Every generation has its quirks. Boomers had shag carpeting and Jell-O salads. Gen X had mixtapes and existential cool. But when Gen Z and Millennials entered the chat—armed with oat milk, apps, and a deep love of self-diagnosis—let’s just say the older generations didn’t exactly stand up and cheer.
These days, our TikTok-addicted, oat-milk-loving crew finds joy in things that make Boomers and Gen Xers sigh, groan, or ask, “What in the world is happening?” If you’ve ever heard your dad mumble about avocado toast or your mom side-eye your bejeweled water bottle, you’re not alone.
Some trends are just too fun (or too bizarre) not to love, even if they get us a few eye rolls. Buckle up for a tour of 16 trends we absolutely adore—and yes, we see those side-eyes too.
1. Air Fryers Like They’re the Second Coming
Raise your hand if you’ve ever planned dinner around air fryer recipes you found on TikTok. That little countertop miracle has turned frozen nuggets and sad Brussels sprouts into crispy, snackable gold. Boomers, meanwhile, are staring at their trusty ovens with deep confusion, convinced we’ve lost our minds—and maybe our taste buds.
I once hosted a brunch where my air fryer got more compliments than my outfit. Literally, someone asked for its Instagram handle. It’s not just about food; it’s about convenience and the thrill of crispy edges without a vat of oil.
Air fryers have become a badge of modern adulthood, and honestly, my oven barely remembers what it’s for. Don’t be surprised if you see one lovingly displayed next to basil plants and a rainbow mug collection.
2. Using Therapy Speak in Everyday Conversation
“I had to set a boundary” has become the new “I’m busy.” These days, our group chats sound like a cross between brunch and a counseling session. Boomers and Gen X look at us like we’re auditioning for Dr. Phil when we dissect emotional triggers over iced coffee.
My friend once called her breakup a “growth opportunity”—and meant every word. We toss around words like “gaslighting” and “emotional labor” while our parents wonder when therapy became a hobby. For us, therapy speak gives real language to feelings we used to bottle up or brush off.
Honestly, it’s liberating to label your feelings, even if it makes Thanksgiving dinner a little awkward. So yes, we’ll keep normalizing boundaries, attachment styles, and healing—even if older generations roll their eyes straight into next week.
3. Talking to Our Pets Like They’re Human Roommates
Confession: My dog gets more pep talks than my best friend. Whether I’m narrating my dinner choices or scolding him for stealing socks, I treat him like a tiny, furry roommate with absolutely no rent responsibilities.
Whenever my dad visits and hears me say, “Sir, that’s your third treat—watch your cholesterol,” he gives me a look that says, ‘You know he’s a dog, right?’ But honestly, chatting with pets is soul-soothing, even if it sounds a little wild to anyone over 45.
There’s something about treating our pets like quirky family members that makes stressful days feel lighter. We celebrate their birthdays, document their moods, and yes, apologize to them when we’re late. It’s extra, it’s adorable, and it’s here to stay—whether Boomers approve or not.
4. Declaring Every Snack, Outfit, or Errand as a ‘Core Memory’
If you’ve ever called a Target run or a new bubble tea flavor a ‘core memory,’ you’re my people. Suddenly, the most ordinary moments become worthy of emotional highlight reels. Gen X and Boomers don’t get it—they’re still trying to figure out why we need a photo for every snack.
Last week, my friend said grabbing oat milk was “life-changing.” Maybe dramatic, but the little things can mean a lot when you’re juggling work, side hustles, and social drama. Micro-memories help us slow down and celebrate tiny joys in a world that moves too fast.
Sure, it sounds silly, but making the mundane magical keeps life fun. Plus, who doesn’t want a camera roll full of happy vibes? If watching someone photograph their breakfast makes your parents sigh, just remember: one person’s chore is another’s highlight.
5. Pronouns in Bios
Scrolling through social media, you’ll spot pronouns in bios everywhere—from Insta to LinkedIn. For Millennials and Gen Z, it’s about respect and clarity. Boomers, though, often look puzzled and mutter, “Was this really necessary?”
