{"id":244551,"date":"2025-06-04T20:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T18:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herway.net\/?p=244551"},"modified":"2025-06-04T13:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T11:10:07","slug":"gen-z-and-millennial-trends-that-make-boomers-and-gen-x-roll-their-eyes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/gen-z-and-millennial-trends-that-make-boomers-and-gen-x-roll-their-eyes\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Gen Z and Millennial Trends That Make Boomers and Gen X Roll Their Eyes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2014armed with oat milk, apps, and a deep love of self-diagnosis<\/strong>\u2014let\u2019s just say the older generations didn\u2019t exactly stand up and cheer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, our TikTok-addicted, oat-milk-loving crew finds joy in things that make Boomers and Gen Xers sigh, groan, or ask, \u201cWhat in the world is happening?\u201d If you\u2019ve ever heard your dad mumble about avocado toast or your mom side-eye your bejeweled water bottle,<\/strong> you\u2019re not alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some trends are just too fun (or too bizarre) not to love,<\/strong> even if they get us a few eye rolls. Buckle up for a tour of 16 trends we absolutely adore\u2014and yes, we see those side-eyes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Air Fryers Like They\u2019re the Second Coming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Air
\n \u00a9 Livingetc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Raise your hand if you\u2019ve 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\u2019ve lost our minds\u2014and 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\u2019s not just about food; it\u2019s about convenience and the thrill of crispy edges without a vat of oil.

Air fryers have become a badge of modern adulthood,<\/a> and honestly, my oven barely remembers what it\u2019s for. Don\u2019t be surprised if you see one lovingly displayed next to basil plants and a rainbow mug collection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Using Therapy Speak in Everyday Conversation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Using
\n \u00a9 The New Yorker<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had to set a boundary\u201d has become the new \u201cI\u2019m busy.\u201d These days, our group chats sound like a cross between brunch and a counseling session. Boomers and Gen X look at us like we\u2019re auditioning for Dr. Phil when we dissect emotional triggers over iced coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My friend once called her breakup a \u201cgrowth opportunity\u201d\u2014and meant every word. We toss around words like \u201cgaslighting\u201d and \u201cemotional labor\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, it\u2019s liberating to label your feelings, even if it makes Thanksgiving dinner a little awkward. So yes, we\u2019ll keep normalizing boundaries, attachment styles, and healing\u2014even if older generations roll their eyes straight into next week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Talking to Our Pets Like They’re Human Roommates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Talking
\n \u00a9 Kinship<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Confession: My dog gets more pep talks than my best friend. Whether I\u2019m narrating my dinner choices or scolding him for stealing socks, I treat him like a tiny, furry roommate with absolutely no rent responsibilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever my dad visits and hears me say, \u201cSir, that\u2019s your third treat\u2014watch your cholesterol,\u201d he gives me a look that says,<\/a> \u2018You know he\u2019s a dog, right?\u2019 But honestly, chatting with pets is soul-soothing, even if it sounds a little wild to anyone over 45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s 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\u2019re late. It\u2019s extra, it\u2019s adorable, and it\u2019s here to stay\u2014whether Boomers approve or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Declaring Every Snack, Outfit, or Errand as a \u2018Core Memory\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Declaring
\n \u00a9 AOL.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever called a Target run or a new bubble tea flavor a \u2018core memory,\u2019 you\u2019re my people. Suddenly, the most ordinary moments become worthy of emotional highlight reels. Gen X and Boomers don\u2019t get it\u2014they\u2019re still trying to figure out why we need a photo for every snack.

Last week, my friend said grabbing oat milk was \u201clife-changing.\u201d Maybe dramatic, but the little things can mean a lot when you\u2019re 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\u2019t want a camera roll full of happy vibes? If watching someone photograph their breakfast makes your parents sigh, just remember: one person\u2019s chore is another\u2019s highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Pronouns in Bios<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Pronouns
\n \u00a9 The Independent<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scrolling through social media, you\u2019ll spot pronouns in bios everywhere\u2014from Insta to LinkedIn. For Millennials and Gen Z,<\/a> it\u2019s about respect and clarity. Boomers, though, often look puzzled and mutter, \u201cWas this really necessary?\u201d

I added my pronouns to my email signature last year and my aunt still thinks it\u2019s part of a secret code. For us, normalizing pronouns is just one more way of making the digital world a little kinder\u2014even if older generations can\u2019t quite wrap their heads around it.

Backing up the trend, schools and workplaces are catching on, too. It\u2019s not about standing out,<\/a> 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Romanticizing the Most Mundane Tasks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Romanticizing
\n \u00a9 Yahoo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lighting a candle before sorting laundry? That\u2019s the mood. Gen Z and Millennials<\/a> 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\u2019ll put on a playlist, light some incense, and call it \u2018laundry therapy.\u2019 Suddenly, I\u2019m not just doing chores\u2014I\u2019m 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\u2019re surrounded by stress, why not make the ordinary extraordinary? It\u2019s all about finding a little sparkle in the small stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. \u201cQuiet Quitting\u201d (AKA Doing Your Actual Job Description)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\u201cQuiet
\n \u00a9 Fortune<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I remember my first job where staying late was a badge of honor. Now? If you clock out on time, you\u2019re \u201cquiet quitting.\u201d Gen Z and Millennials have flipped the script\u2014working hard, but not letting a job consume their life. Boomers think it\u2019s laziness, but for us, it\u2019s 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\u2019s a difference between doing the job and letting it define you.

