Gen Z didn’t just enter the chat—they rewrote the chat, redesigned the interface, and canceled the unnecessary group texts. With equal parts internet fluency and zero patience for outdated nonsense, they’ve taken a torch to certain cultural relics and left no avocado toast behind.
Some call it cancel culture. I call it spring cleaning—with eyeliner and memes. There’s something refreshing about a generation that isn’t afraid to say, “Um, why are we still doing this?” and actually do something about it.
Whether you’re clutching your pearls or taking notes, it’s impossible not to respect the energy. If you’ve ever wondered what Gen Z is over, trust me: the list is longer (and sassier) than you think. Pour a coffee, and let’s spill the tea—here are 19 things Gen Z has canceled, questioned, or just plain rejected.
1. Skinny Jeans
Pour one out for the jeggings—seriously, moment of silence for the days when circulation was just a suggestion. Gen Z looked at our vacuum-sealed denim and said, “Let your thighs breathe.” Now, the wide-leg era is here, and honestly, my legs have never felt so free.
Comfort is the new cool, and squeezing into jeans that threaten to cut off your blood supply is no longer a badge of honor. Watching this shift is like seeing everyone suddenly realize pajamas are a valid fashion choice—liberating and a little rebellious.
If you still have a drawer of skinny jeans, don’t worry. You’ll find them next to your collection of Blockbuster cards: nostalgic, maybe, but definitely not coming back. Welcome to the age of denim freedom—Gen Z style.
2. Side Parts
No shade to the dramatic swoop, but Gen Z has made their stance crystal clear: the middle part is the new cosmic alignment. There’s just something about that clean, straight line that feels modern, effortless, and maybe a little bit magical.
Remember the days of endlessly perfecting that side part, hoping it looked ‘accidentally’ cool? Now, one swipe down the center is all it takes to broadcast style credentials. It’s not about following the crowd—it’s about feeling in sync with the times.
If you’re still rocking a deep side part, don’t worry—your hair, your rules. But if you catch a Gen Z-er raising an eyebrow at your profile, just know it’s not personal. Middle parts just hit different these days.
3. Overly Curated Instagram Feeds
Perfectly staged brunches, pastel filters, and matching color palettes? Gen Z isn’t having it. Their Instagram feeds look more like digital diaries—blurry candids, spontaneous photo dumps, and a wild “take it or leave it” vibe.
It’s about showing the real, unfiltered moments. No more deleting a photo just because it doesn’t match the aesthetic. Every post tells a story—awkward, silly, fun, or honest.
Scrolling through their posts feels like flipping through a scrapbook you made with your best friends at 2 a.m.—a little chaotic, but completely authentic. The pressure to be perfect online is canceled. The new rule? Vibes over filters, always.
4. Gender Reveals
Cue the eye roll for confetti cannons and cake explosions—Gen Z is officially over gender reveals. No more burning forests or viral mishaps just to announce pink or blue.
Instead, they’re opting for low-key celebrations (or skipping them entirely) and letting kids grow into their own identities. There’s a refreshing honesty about admitting, “We’ll let the baby tell us, thanks.”
It’s not about ruining fun. It’s about realizing some traditions just don’t serve today’s world. If you’re still thinking about hosting a reveal with fireworks, Gen Z’s advice? Maybe just have cake for cake’s sake. Safer for the planet—and your guest list.
5. Toxic Hustle Culture
“Rise and grind” used to be the mantra. Gen Z looked at the piles of burnout and said, “Nope, I’ll rise at 10 and nap if I want.” They’re rewriting what success looks like, ditching endless hustle for actual balance.
Productivity no longer equals worth. There’s room for ambition, but not at the cost of happiness or health. It’s resulted in healthy boundaries at work, real weekends, and more people just… enjoying life.
The message? You don’t have to sacrifice rest for achievement. If you see someone proudly declining overtime in favor of self-care, thank Gen Z. They made it cool to rest unapologetically.
6. The Word ‘Girlboss’
Once, “girlboss” was the anthem—empowerment in a hashtag. But Gen Z heard it too many times and now, it’s cringe city. The vibe? Equality isn’t a meme, and empowerment shouldn’t need pink branding.
“Girlbossing too close to the sun” is now a joke on TikTok. The concept of hustling for validation just doesn’t land like it used to. Gen Z wants real opportunities, not cutesy labels.
If you see a mug with that word collecting dust, you’ll know why. The new catchphrase is about leveling the playing field—for everyone, not just for the sake of a trend.
7. Lip-Sync Influencers
Lip-syncing to viral sounds used to equal instant stardom. Now? Gen Z sees through the act and wants something more. It’s about originality: creating your own moments, sharing your true self, and making actual noise online.
If your only talent is mouthing words and winking, don’t expect standing ovations. Gen Z will scroll right by, looking for creators who bring something fresh to the table. Even the most viral trends can get old fast.
So, next time you see a lip-sync video, count how long until you hit “skip.” In a world full of echoes, Gen Z is craving real voices.
8. Reply-All Emails
The fastest way to lose Gen Z’s attention (and soul)? Blast them with a 17-person ‘reply-all’ about Friday snacks. It’s the digital equivalent of being trapped at a never-ending meeting.
Gen Z prefers quick chats, DMs, and collaboration tools that don’t notify everyone about every. single. update. Email chains are out—efficiency is in.
If you’re tempted to hit “reply all,” pause and ask yourself: Does everyone really need this? If not, you’ll find most Gen Z-ers already checked out, mentally planning their escape. Group chats, yes. Reply-all? Hard pass.
9. Plastic Everything
Remember when plastic straws and bags were everywhere? Gen Z is done with unnecessary waste. They’re carrying reusable water bottles, ditching fast fashion, and calling out brands that ignore sustainability.