I added my pronouns to my email signature last year and my aunt still thinks it’s part of a secret code. For us, normalizing pronouns is just one more way of making the digital world a little kinder—even if older generations can’t quite wrap their heads around it.
Backing up the trend, schools and workplaces are catching on, too. It’s not about standing out, but about helping everyone feel seen, safe, and understood in spaces that used to overlook a lot of people. A little clarity never hurt anyone, right?
6. Romanticizing the Most Mundane Tasks
Lighting a candle before sorting laundry? That’s the mood. Gen Z and Millennials have a talent for making the everyday feel like self-care. Boomers, on the other hand, seem baffled that folding socks can look like a Pinterest board.
It might be silly, but turning chores into rituals makes them less dreadful and a lot more fun. I’ll put on a playlist, light some incense, and call it ‘laundry therapy.’ Suddenly, I’m not just doing chores—I’m living a vibe.
I once FaceTimed my roommate just to show off my cereal-pouring aesthetic. She got it. My mom? Not so much. But when you’re surrounded by stress, why not make the ordinary extraordinary? It’s all about finding a little sparkle in the small stuff.
7. “Quiet Quitting” (AKA Doing Your Actual Job Description)
I remember my first job where staying late was a badge of honor. Now? If you clock out on time, you’re “quiet quitting.” Gen Z and Millennials have flipped the script—working hard, but not letting a job consume their life. Boomers think it’s laziness, but for us, it’s about balance.
I stopped answering emails at midnight and suddenly had more energy for, you know, living. The older crowd calls it slacking; my friends call it survival. There’s a difference between doing the job and letting it define you.
No more gold stars for burning out. We don’t live to work, and honestly, we like it that way. Cue the dramatic sighs from every parent who once lived for overtime pizza parties.
8. Posting Everything As If We’re the Star of a Documentary
Ever noticed how brushing your teeth or slicing cucumbers can become a cinematic event? Our feeds are filled with morning routines, outfit changes, and poetic voiceovers. Boomers and Gen X, meanwhile, are just trying to keep up with all the oversharing.
I once filmed a “Day in My Life” video that included seven outfit changes and my cat’s lunch. It felt silly, but honestly? It was really fun. These mini documentaries let us connect, laugh, and find community in the most random details.
Older generations worry about privacy, but we’re just busy making memories (and maybe a little content gold). It’s harmless fun, even if it makes everyone else roll their eyes so hard they see their childhood.
9. Turning Every Life Decision Into a Poll on Instagram
“Should I get bangs?” is no longer a bathroom mirror debate—it’s a group project. Gen Z and Millennials love crowdsourcing everything, from haircuts to what to eat for dinner. Boomers and Gen X can’t believe we need a whole panel to pick a nail color.
I put up a poll for my next vacation spot and my uncle texted, “Just choose already!” But honestly, decision fatigue is real. Why not let friends weigh in? It’s fun, interactive, and honestly takes some pressure off.
We’re building community in tiny, digital ways—even if it looks a little silly. If older generations think it’s weird, that’s okay. We’ll be over here debating if we should get curtain bangs, and yes, we want your vote.
10. Canceling Plans Because We’re ‘Low-Energy’
There’s nothing more relatable than texting, “Sorry, can’t tonight—low energy.” For some, this is self-care. For Boomers, it’s a sign the world’s gone soft. They grew up with “just push through,” but we grew up learning to listen to our bodies.
My mom once called to check on me after I canceled dinner, convinced I had the plague. Nope, just needed to recharge. Setting boundaries with our time and energy helps keep burnout at bay.
Sometimes, rest is the best plan. And if it means one less forced hangout and a little more peace, I’ll take the eyerolls any day. Besides, who doesn’t love pajamas and a good excuse to stay in?