No more gold stars for burning out. We don\u2019t live to work, and honestly, we like it that way. Cue the dramatic sighs from every parent who once lived for overtime pizza parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Posting Everything As If We’re the Star of a Documentary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Posting
\n \u00a9 The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ever noticed how brushing your teeth or slicing cucumbers can become a cinematic event? Our feeds<\/a> 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 \u201cDay in My Life\u201d video that included seven outfit changes and my cat\u2019s 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\u2019re just busy making memories (and maybe a little content gold). It\u2019s harmless fun, even if it makes everyone else roll their eyes so hard they see their childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Turning Every Life Decision Into a Poll on Instagram<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Turning
\n \u00a9 Dash Social<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShould I get bangs?\u201d is no longer a bathroom mirror debate\u2014it\u2019s a group project. Gen Z and Millennials love crowdsourcing everything, from haircuts to what to eat for dinner. Boomers and Gen X can\u2019t 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, \u201cJust choose already!\u201d But honestly, decision fatigue is real. Why not let friends weigh in? It\u2019s fun, interactive, and honestly takes some pressure off.

We\u2019re building community in tiny, digital ways\u2014even if it looks a little silly. If older generations think it\u2019s weird, that\u2019s okay. We\u2019ll be over here debating if we should get curtain bangs, and yes, we want your vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Canceling Plans Because We\u2019re \u2018Low-Energy\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Canceling
\n \u00a9 The Wall Street Journal<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing more relatable than texting, \u201cSorry, can\u2019t tonight\u2014low energy.\u201d For some, this is self-care. For Boomers, it\u2019s a sign the world\u2019s gone soft. They grew up with \u201cjust push through,\u201d 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\u2019ll take the eyerolls any day. Besides, who doesn\u2019t love pajamas and a good excuse to stay in?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Y2K Fashion Making a Comeback (Again)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Y2K
\n \u00a9 FASHION Magazine<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Just when you thought tiny bags and butterfly clips were buried forever, Gen Z brings them back with a vengeance. Y2K fashion has returned\u2014low-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\u2019s not just about the clothes\u2014it\u2019s 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\u2019re probably having the time of their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Stan Culture, Fandom Wars, and Shipping People Who\u2019ve Never Met<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Stan
\n \u00a9 Refinery29<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t spent hours dissecting a celebrity\u2019s tweet with strangers online, are you even doing it right? Stan culture is intense\u2014shipping, fandom wars, and endless group chats about people who may never meet. Boomers can\u2019t 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\u2019s obsessive, sure, but it\u2019s also a way to belong, express passion, and find your people.

For some, it\u2019s over the top. For us, it\u2019s pure fun. We celebrate, we meme,<\/a> we argue\u2014sometimes all before breakfast. It\u2019s chaotic, but in the best way.

Fun fact: \u201cStan\u201d comes from an Eminem song about an obsessed fan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Obsessing Over Vibes Instead of Actual Outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Obsessing
\n \u00a9 Yahoo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Job interviews used to be about resumes\u2014now it\u2019s about the \u201cvibe.\u201d Gen Z and Millennials love to chase good energy and gut feelings, sometimes at the expense of practicality. Older generations are baffled that we\u2019d leave a stable gig just because \u201cthe vibe was off.\u201d

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\u2019s whimsical, or maybe it\u2019s just knowing your worth. Either way, older generations can keep their spreadsheets\u2014we\u2019ll keep chasing good vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Using Emojis with Deep Emotional Subtext<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Using
\n \u00a9 EL PA\u00cdS English<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Remember when \ud83d\ude02 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, \u201cWhy are you crying if you\u2019re happy?\u201d

Once, my friend texted me five skull emojis instead of \u2018LOL\u2019 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\u2014it might be love, sarcasm, or a little bit of both. Welcome to the emoji Olympics, where every face tells a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Digital Detoxing… Just to Repost About It Later<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Digital
\n \u00a9 Real Life Counselling<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We vanish from Instagram for a weekend, then dramatically announce our return with a filtered sunrise and #selfcare. The digital detox is sacred\u2014until 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 \u201clife-changing\u201d moment. It wasn\u2019t 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\u2019s just part of the fun. If you didn\u2019t post your digital detox, did it even happen?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Naming Every Phase of Our Lives Like a Netflix Series<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Naming
\n \u00a9 Teen Vogue<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My group chat once spent an entire afternoon deciding what to name our \u201chealing era.\u201d For Gen Z and Millennials, every phase has a title\u2014\u2018Hot Girl Summer,\u2019 \u2018Main Character Moment,\u2019 \u2018Soft Girl Autumn.\u2019 Boomers? They just call it \u201cTuesday.\u201d

Naming your phase makes life feel cinematic, a little more special. It\u2019s a way to reclaim control and celebrate the messy in-between. Plus, it\u2019s really fun to announce you\u2019re in your \u2018delusional self-worth\u2019 arc before making a big decision.

Sure, it sounds dramatic, but isn\u2019t that the point? Life is short\u2014might as well give it a season and a soundtrack. Somebody pass the popcorn.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2014armed with oat milk, apps, and a deep love of self-diagnosis\u2014let\u2019s just say the older generations didn\u2019t exactly stand up and cheer. These days, our TikTok-addicted, oat-milk-loving crew…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":244550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29814],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-244551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":29814,"label":"Stories"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/herway.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/16-Gen-Z-and-Millennial-Trends-That-Make-Boomers-and-Gen-X-Roll-Their-Eyes-1024x532.jpg",1024,532,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Leah Lee","author_link":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/author\/leah\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":29814,"name":"Stories","slug":"stories","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29814,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":29651,"count":242,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":29814,"category_count":242,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Stories","category_nicename":"stories","category_parent":29651}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244551","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244551"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244551\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":244652,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244551\/revisions\/244652"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244550"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244551"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244551"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/herway.net\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244551"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}