The eco-conscious shift isn’t about perfection—it’s about calling time on a throwaway culture. Every purchase is a statement, and even a tiny change can add up. Reusable, recyclable, and upcycled is the new look.
Spot someone correcting a friend about plastic spoons? That’s Gen Z in action. If you’re still using plastic everything, trust—they’ve noticed. It’s all about protecting the planet, one reusable cup at a time.
10. Tanning Beds
Once upon a time, looking like a human Dorito was the summer goal. But Gen Z prefers their skin at its original setting—SPF on, glow from within. Tanning beds are no longer seen as glamorous, but as a health risk.
Nobody wants the drama of premature wrinkles or a dermatologist’s lecture. Sunscreen is suddenly cool, and even pale skin gets its moment. Being kind to your future self is now considered good self-care.
If you see someone proudly rocking their natural shade, they’re probably part of this shift. Crispy orange glow? Consider it canceled—and so are those old-school tanning salons.
11. Casual Discrimination and Bigotry —Disguised as ‘Jokes’
Gen Z isn’t giving anyone a free pass for “just kidding” jokes. The days of brushing off hurtful comments as harmless are long gone. Accountability is the name of the game.
There’s a real power in standing up—even when it’s awkward—and saying, “That’s not okay.” It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and actually heard. Being ‘chill’ about casual bigotry is canceled for good.
If you’ve ever seen a group chat go silent after a bad joke, you’ve witnessed this change. Gen Z keeps receipts and raises the bar. The new punchline? Respect, every time.
12. Low-Rise Jeans
They took one look at 2004 and said: “Absolutely not.” Low-rise jeans are the fashion ghost of cringe past—Gen Z’s motto? Your belly button deserves respect.
High-waisted everything reigns supreme. It’s not just about hiding muffin tops; it’s about comfort, confidence, and letting everyone breathe easy. The waistband wars have a clear winner, and it’s not Paris Hilton.
If you ever feel nostalgic for those hipbone-baring jeans, remember: not all comebacks are worth making. Gen Z saved us from another round—our midriffs are forever grateful.
13. Obsession with Celebrity Culture
Stanning and worshipping celebrities used to be Olympic sports. Now? Gen Z treats the famous like normal people—flaws, fails, and all (unless we’re talking Rihanna—she stays).
Parasocial awareness is trending, and idolizing strangers just isn’t it anymore. Instead, there’s more focus on real connections, healthy boundaries, and remembering that even the A-list trips over their own feet.
Fan accounts still exist, but the mood is different—more memes, less worship. If your group chat is roasting a celeb’s bizarre outfit, you’re not alone. The era of celebrity pedestals is officially over.
14. Traditional 9-to-5 Work Models
Remote, hybrid, freelance—Gen Z isn’t here to die at a desk. The days of clocking in and out just for the sake of it are fading. Flexibility, boundaries, and actual benefits are the new non-negotiables.
Work is a part of life, not life itself. People want the option to chase side passions, work from anywhere, and build careers that make sense for them. The cubicle graveyard? Officially haunted.
If you see someone working from their favorite coffee shop in pajamas, they’re not being lazy—they’re just living Gen Z’s dream. The future is flexible, and honestly, it looks pretty comfy.
15. Department Store Makeup Counters
Remember being guilt-tripped under fluorescent lights to buy a $48 foundation? Gen Z does—then happily shops online instead. No pushy salespeople, no awkward makeovers, and you can compare 37 reviews in your pajamas.
Beauty has gone digital. Swatch videos, influencer demos, and TikTok hacks are the new makeup test drives. If you want to know if a product is worth it, you’ll get the real tea online—no intimidating counters needed.
Next time you skip the mall and order from your couch, thank Gen Z’s beauty revolution. The only “counter” they want is a browser tab.
16. The “No Phones at the Table” Rule (Kind Of)
It’s not that Gen Z is being rude at dinner—they’re just as invested in the group chat as the actual conversation. Passing phones under the table to share TikToks is basically a love language.
The dinner table isn’t sacred; it’s just another Wi-Fi zone. Multitasking is in their DNA, and side-eyeing someone for texting is a little old-fashioned.
If you see a group quietly giggling while scrolling, don’t worry—they’re listening. They’re also memeing about the exact thing you just said. Socializing is now an on- and offline event.
17. Customer is Always Right
The “customer is always right” doctrine? Canceled. Gen Z will walk out mid-shift if you scream over a latte. Respect goes both ways, and service industry solidarity is trending.
Workers aren’t accepting rudeness as part of the job anymore. Boundaries are in, and Gen Z is demanding basic decency for everyone behind the counter.
If you’re about to raise your voice over oat milk, don’t be surprised if nobody apologizes. Gen Z is making sure everyone’s human—employee or customer—and that’s the real upgrade.
18. Diet Culture Disguised as Wellness
Detox teas, 1,200-calorie meal plans, and flat-tummy gummies? Gen Z is not buying it. They see through every marketing ploy disguised as “wellness” and are over shrinking for anyone’s approval.
Body-neutral and body-positive vibes are everywhere. The message is loud: eat for energy, move for joy, and never apologize for your body’s realness.
If you spot someone calling out a fad diet in a group chat, join in. Gen Z’s approach is about self-care, not self-denial. The only thing they’re starving is the toxic diet industry.
19. The Fear of Saying ‘No’
People-pleasing is out, and boundaries are having a moment. Gen Z will leave a group chat, skip an invite, or quit a job—without losing sleep over it. Saying no is a power move, not a tragedy.
It’s about protecting your energy, honoring your needs, and not apologizing for having a life. If you’re still struggling to let people down gently, watch a Gen Z-er in action—iconic.
If you’ve ever envied someone who can just say no and move on, now you know where they learned it. Boundaries: officially cool, thanks to Gen Z.