11. Y2K Fashion Making a Comeback (Again)
Just when you thought tiny bags and butterfly clips were buried forever, Gen Z brings them back with a vengeance. Y2K fashion has returned—low-rise jeans, chunky highlights, and all. Gen X is horrified, remembering their own fashion regrets, while Boomers just shake their heads.
I wore platform sandals to brunch and my mom did a double-take. Nostalgia is powerful, even if it means questionable taste. For us, it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about playful self-expression and a hint of rebellion.
Fashion cycles come back with a twist. We borrow from the past, remix it, and make it our own. If you ever see someone unironically wearing a bedazzled trucker hat, just know: they’re probably having the time of their life.
12. Stan Culture, Fandom Wars, and Shipping People Who’ve Never Met
If you haven’t spent hours dissecting a celebrity’s tweet with strangers online, are you even doing it right? Stan culture is intense—shipping, fandom wars, and endless group chats about people who may never meet. Boomers can’t wrap their heads around why so many people care if two pop stars might date.
I once joined a Twitter thread that lasted five hours just to debate if my favorite singer blinked at a certain lyric. It’s obsessive, sure, but it’s also a way to belong, express passion, and find your people.
For some, it’s over the top. For us, it’s pure fun. We celebrate, we meme, we argue—sometimes all before breakfast. It’s chaotic, but in the best way.
Fun fact: “Stan” comes from an Eminem song about an obsessed fan!
13. Obsessing Over Vibes Instead of Actual Outcomes
Job interviews used to be about resumes—now it’s about the “vibe.” Gen Z and Millennials love to chase good energy and gut feelings, sometimes at the expense of practicality. Older generations are baffled that we’d leave a stable gig just because “the vibe was off.”
I once turned down a job offer because the office felt too quiet and the coffee smelled weird. Some call it flaky; I call it trusting my instincts. We want our spaces, relationships, and even our playlists to feel right.
Outcomes matter, but how you feel matters more. Maybe it’s whimsical, or maybe it’s just knowing your worth. Either way, older generations can keep their spreadsheets—we’ll keep chasing good vibes.
14. Using Emojis with Deep Emotional Subtext
Remember when 😂 just meant laughter? Now, emojis have layers. Millennials and Gen Z use them with subtle irony or emotional nuance. Boomers look at a string of emojis and ask, “Why are you crying if you’re happy?”
Once, my friend texted me five skull emojis instead of ‘LOL’ and I had to Google what it meant. The meanings shift fast, and what was friendly last year could be shady this year. For us, emojis are like a secret language that says more than words can.
The next time someone sends a side-eye emoji, read between the lines—it might be love, sarcasm, or a little bit of both. Welcome to the emoji Olympics, where every face tells a story.
15. Digital Detoxing… Just to Repost About It Later
We vanish from Instagram for a weekend, then dramatically announce our return with a filtered sunrise and #selfcare. The digital detox is sacred—until it becomes content. Boomers and Gen X wonder why unplugging has to be a public event at all.
Last month, I deleted my apps for 48 hours and came back ready to recap every “life-changing” moment. It wasn’t lost on me that I spent the first hour back editing photos of rocks and sunsets. But hey, balance, right?
Taking breaks from screens is healthy. Turning it into a production? That’s just part of the fun. If you didn’t post your digital detox, did it even happen?
16. Naming Every Phase of Our Lives Like a Netflix Series
My group chat once spent an entire afternoon deciding what to name our “healing era.” For Gen Z and Millennials, every phase has a title—‘Hot Girl Summer,’ ‘Main Character Moment,’ ‘Soft Girl Autumn.’ Boomers? They just call it “Tuesday.”
Naming your phase makes life feel cinematic, a little more special. It’s a way to reclaim control and celebrate the messy in-between. Plus, it’s really fun to announce you’re in your ‘delusional self-worth’ arc before making a big decision.
Sure, it sounds dramatic, but isn’t that the point? Life is short—might as well give it a season and a soundtrack. Somebody pass the popcorn.