. It’s about authenticity and freedom to be oneself without any societal constraints. And isn’t that what we should all strive for?

Understanding across generations

If you’ve made it to the end of this piece, I hope you’ve gained a new understanding, not just of Gen Z habits, but of the generational gap that often divides us.

Understanding Gen Z’s habits isn’t about labeling them as peculiar or alien. It’s about appreciating the unique lens through which they view the world.

It’s about recognizing the shifts in societal norms and trends that they’re spearheading.

Boomers might not always understand the ‘why’ behind these habits, and that’s okay. The aim isn’t to fully grasp or adopt these practices, but to respect and appreciate the diversity they bring to our shared human experience.

After all, every generation has its quirks and idiosyncrasies. These are just a few that make Gen Z who they are.

So the next time you see a Gen Zer glued to their screens or speaking in memes, remember – it’s their way of navigating and interpreting the world. And who knows? There might be something we can learn from them too.